What are the Türkiye Scholarships?

A fully funded scholarship program of the Turkish Government for international students at undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels, run by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities.

Non-Turkish citizens who meet age, grade and other requirements for their level. Rules are set each year in the guidelines.

Do I need to know Turkish?

Most scholars attend a one-year Turkish language course first, unless their program is taught in English and exempts them. Check the current rules.

Typically tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, health insurance, a return ticket and language course, but details are set each year.

How are applicants chosen?

Through an online application, evaluation of documents and grades, and interviews for shortlisted candidates.

Türkiye Scholarships Explained: Levels, Benefits and Applying

The Türkiye Scholarships, known in Turkish as Türkiye Bursları, are among the most generous government-funded programs for international students, because they combine tuition support with accommodation, a monthly stipend and a language year. They attract many thousands of applicants each year from all over the world. For students from developing countries, in particular, they are a serious option to consider.

Application dates, eligibility, quotas and benefits are set by the program each year, so read the official guidelines. This guide is a general overview without figures. It does not predict any result and is general information, not advice.

What the program is

The scholarship is funded by the Turkish Government and administered by a national agency responsible for relations with Turkish communities abroad and international students. It offers places at Turkish universities at several levels, with the aim of building ties, promoting education and developing a network of alumni around the world.

Levels and fields

Applicants can usually choose from:

Undergraduate programs, for students who have completed high school.
Master's programs, for those with a bachelor's degree.
Doctoral programs, for those with a master's degree.
Research scholarships and short-term programs, in some years.
Medical and other fields, which may have special requirements.

Fields available are broad, but they may be limited by quotas, and some programs are taught in English while others are in Turkish. Check the available options when you apply.

What the awards generally cover

Benefits commonly include:

Full tuition coverage.
Accommodation, in a student dormitory or through an allowance.
A monthly stipend, with amounts varying by level.
Health insurance.
A round-trip airfare or a one-time travel allowance.
A Turkish language course, usually for one year.

Details are set in the annual guidelines, so check what is included and what is not. Families and dependants are generally not covered.

Basic eligibility

Typical criteria include:

Citizenship: not a Turkish citizen. Special rules apply to people with dual citizenship.
Age limits, which vary by level.
Education level and grades: a minimum grade average or ranking, with different thresholds for each level.
Not having studied in Turkey at the same level through certain routes.
Health: good health to study.
Commitment: willingness to follow program rules.

Grade requirements are strict, so check your results against the thresholds. Details such as converting your grades to the program's scale matter.

How the application works

The process usually follows these steps.

Read the official guidelines and check that you meet the criteria.
Create an account on the official online application system.
Complete the application, including personal details, education, preferences and uploaded documents.
Choose your programs and universities from the list. You can usually select several.
Submit before the deadline, which is often in the first months of the year.
Be evaluated: the system reviews your grades and documents.
Attend an interview, if shortlisted.
Receive results, and, if successful, instructions for registration and travel.

The process is online and free. Do not pay anyone for applications.

Choosing programs

Because you can list several choices, think strategically.

Choose programs that match your academic background and goals.
Check the language of instruction.
Mix more competitive and less competitive choices.
Consider location and living conditions.
Read the descriptions of the programs and universities.
Check any special requirements, such as exams or portfolios.

A thoughtful list shows that you have researched your options.

Preparing documents

Typical documents include:

Identification.
Transcripts and diploma, often with translations.
Language test results, where relevant.
A photograph.
Reference or recommendation letters, if required.
A motivation letter, in some cases.
A portfolio, for certain fields.

Prepare them early, with clear scans in the required format.

Preparing for the interview

If you are shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview, online or in person. Prepare to:

Explain why you want to study in Türkiye and in your chosen field.
Describe your background and goals.
Discuss your academic achievements.
Show that you have researched the country and the program.
Explain your plans after graduation.
Stay calm, honest and polite.

Practice answers aloud with someone you trust. Our guide to scholarship interview tips explains how to prepare stories and handle nerves.

Turkish language year

Most scholars begin with a year of Turkish at a language center, then start their degree programs. This is an opportunity to adapt to the country and make friends. Some scholars with strong English and English-taught programs may be exempt, depending on the rules. If you can begin learning Turkish before you arrive, it will help.

Life as a scholar

Scholars are expected to follow the rules of the scholarship, including academic performance and conduct. Failing to meet standards can lead to loss of funding. Many participate in cultural activities and alumni events. Ask about support services, such as counseling and orientation.

A worked scenario

Imagine a student who completed secondary school with strong grades and wants to study engineering. She reads the guidelines and confirms that she meets the age and grade thresholds, then creates an account and prepares her documents. She lists several programs, mixing highly competitive options with others where her grades are well above the cutoff. She submits early, and when invited for an interview, she prepares a short explanation of why she chose engineering and why Türkiye. She also begins learning basic Turkish.

Her approach was thoughtful and organized, and it gave her more than one route to success.

Questions to ask yourself

Do I meet the age and grade requirements for my level?
Which programs fit my interests, and what are their language requirements?
Are my documents complete and clearly scanned?
Can I explain my choices and goals in an interview?
Am I ready to spend a year learning Turkish?

Brief, honest answers help you prepare.

Keeping records

Save your application number, login details, uploaded documents and confirmation emails. Keep a copy of the guidelines for your year, and record the dates for each stage. If you are shortlisted, you will want to review your application before the interview.

Life in Türkiye

When you arrive, you will usually be placed in a city for your language year, in student accommodation with other scholars. Expect orientation sessions, language classes and cultural activities. Learn the basics of local transport, food and customs, and use the scholarship office as a source of help. Many scholars say that friendships made in the language year last for their whole stay. Keep up your grades, since academic progress is a condition of continued funding.

Alternatives and backups

Apply to other scholarships as well, including university awards, other governments' programs and funds from your home country. If you are not selected, check whether you can apply again, and use the time to improve your grades, language skills and documents. A broad plan keeps your options open.

Planning your finances

Even with a full scholarship, set aside a small amount for expenses before the first payment, for items such as a phone plan, winter clothing and travel within the country. Ask the scholarship office what to expect in your first weeks, and keep records of all payments so that you can resolve any problem quickly.

Where to get help

The official program website and its information channels, Turkish embassies and alumni groups can answer questions about the process. Be careful with social media rumors, and confirm every detail in the official guidelines before you act.

Common mistakes

Missing the deadline.
Not meeting grade or age requirements.
Uploading unclear documents.
Choosing programs without checking requirements.
Paying agents or fake websites.
Not preparing for the interview.
Ignoring language requirements.

A quick checklist

Do I meet the criteria for my level?
Have I read the current guidelines and noted the deadline?
Are my documents ready and correctly scanned?
Have I made a thoughtful list of programs?
Have I prepared for an interview?

Final thoughts

The Türkiye Scholarships offer strong support for international students, but competition is intense. Read the guidelines closely, prepare your documents and choose your programs carefully. Use only the official system, and prepare well for the interview. Take one step at a time, keep your records tidy and keep your long-term goals in view as you prepare.