Türkiye Scholarships is the official government-funded scholarship program for international students who want to study in Türkiye with financial support and university placement.
The full-time program can cover tuition, accommodation, health insurance, a monthly stipend, a Turkish language course, and one-time flight support, while eligibility and available programs depend on your education level, academic record, nationality, age, and chosen field.
What Is the Turkish Government Scholarship in Turkey?
The Turkish Government Scholarship in Turkey is officially known as Türkiye Scholarships.
It is administered by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) and is designed for international students seeking higher education opportunities in Türkiye.
Unlike many university-specific scholarships, Türkiye Scholarships can include university and department placement as part of the scholarship process.
Candidates select available programs through the official application system, and placement is made from the options offered to them.
The main full-time scholarship is available at several academic levels:
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- PhD
Türkiye Scholarships also operates separate short-term and special programs, including research, success, merit, art, and joint scholarship programs.
Each program has its own eligibility rules and application process.
Important: A scholarship being described as fully funded does not mean every personal expense is automatically covered. Students should still understand what the official scholarship package includes and plan for expenses outside that package.
For the main application, use the official Türkiye Scholarships website and the Türkiye Scholarships Application System (TBBS).
The official system states that applications are free of charge.
What Does Türkiye Scholarships Cover?
The full-time scholarship package is one of the most important reasons international students consider this program.
Officially listed benefits include financial support as well as several practical services connected to studying in Türkiye.
The main benefits include:
- University and department placement
- Tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation
- Health insurance
- Turkish language education
- One-time flight support at the beginning and end of study
- Access to student, academic, and cultural activities
The current monthly stipend listed by the official program is 6,500 TL for associate and bachelor’s students, 9,500 TL for master’s students, and 13,000 TL for PhD students.
These amounts are subject to official program updates, so applicants should verify the amount on the official scholarship website when applying.
Accommodation also differs by study level.
Undergraduate scholarship recipients can stay in covered dormitory accommodation for the duration of their studies, while master’s and PhD students receive dormitory support initially and may receive housing support under the conditions stated by the program.
The scholarship also covers general health insurance for international students, helping them access covered health services in accordance with the applicable system.
The Turkish language component is particularly important.
Scholarship recipients who do not already hold the required C1 Turkish proficiency certificate must attend the Turkish language course, including students placed in programs taught in English or another language.
Who Can Apply for the Turkish Government Scholarship?
Türkiye Scholarships is open to citizens of many countries around the world, but applicants must meet the program’s academic, age, and status requirements.
The exact conditions vary according to the level and scholarship type.
For the general full-time program, the official criteria currently include:
- Citizens of countries other than Türkiye
- Graduates or students who will graduate before the scholarship’s required enrollment period
- Applicants who satisfy the academic achievement requirements
- Applicants who satisfy the relevant age requirement
- Applicants who are not already enrolled in a Turkish university at the same level of study for which they are applying
Applicants generally cannot apply if they are Turkish citizens or individuals who have lost Turkish citizenship.
Academic and Age Requirements
The minimum academic achievement requirements currently published by Türkiye Scholarships are:
| Study level | Minimum academic achievement | Age requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Associate & Bachelor’s | 70% | Under 21 |
| Master’s | 75% | Under 30 |
| PhD | 75% | Under 35 |
| Research Scholarship | Separate criteria | Under 50 |
For Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, the published minimum academic achievement requirement is 90%.
The higher threshold applies to candidates in these health-science fields under the stated scholarship criteria.
A strong academic record is important, but meeting the minimum does not mean that an applicant will automatically receive the scholarship.
Türkiye Scholarships uses a competitive evaluation process that also considers qualifications, motivation, academic interests, career goals, and social activities.
Which Degrees and Subjects Are Available?
The Turkish Government Scholarship in Turkey covers a broad selection of academic fields, but available programs depend on the scholarship level, applicant background, and the programs displayed in the official application system.
At undergraduate level, available fields can include areas such as:
- Engineering
- Basic sciences
- Health sciences
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Business and economics
- Architecture and related disciplines
Graduate programs are offered across several major areas, including:
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Natural sciences
- Engineering
- Selected interdisciplinary fields
One important distinction is that Türkiye Scholarships currently states that its graduate scholarship program does not award scholarships in health sciences.
Undergraduate health-science programs, however, are included in the undergraduate scholarship offering, subject to the relevant requirements.
The safest way to identify eligible universities and departments is to use the official program search before completing the application.
The system only allows candidates to select programs made available to them based on their profile and eligibility.
For example, a student interested in engineering should not simply choose a famous Turkish university and assume that every engineering department is available through the scholarship.
