Dreaming of studying abroad on a fully-funded scholarship but finding the usual options too competitive or complicated? If EU or UK scholarships seem out of reach, there's a remarkable, yet often overlooked, opportunity waiting for you. Welcome to Türkiye Bursları, the Turkish Government's flagship international scholarship program. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this comprehensive award, from its generous benefits to the step-by-step application process. We are here to help you unlock this incredible chance for a world-class education in a country that bridges continents and cultures.
What is Türkiye Bursları (Turkey Scholarships)?
Türkiye Bursları, branded internationally as Turkey Scholarships, is a publicly-funded higher education scholarship program run by the Republic of Turkey. It is coordinated by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB). While its roots go back to 1992, the program was re-launched under its current name in 2012 and has since grown into one of the world's most comprehensive scholarship initiatives.
The program's primary goal is twofold: to provide equal opportunities for successful students worldwide to access international-standard education and to foster mutual cooperation between Turkey and other countries. It aims to build bridges across academics, arts, economy, literature, technology, and architecture, contributing to both regional and global development.
The scale of the program is impressive. From around 42,000 applications in 2012, it grew to receive 121,830 applications from 170 countries in 2024. Each year, approximately 5,000 new students are awarded this scholarship, joining a vibrant community of about 15,000 continuing bursary students studying across Turkey.
Program Snapshot:
- Founded: 1992, rebranded in 2012.
- Managed by: Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB).
- Annual Intake: Roughly 5,000 new scholars.
- Current Scholars: About 15,000 students actively studying.
Why Choose Türkiye Bursları? The Comprehensive Benefits
What truly sets Türkiye Bursları apart from many other international scholarships is its all-encompassing support system. It is designed to cover virtually every need a student might have, allowing them to focus entirely on their studies and cultural experience.
Financial and Living Support
The scholarship provides direct financial support to cover living expenses. It's important to check the official Türkiye Scholarships website for the most current figures, as stipends are updated. Historically, monthly support has been structured by level of study. Accommodation is provided for students arriving in Turkey, typically in dormitaries or arranged housing, removing the stress of finding a place to live in a new country.
Academic and Logistical Coverage
A major advantage is the full coverage of university tuition fees for the entire duration of your program. The scholarship also includes a one-year Turkish language course for all recipients who are not already proficient at the C1 level, regardless of whether their degree program is in English or another language. This course is a golden opportunity to integrate into Turkish life and access a wider range of academic resources.
For your travel, the program provides a one-time round-trip flight ticket from your home country to Turkey. Your health is also covered with comprehensive health insurance, ensuring you can access medical services when needed.
Unique Placement Service
Unlike most scholarship programs where you must secure university admission separately, Türkiye Bursları includes a university and department placement service. This means the program itself places successful candidates into suitable universities and programs based on their preferences, academic profile, and available space. This integrated approach simplifies the entire process significantly.
Key Benefit Summary: Türkiye Bursları covers tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, Turkish language course, round-trip flights, and health insurance – essentially everything you need to study and live in Turkey.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To be considered for Türkiye Bursları, applicants must meet several key criteria related to nationality, academic achievement, and age.
Nationality and Status
- The scholarship is open to citizens of all countries except Turkey.
- You cannot be already registered at a Turkish university at the level for which you are applying (e.g., you can't apply for a Master's scholarship if you are already in a Master's program in Turkey).
- Applicants should be graduates or those who will graduate by the end of the current academic year.
Academic Achievement
You must meet the following minimum academic scores:
- For Bachelor’s applicants: Minimum 70% academic success.
- For Master’s and PhD applicants: Minimum 75% academic success.
- For Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy) applicants: Minimum 90% academic success.
Age Limits
There are strict age limits for each level of study:
- Bachelor’s Programs: Must be under 21 years old.
- Master’s Programs: Must be under 30 years old.
- PhD Programs: Must be under 35 years old.
- Research Scholarships: Must be under 50 years old.
Check Regional Availability: Be aware that undergraduate scholarships under Türkiye Bursları are often regionally defined, focusing on developing countries and regions with historical ties to Turkey. They may not be available for applicants from most Western European, North American, or Australian countries at the bachelor's level.
The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application for Türkiye Bursları is conducted entirely online and is free of charge. The application window is the same each year, typically running from January 10 to February 20.
Step 1: Research and Prepare
Before you even open the application portal, your work begins. Thoroughly research the available universities and programs offered through the scholarship. Consider your academic interests, career goals, and the specific strengths of Turkish institutions. Gather all your core documents during this time.
Step 2: Create an Account on TBBS
All applications are submitted through the Türkiye Bursları Başvuru Sistemi (TBBS), the official online application system. You will need to create an account, which is a quick and free process. The system works best on modern browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill in all required personal, academic, and background information accurately. You will also select your preferred university programs here. The application process itself is designed to take about 30-60 minutes to complete.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
This is a critical step. You must upload clear, scanned copies of all mandatory documents. The required documents generally include:
- A valid passport or national ID.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- National exam results (if applicable in your country).
- Your diploma or temporary graduation certificate.
- Official academic transcripts from all previous studies.
- International exam scores (like GRE, GMAT, SAT) if required by your chosen program.
- International language proficiency scores (like TOEFL, IELTS) if required by your chosen program.
- For PhD applicants only: A research proposal and a sample of your written work.
Step 5: Write and Submit Supporting Essays
Craft a compelling letter of intent or personal statement. This is your chance to tell your story, explain your academic passions, and articulate why you are a perfect candidate for both the scholarship and studying in Turkey. Some programs or levels may require additional essays.
