By: Hammad Ishaq | AI/ML Engineer & Data Scientist
Last verified on: October 12, 2025

Overview

What is Türkiye Bursları?
Türkiye Bursları (also called Türkiye Scholarships or Turkish Government Scholarships) is an international scholarship program funded by the Government of Turkey, coordinated primarily by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant Turkish institutions. (ytb.gov.tr)

The program aims to attract talented students from around the world, foster educational exchange, and strengthen Türkiye’s cultural, social, and academic ties globally. (ytb.gov.tr)

Türkiye Scholarships offers both full-time degree programs (undergraduate, master’s, PhD) and short-term/research/merit modules. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

Benefits / Funding

The scholarship is comprehensive, covering many costs so that awardees can focus on studies. According to the official site:

• Full tuition waiver for the duration of the degree program. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• Monthly stipend / living allowance:

  • Undergraduate level: 3,500 TL per month (ytb.gov.tr)

  • Master’s: 5,000 TL per month (ytb.gov.tr)

  • PhD: 6,500 TL per month (ytb.gov.tr)

  • Research Scholarship (short-term research): 12,000 TL per month (ytb.gov.tr)

• Accommodation / dormitory (or housing support) is included. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• Health insurance during the study period. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• One-time round-trip flight ticket (arrival and departure) for the student. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• Turkish language course (1 year) for students who need it before starting the degree program. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• University placement / department placement is handled by the program (i.e. you do not always apply to universities separately) in many cases. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

What is not always covered (or may depend on the host university) includes:

• Costs of textbooks or course materials (not explicitly confirmed in all cases)

• Extra travel within Türkiye

• Living costs beyond what stipend covers

• For married students, spousal support is not clearly stated in official sources

• Some universities may demand additional fees (lab, registration) depending on policies

As of last verification, the official guidance does not guarantee coverage for textbook costs and spousal or family residence support (unless otherwise stated for specific cases).

Eligibility

Here are the eligibility criteria based on official Türkiye Scholarships documentation and guidelines:

Citizenship / Residency

• Open to nationals of all countries except Turkish citizens or those who have lost Turkish citizenship. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• Applicants must not currently be enrolled in a Turkish university at the same level they apply for (i.e., cannot apply for another degree in Turkey where you already study). (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

Academic Level & Age Limits

• Undergraduate / Associate level: Under 21 years old; minimum academic achievement: 70 % (or equivalent) (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• Master’s: Under 30 years old; minimum 75 %. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• PhD: Under 35 years old; minimum 75 %. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• For Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy), the minimum academic threshold is 90 %. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

Other Requirements / Ineligibilities

• Applicants must be graduates or due to graduate by the end of the current academic year (i.e., before August) if applying. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• For short-term / research scholarships, age limit is higher (e.g., under 50) for researchers/academics. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• There may be field restrictions: for example, the “Full-Time Scholarship Programs” page states that Türkiye Scholarships does not award scholarships in the field of health sciences (for certain programs). (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• Some programs (e.g. Arts Scholarships) have their own departmental lists. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

Because the 2026–27 cycle is not yet fully detailed on the official site, some of the exact nuances (e.g. exceptions, field restrictions) may differ; where not clearly stated, I note that explicitly.

Timeline & Deadlines

From official and semi-official sources, the annual schedule is fairly consistent year to year. For 2025 it is:

• Application period (general / full-time programs): January 10 to February 20 (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• Evaluation / preliminary review: March – April (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• Interview period: April – June (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• Results announced: Early August (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• Enrollment / arrival in Türkiye / initial procedures: August–September (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

For the 2026–27 cycle, multiple semi-official sources (e.g. StudyWithDSCS) suggest that the application window is expected January 10, 2026 to February 20, 2026. (studywithdscs.com)

Until the official 2026 calendar is published, applicants should watch the official Türkiye Scholarships calendar page. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Here is a step-by-step guide based on official sources and the Türkiye Scholarships “Application in 5 Steps” document: (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

1. Visit the Türkiye Scholarships portal (TBBS)

   • Go to the official Türkiye Scholarships website (TurkiyeBurslari). (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

   • Use the application (“Apply Steps” / “Apply / Login”) section. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

2. Register / Create an account

   • Provide basic personal identifiers (name, email, etc.).

   • Confirm your account via email if required.

3. Fill out the online application form

   • Enter your personal details, academic history, exam results, etc.

   • Select up to 12 preferences of university / programs in Türkiye (as per the system) (scholarshiproar.com)

   • Indicate language preference, research interest (if applicable).

4. Upload required documents (see next section)

   • Documents like transcripts, diploma, passport, language tests, recommendation letters, etc.

   • For PhD applicants: upload research proposal and sample writing. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

5. Submit the application

   • Review carefully before final submission.

   • Applications sent via post, courier, or in person are not accepted. (scholarshiproar.com)

   • No application fee is charged. (scholarshiproar.com)

6. Evaluation by expert panels

   • Your application will be assessed for criteria compliance and strength. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

7. Interview (if shortlisted)

   • May be conducted in person or online, depending on your location. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

8. Results, placement & admission

   • Final results will be published in the portal / via email.