The correct approach is to search the scholarship system and use the programs that actually appear for that applicant.
What Documents Are Required?
Türkiye Scholarships applications are submitted online through TBBS, and candidates must upload supporting documents during the process.
Some requirements depend on the degree level or chosen university.
Applicants should prepare:
- Valid passport, identity document, or official ID
- Recent passport-style photograph
- Diploma or temporary graduation certificate
- Academic transcript
- National examination results, when applicable
- SAT, GRE, GMAT, or another required examination result when applicable
- International language certificate when required by the chosen program
- Research proposal for applicable PhD applicants
- Written research sample where required for PhD applications
Not every applicant will need every document.
For example, standardized examination results are required when the selected university or program asks for them, while PhD applicants have additional research-related requirements.
Before starting the online form, it is useful to prepare the documents in a clear folder and check that names, dates of birth, grades, and graduation information are consistent across the files.
A practical preparation checklist is:
- Scan documents clearly
- Use readable file names
- Check every page before uploading
- Prepare translations when officially required
- Confirm that the passport and academic information match
- Check program-specific test requirements
- Keep copies of everything submitted
How to Apply for Türkiye Scholarships
Applications are made online through the official Türkiye Scholarships Application System.
Registration is free, and applicants create an account before starting the scholarship application.
The application process can be approached in these practical steps:
- Create an account on TBBS
- Complete your personal information
- Enter your education history
- Upload the required documents
- Search and select available scholarship programs
- Complete your preferences carefully
- Review the full application
- Submit the application through the system
- Monitor official notifications and application status
The official system emphasizes that the accuracy of the submitted information is important.
Candidates should review the final application summary carefully before completing the submission.
How to Choose Your University Preferences
University selection is an important part of the application because Türkiye Scholarships includes university and department placement.
The official scholarship site states that candidates can make up to 12 choices through the online application system.
A useful preference strategy is:
- Start with programs that closely match your academic background
- Check the exact language of instruction
- Confirm any admission-test requirement
- Compare the curriculum rather than focusing only on university names
- Include realistic alternatives within your field
- Avoid choosing a department simply because it is popular
- Make sure each selected program matches your career goals
- Review the final order before submitting
For example, an applicant with a bachelor’s degree in economics applying for a master’s scholarship should prioritize compatible economics, finance, business, or related programs that appear in the system rather than adding unrelated subjects simply to fill all available choices.
Practical tip: Your university preferences should tell a coherent academic story. A consistent combination of background, motivation, program choice, and career direction can make the application easier for evaluators to understand.
How Are Applicants Evaluated?
Türkiye Scholarships is a competitive scholarship, and meeting the minimum requirements is only the first stage.
The official evaluation process considers academic success, social activities, and motivation related to the selected field.
The evaluation includes several stages:
- Preliminary assessment of eligibility
- Review of academic qualifications
- Assessment of academic interests
- Review of career goals
- Assessment of program-choice consistency
- Review of the motivation or letter of intent
- Consideration of social activities
- Interview stage for shortlisted candidates
For undergraduate applicants, the official process may also include a quantitative test covering mathematics, geometry, and logic before the interview.
The scholarship authority provides information about the test and its relationship to the interview process.
This means that a successful application should not rely on grades alone.
Your academic record should be supported by a clear explanation of why you chose your field, what you intend to achieve, and how your previous experiences connect to your proposed study.
How to Prepare a Strong Scholarship Application
A strong application should be specific rather than exaggerated.
The scholarship committee needs to understand the applicant’s academic direction, motivation, and future plans from the information provided.
Focus on practical evidence such as:
- Relevant academic achievements
- Projects connected to the chosen field
- Internships or practical experience
- Research experience
- Competitions or academic activities
- Volunteering
- Leadership experience
- Professional goals
- Community involvement
- A clear reason for choosing the program
For example, an applicant for computer engineering could explain how a programming project developed a specific interest in artificial intelligence, then connect that experience with the master’s program they selected.
An applicant for public policy could explain how academic research, community work, and previous study created an interest in a specific policy area and why graduate study in Türkiye fits that plan.
Avoid generic statements such as “I want to study abroad because Türkiye is a beautiful country.” A more useful application explains the academic reason behind the choice and connects it to evidence from the applicant’s own background.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many scholarship applications become weaker because of preventable problems rather than a lack of qualifications.
Careful review can eliminate many of these issues.