Step 6: Final Review and Submission
Before hitting submit, double-check every section of your application for accuracy and completeness. Ensure all documents are clearly readable and properly uploaded. Once satisfied, submit your application before the February 20 deadline.
Mastering Your Application: Insider Tips for Success
With thousands of applicants vying for a limited number of spots, a strong application is essential. Here’s how you can stand out.
Craft a Stellar Personal Statement
Your personal statement is not just a formality; it's a powerful tool. Go beyond listing achievements. Tell a cohesive story about your journey, your intellectual curiosity, and your future aspirations. Clearly explain why you have chosen Turkey and how this specific scholarship will help you achieve your goals. Be genuine and let your unique voice shine through.
Emphasize Holistic Excellence
While academic grades are crucial, the selection committees look for well-rounded individuals. Do not just list your GPA. Highlight relevant coursework, academic awards, and any publications or conferences. Equally important is showcasing your leadership experience and extracurricular activities. Involvement in clubs, sports, community service, or volunteer projects demonstrates character, time-management skills, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Secure Powerful Letters of Recommendation
Choose your recommenders wisely. Select teachers, professors, or employers who know you well and can speak in detail about your abilities, work ethic, and potential. Provide them with ample information about the scholarship and your goals so they can write a targeted and supportive letter.
Prepare for the Interview
If shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview, usually conducted online by a committee of academics and experts. The interview typically lasts 15-30 minutes and covers:
- Your application motivation and goals.
- Your academic knowledge and career plans.
- General questions about your profile.
- Be prepared to ask a thoughtful question or two at the end.
Language Requirement Note: Even if your chosen degree program is taught in English, if you do not have a C1 level Turkish proficiency certificate, you must complete the one-year Turkish preparatory course successfully before starting your main studies. Plan for this extra year in your academic timeline.
The Selection and Evaluation Process
Understanding how your application is judged can help you prepare more effectively. The selection is a multi-stage, rigorous process designed to identify the most promising candidates.
- Initial Screening (Pre-Evaluation): All applications are first checked for basic eligibility. This includes verifying age limits, minimum academic scores, citizenship, and the completeness of required documents. Applications that do not meet these fundamental criteria are filtered out at this stage.
- Expert Evaluation: Eligible applications move to a committee of subject matter experts. They conduct a comprehensive review based on multiple criteria: the candidate's full academic history, the consistency of their program preferences with their background, the quality of the letter of intent, participation in social activities, and overall career goals. From this deep dive, a shortlist for interviews is created.
- The Interview: As described above, this is a critical face-to-face (or screen-to-screen) assessment. Committees in over 100 countries evaluate the shortlisted candidates. Your performance here significantly influences the final decision.
- Final Selection: The interview results are compiled and assessed by a final selection committee. They create the definitive list of candidates who will be offered the Türkiye Bursları scholarship.
Life as a Türkiye Bursları Scholar
Winning the scholarship is the beginning of an incredible journey. Beyond the classroom, the program is designed to offer a rich cultural and social experience. Scholars are encouraged to participate in various academic, cultural, and professional events throughout their stay. This includes seminars, city tours, cultural trips, and networking events with fellow international students and Turkish peers.
Furthermore, as a graduate, you become part of the global Turkey Alumni Network. This network, which Turkish authorities aim to expand worldwide, provides lifelong professional connections and continued engagement with Turkey.
Conclusion: Is Türkiye Bursları Right for You?
Türkiye Bursları represents a phenomenal opportunity for students seeking a fully-funded, high-quality education in a dynamic and historically rich country. Its combination of comprehensive financial coverage, university placement service, and cultural immersion support makes it uniquely attractive, especially when compared to the often more fragmented and hyper-competitive scholarship processes in Europe and North America.
If you are a high-achieving student with a global mindset, meet the eligibility criteria, and are drawn to the idea of studying at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, this scholarship could be your perfect gateway. Start your research early, prepare your application meticulously, and take the first step toward an academic adventure in Turkey.
For other outstanding fully-funded opportunities, explore our guides on underrated European countries offering full scholarships in 2026 and a comprehensive list of 60+ fully funded scholarships for 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, that's one of the key benefits. The Türkiye Bursları application includes a university and department placement service. You list your preferences in the application, and the scholarship program handles your placement if you are awarded the scholarship.
Yes, applying for Türkiye Bursları is completely free of charge. You should never pay anyone to submit an application for you.
Absolutely. Many programs are offered in English. More importantly, the scholarship includes a mandatory one-year Turkish language course for all recipients who are not already proficient at a C1 level. This prepares you for daily life and can enrich your studies.
While dates are confirmed annually, the application period is consistently open from January 10 to February 20 each year for the following academic year. Mark your calendar for January 10, 2026.
It is highly competitive. With over 120,000 applications for approximately 5,000 awards, the selection rate is around 4%. This underscores the importance of submitting a strong, complete, and compelling application.
The scholarship's primary condition is that you focus on your studies. Permission for work is generally not granted under the standard scholarship terms. The monthly stipend is designed to cover your reasonable living expenses.
Scholars are generally expected to return to their home country within one year of completing their studies to contribute their skills and knowledge. You also become a member of the global Turkey Alumni Network.
Yes, in addition to degree programs, Türkiye Bursları offers a Research Scholarship Program for academics and researchers, which has a higher age limit (under 50) and a correspondingly higher monthly stipend.