   • If you are accepted, you'll receive instructions for university placement, visa, arrival, etc. (through “Initial Procedures”) (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

9. Arrival and registration in Turkey

   • After acceptance, follow the steps for visa, travel, registration, Turkish language course (if applicable), and orientation.

   • The Freshers Guide PDF (e.g. for 2024–25) gives further procedural details. (storagetbbsweb.blob.core.windows.net)

Required Documents Checklist

Applicants should prepare the following before starting the online application (as per Türkiye Scholarships official “Required Documents” page): (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• Valid identity document (national ID) or passport

• Recent photograph (taken within the last year)

• Diploma or temporary graduation certificate

• Academic transcripts (all years)

• National exam results (if applicable) or equivalent international qualifications

• Language proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, DELF, etc.) if required by the chosen university/program

• International exam results (GRE, GMAT, SAT, etc.) if the program demands them

• Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• For PhD: Research proposal + sample of written work

• Recommendation letters (usually 2)

• Any additional documents required by chosen program/university

• Proof of English or Turkish language skills if needed

Applicants should ensure scanned copies are legible, in permitted file types, and within size limits.

If an official document is not specified by Türkiye Scholarships guidelines (e.g. criminal record certificate, health certificate), then as of last verification, the official page does not specify it.

Selection Criteria & What Reviewers Look For

The evaluation process typically involves the following key components (from Türkiye Scholarships process documents): (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

1. Eligibility checks (age, nationality, academic thresholds)

2. Academic record & GPA / grades

3. Quality of statement of purpose

4. Strength and alignment of research proposal (for graduate / PhD levels)

5. Recommendation letters

6. Language skills and whether you meet or exceed requirements

7. Interview performance

8. Overall profile & fit (field alignment, extracurriculars, volunteer work, leadership, social impact)

Reviewers often favor candidates who demonstrate clarity of goals, knowledge of Türkiye / Turkish academic environment, contributions to their community, and a strong academic trajectory.

Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Start early: Prepare documents, translate or notarize them ahead of time.

• Tailor your Statement of Purpose: Be specific about why Türkiye, why your field, and your post-graduation plans.

• Strong research proposal (for PhD): Show novelty, feasibility, and alignment with Turkey’s academic strengths.

• Select university/program preferences wisely: Check that your academic background matches the offered programmes in the system.

• Obtain solid recommendation letters from academics who know your work in depth.

• Language preparation: Even if not all programs require IELTS/TOEFL, having a recognized score strengthens your profile.

• Practice interview skills: Be ready to discuss your background, motivations, and plans clearly.

• Highlight extracurricular / leadership / volunteer work: It helps differentiate you.

• Proofread your application carefully: Typos or errors may negatively affect perception.

• Check document requirements for your specific program/university, as additional criteria may apply (e.g. portfolios in art programs).

Official Links & Apply Now

Here are the official resources for Türkiye Bursları:

• Türkiye Scholarships main page: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• Türkiye Scholarships “Application in 5 Steps” page: Türkiye Scholarships – Apply Steps (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• Türkiye Scholarships Full-Time Scholarship Programs page (with program types): (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

• Freshers Guide PDF with procedural details: Türkiye Scholarship Freshers Guide (PDF) (storagetbbsweb.blob.core.windows.net)

• Türkiye Scholarships Application Calendar: (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

Apply now via the Türkiye Scholarships application portal (TBBS):
Access via the official site → “Apply / Login” section (on Türkiye Scholarships main page)
– Raw URL: https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/ (navigate to the application portal) (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

FAQ

Q1. Can I apply while already studying in Türkiye?
No. If you are currently enrolled in a Turkish university at the same level you intend to apply for, you are not eligible. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

Q2. Is IELTS / TOEFL mandatory?
Not always. The official site states that language tests (TOEFL, DELF, etc.) are required if the program or university demands them. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr) Some candidates have applied successfully without them, especially for Turkish‐taught programs.

Q3. Can I receive another scholarship concurrently?
Türkiye Scholarships rules do not explicitly forbid holding another award, but you should check whether the other award or your home country regulations allow dual funding. Also, receiving two full stipends may be impractical.

Q4. Do I need to apply directly to Turkish universities separately?
No. In most cases, Türkiye Scholarships includes university placement. You will choose up to 12 preferences in the application system, and if selected, the program places you accordingly. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

Q5. What if I miss the 2026 deadline?
You would need to wait for the next cycle. Keep checking the official calendar page for updates. (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)

Call to Action

If you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare your documents and apply early. Access the official Türkiye Scholarships portal now and submit your application when the 2026–27 period opens:
Apply via Türkiye Scholarship Portal | (https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/)

Disclaimer: Always double-check dates, thresholds, and details on the official Türkiye Scholarships website, as rules and numbers may change from one cycle to another.