Avoid:
- Copying generic motivation letters
- Choosing unrelated academic programs
- Uploading unclear documents
- Entering incorrect grades
- Ignoring program-specific admission requirements
- Assuming every program is taught in English
- Assuming IELTS is required for every applicant
- Submitting incomplete information
- Waiting until the application deadline to prepare documents
- Paying an unofficial person to “guarantee” a scholarship
The official application itself is free of charge.
Applicants should use the official Türkiye Scholarships website and TBBS rather than relying on websites claiming to be the scholarship’s official application platform.
Language requirements also need careful attention.
Türkiye Scholarships explains that some university programs are taught in English or other languages, but applicants may need an internationally recognized language certificate when the selected institution or program officially requires one.
Therefore, there is no single language rule that applies identically to every program.
What Happens After You Receive the Scholarship?
Receiving a scholarship offer is not the final administrative step.
Scholarship recipients must complete the procedures required by Türkiye Scholarships, their university, and the relevant authorities.
After receiving an award, students should:
- Read the scholarship offer carefully
- Complete the required commitment procedures
- Follow placement instructions
- Check university enrollment requirements
- Prepare the required travel documents
- Follow accommodation instructions
- Complete the required residence procedures
- Monitor official TBBS messages
- Attend required Turkish language education
- Keep copies of scholarship documents
The scholarship package includes university placement, so students should carefully follow the placement information provided by the program rather than making assumptions based only on their original preferences.
Students who do not have the required C1 Turkish certificate must complete the Turkish language education component under the scholarship rules, even when their academic program is taught in English or another language.
When Should You Check the Application Calendar?
The official Türkiye Scholarships calendar should be checked before every application cycle because different scholarship programs can have different application windows.
The general full-time scholarship follows its own application period, while programs such as Research and Success Scholarships have separate schedules.
The best habit is to:
- Check the official calendar
- Check the official announcements
- Review the program criteria
- Confirm that your academic level is eligible
- Prepare documents before applications open
- Submit only through the official system
Official sources:
- Türkiye Scholarships – Official Website
- Türkiye Scholarships Application System – TBBS
- Criteria and Scholarship Programs
- Full-Time Scholarship Programs and Benefits
- Application in Five Steps
- Evaluation and Selection Process
- Application Calendar
Türkiye Scholarships can provide a comprehensive route to higher education in Türkiye by combining financial support, accommodation, health insurance, language education, and university placement.
The most important part of the process is not simply meeting the minimum eligibility criteria, but building a consistent application in which your academic background, chosen field, preferences, documents, and future goals clearly support one another.
Checking the official criteria and application system before submission is essential because requirements and available programs can vary by applicant and study level.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Turkish Government Scholarship in Turkey
What is the Turkish Government Scholarship in Turkey?
The Turkish Government Scholarship in Turkey is the commonly used name for Türkiye Scholarships, a government-funded scholarship program for international students.
The program offers full-time scholarships at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels, along with separate scholarship options for specific purposes such as research and academic merit.
Is Türkiye Scholarships fully funded?
The main full-time scholarship is officially described as fully funded and covers major study-related costs such as tuition, accommodation, health insurance, a monthly stipend, Turkish language education, and one-time flight support.
However, applicants should distinguish covered scholarship benefits from personal expenses that may fall outside the official package.
Can international students from Arab countries apply?
Türkiye Scholarships accepts applications from citizens of countries around the world, subject to the eligibility rules of the selected scholarship program.
Nationality-specific conditions can apply to certain joint or special programs, so applicants should always check the official criteria shown for their application.
Is IELTS required for the Turkish Government Scholarship?
IELTS is not a universal requirement for every Türkiye Scholarships applicant.
Language certificates may be required by the specific university or academic program, and applicants must check the language of instruction and the admission requirements shown in the official application system.
Can I study Medicine through Türkiye Scholarships?
Medicine is available within the undergraduate scholarship offering, but Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy candidates are subject to a higher minimum academic achievement requirement of 90% under the published general criteria.
Program availability and additional requirements should be checked in the application system before applying.
Can I apply for a master’s or PhD in Türkiye?
Yes.
Türkiye Scholarships offers graduate scholarships at master’s and PhD levels in fields including social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and engineering.
The official program notes that its graduate scholarship program does not award scholarships in health sciences.
Do I need to know Turkish before applying?
You do not necessarily need to know Turkish before submitting a Türkiye Scholarships application.
Scholarship recipients without the required C1 Turkish proficiency certificate must complete the scholarship’s Turkish language course, including those placed in programs taught in another language.
How many university choices can I make?
The official Türkiye Scholarships information states that candidates can select up to 12 choices through the application system.
These choices should be made carefully and should correspond to the applicant’s academic background and intended field of study.
