Are you searching for a fully funded scholarship to study in Turkey with all expenses covered?
The Turkish Government Scholarship, also known as Turkiye Burslari, offers international students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in world-class Turkish universities for free. This comprehensive scholarship includes tuition, accommodation, airfare, and a monthly stipend.
What is the Turkish Government Scholarship?
The Turkish Government Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded program run by the Republic of Turkey. Designed for international students, it allows them to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or PhD degrees in top Turkish institutions.
Key features include:
- Covers full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Free accommodation in state dormitories
- Round-trip airfare
- Health insurance provided
- One-year free Turkish language course
- Opportunities to participate in cultural and academic programs
- Access to Turkey’s public health services
- Placement in top-tier Turkish universities
- Open to over 100 countries worldwide
- Highly competitive and merit-based
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
The scholarship is open to students worldwide, but strict eligibility criteria apply. Understanding the requirements is crucial before starting the application.
To apply, you must:
- Be under 21 for undergraduate programs
- Be under 30 for master’s programs
- Be under 35 for doctoral programs
- Have a minimum academic performance (70% for undergraduate, 75% for graduate, 90% for health sciences)
- Not be a Turkish citizen
- Not be currently enrolled in Turkish universities
- Meet program-specific criteria
- Possess a valid passport or national ID
- Be in good health
- Commit to returning to your home country after graduation
- Submit all documents in English or Turkish
Available Fields of Study
Turkey offers a wide range of academic disciplines through its government scholarship program. Students can pursue almost any major depending on their level of study.
Popular fields include:
- Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)
- International Relations
- Political Science and Public Administration
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Architecture and Design
- Business Administration and Economics
- Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
- Law and Human Rights
- Islamic Studies and Theology
- Arts and Humanities
Application Process Explained
Applying for the Turkish Government Scholarship is a multi-step process conducted online. Timely and accurate submission of documents is essential.
Steps include:
- Visit the official Turkiye Burslari portal
- Create an applicant account
- Fill in your personal and academic information
- Choose up to 12 university programs
- Upload necessary documents (transcripts, diplomas, language tests, reference letters)
- Write a motivation letter
- Submit before the deadline (usually February)
- Wait for shortlisting and interview notification
- Attend online interview (if selected)
- Await final selection and placement announcement
Required Documents for Application
A strong application requires complete and accurate documentation. Incomplete files are disqualified automatically.
Documents needed:
- Valid passport or national ID
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Academic transcripts (official and scanned)
- Diploma or graduation certificate
- National or international exam scores (if applicable)
- Language proficiency certificates (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
- Recommendation letters (2 preferred)
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Motivation letter
- Resume or CV (optional but beneficial)
Benefits of the Turkish Government Scholarship
This scholarship is more than just financial support. It offers students a full academic, social, and cultural experience in Turkey.
Main advantages include:
- No application or tuition fees
- Full coverage of living expenses
- Academic mentorship and support
- Exposure to Turkish culture and heritage
- International networking opportunities
- A recognized degree from reputable universities
- Language learning through Turkish courses
- On-campus housing guaranteed
- Access to student communities and clubs
- Support for academic research and publications
Timeline and Important Dates
The application cycle runs annually, with strict deadlines. Keeping track of dates ensures you don’t miss any important milestones.
General timeline:
| Phase | Date Range |
|---|---|
| Application Open | January 10 |
| Application Deadline | February 20 |
| Document Evaluation | March – April |
| Interviews | May – June |
| Final Selection Results | July – August |
| Arrival and Registration | September |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the scholarship available for all countries?
Yes, students from over 100 countries are eligible to apply.
Q: Can I choose any university in Turkey?
You can select up to 12 programs, but placements depend on your qualifications and availability.
Q: Is knowledge of Turkish required?
No. All recipients receive a one-year Turkish language course before beginning their academic studies.
Q: Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
Only if your chosen program requires English proficiency. Otherwise, it’s optional.
Q: Is it possible to work while studying?
Yes, but it’s regulated and limited. Academic performance must remain high.
Q: How competitive is the scholarship?
Highly competitive, with thousands of applicants each year. Strong academics and a compelling motivation letter are key.
Q: Can I apply if I already live in Turkey?
No. The scholarship is only for students who are not currently enrolled in Turkish institutions.
Q: Are family members included in the scholarship?
No, the scholarship covers only the student. Family support is the student’s responsibility.
Q: Can I reapply if rejected once?
Yes, there are no restrictions on reapplying in the following years.
Q: Is accommodation near the university?
Yes, accommodation is provided in state dormitories near or on campus.
Conclusion
The Turkish Government Scholarship opens doors to excellent education, cultural enrichment, and global networking. It’s a gateway to academic and personal growth in a vibrant international setting.
Hello, I am the student Mustafa Majid Latif from Iraq, I am 25 years old, I am looking for a free scholarship to complete my master’s studies in the Department of English Language and Literature or English Language Teaching Methods in Istanbul, because I am a fan of Turkey and I know how to speak Turkish a little because I love Turkey and dream of visiting it and studying there. Is there a full or partial computer scholarship for science? I have IELTS. I also have a bachelor’s degree in the English Language Department from the University of Anbar, College of Education for Human Sciences!! Please reply and thank you