Does Türkiye Scholarships pay tuition fees?
Yes.
Tuition fees are included in the full-time scholarship package, together with university and department placement, subject to the conditions of the awarded scholarship.
Where do I apply for the Turkish Government Scholarship?
Applications are submitted online through the official Türkiye Scholarships Application System, known as TBBS.
Registration and application through the official system are free of charge, and applicants should avoid unofficial websites or intermediaries claiming to control scholarship decisions.
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
Oh, I feel this deeply—being a fan of a place and dreaming of studying there is half the battle, isn’t it? Just a heads-up, though: the Turkish Government Scholarship is notoriously competitive, and they usually expect you to list your preferred universities in your application, not just a city. Also, since you have an IELTS and a solid bachelor’s, make sure your statement of purpose really shouts why you love Turkey and how their English Lit programs fit your goals—generic dreams won’t cut it with those reviewers. Best of luck, seriously, I hope you get to live that Istanbul fantasy.
Oh, Poppy, you nailed it—that advice about naming specific universities is so crucial! I’ve seen so many applicants stumble by just saying “Istanbul” and hoping for the best. And you’re absolutely right that a tailored statement of purpose makes all the difference; generic passion doesn’t stand out to those selection committees. Fingers crossed Mustafa takes your excellent tips to heart!
I’m also dreaming of studying in Turkey, so I really get where you’re coming from, Mustafa. One thing I’ve learned from reading about the Türkiye Bursları is that they prioritize applicants who choose specific programs and universities over just a city—so listing Istanbul might not be enough unless you back it up with clear reasons for each school. Since you already have IELTS and a background in English, you have a strong foundation, but I’d suggest polishing your statement of purpose to show exactly how your research or teaching goals connect to Turkish universities. Is there a particular professor or department in Istanbul you’ve looked into?
Lindiwe, you’ve hit on something I wish someone had told me before I applied—naming a specific professor changed everything for my own statement of purpose. When I finally emailed a faculty member at Boğaziçi about their Ottoman literature work, my application suddenly had a real anchor instead of just wishful thinking. For Mustafa, since he already has IELTS and a clear field, that kind of direct connection could turn his Istanbul dream from a city name into a concrete academic fit.
Ah, yet another hopeful soul dreaming of Istanbul on someone else’s dime. The advice about naming specific universities is spot on, but I’d add that the “one-year free Turkish language course” isn’t just a perk—it’s usually mandatory, so you’d better be ready to study in Turkish after that year unless your program is fully in English. Mustafa, with your IELTS and degree you’ve got the basics, but if your statement of purpose reads like a love letter to Turkey without any academic specifics, the reviewers will file it in the bin marked “charming but unserious.
You’ve raised a really fair point about the language requirement—I think a lot of applicants underestimate how much that Turkish course shapes their whole experience. It’s not just a bonus, it’s basically a gateway. And I’d agree that “charming but unserious” is probably the most common rejection note for Turkish Government Scholarship applications; they’re looking for students who’ve done their homework on specific programs, not just fallen in love with a city.
I’ve been following the Türkiye Bursları process for a while now, and something that really tripped me up was how specific they are about your university choices—just listing a city like Istanbul won’t cut it. Mustafa, since you have a strong background in English and an IELTS score, have you looked into whether your preferred programs in Istanbul are taught in English or Turkish? That language course is mandatory for most, but if you find a fully English-taught master’s, it could save you a year of prep time.
Right, the language catch is a big one—that mandatory year of Turkish is no joke if you’re angling for a program that isn’t fully in English. I’d also warn Mustafa that the “free accommodation in state dormitories” sounds better on paper than it often is in practice; you might end up sharing a room with three other people in a building miles from campus. If you’re set on Istanbul, have you dug into whether your specific department offers the master’s in English, or are you prepared to become fluent enough in Turkish to write a thesis in it?
I’ve been researching the Türkiye Bursları for my own application, and something that surprised me is how much weight they put on your “academic project proposal”—it’s not just a personal statement, they want a mini research plan. Mustafa, since you’re coming from an English literature background, have you considered reaching out to a professor at Istanbul University or Boğaziçi to see if they’d be open to supervising your thesis? That kind of direct connection can make your application stand out way more than just listing a city.
You’re absolutely right about the academic project proposal—I learned that the hard way when I applied last year and realized my personal statement was way too vague. Reaching out to a professor at Boğaziçi or Istanbul University is a smart move; I did that for my own application and got a much clearer sense of what they’re looking for in a research plan. It’s the kind of detail that shows you’re serious, not just a dreamer.