Turkiye Burslari 2027

Overview

Turkiye Burslari (Turkey Scholarships) is the Turkish government's flagship scholarship program. Administered by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), it draws over 165,000 applications annually from more than 170 countries, with about 5,000 new scholars selected each year. It funds undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and research programs at Turkish universities.

What makes Turkiye Burslari unusual among government scholarships is how much it covers. Recipients get full tuition, free accommodation, a monthly stipend, health insurance, a one-year Turkish language course, and round-trip airfare, all at no cost. The program also handles university and department placement, so applicants do not need a prior admission letter. Scholars choose up to 12 programs during the application, and the placement committee assigns them based on academic profile and preferences.

The 2026 application cycle runs from January 10 to February 20, 2026. Applications go through the official online portal at turkiyeburslari.gov.tr. The selection process includes document review, shortlisting, and interviews conducted in the applicant's home country or online. Turkiye Burslari also offers specialized tracks: the Success Scholarship for high achievers, the Humanitarian Aid Scholarship, and the Science Scholarship for STEM disciplines.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	Republic of Turkey, Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB)
Host Country	Turkey
Degree Levels	Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
Value	Full tuition, monthly stipend (TL 4,500–9,000), free accommodation, Turkish language course, round-trip airfare, health insurance
Deadline	February 2026
Duration	Bachelor's: 4–6 years (including 1 year Turkish language); Master's: 2–3 years; PhD: 3–4 years
Eligible Nationalities	Citizens of any country other than Turkey (170+ countries)
Official Website	https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate applicants must have completed secondary education with a minimum of 70% marks. Master's and PhD applicants need a minimum of 75% in their prior academic records. Medical sciences require a minimum of 90%.

Nationality Requirements

Open to citizens of all countries except Turkey. Turkish citizens and those who have lost Turkish citizenship are not eligible.

Language Requirements

No language requirement at the time of application. All scholars attend a one-year Turkish language preparation program before starting their degree. English-taught programs are available at select universities.

Work Experience

Not required for any program level.

Other Requirements

Applicants must not already be enrolled at a Turkish university in the same degree level they are applying for. Applicants must not have a health condition that would prevent them from completing their studies. Age limits: under 21 for undergraduate, under 30 for master's, under 35 for PhD.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage for the entire program duration
• Monthly stipend: TL 4,500 (undergraduate), TL 6,500 (master's), TL 9,000 (PhD)
• Free on-campus or government-provided accommodation
• One-year Turkish language preparatory course at no cost
• Round-trip airfare (one flight to Turkey at the start, one return flight upon completion)
• Health insurance for the duration of the scholarship
• University and department placement handled by the scholarship committee
• Academic and cultural orientation programs
• Special scholarship tracks with doubled stipends for high achievers (Success Scholarship, Science Scholarship)

How to Apply

1. Create an Account on the TBBS Portal: Visit turkiyeburslari.gov.tr and register for an account on the Turkiye Burslari Scholarship Information System (TBBS). Verify your email address to activate your account.
2. Complete the Online Application Form: Fill in all required sections: personal information, educational background, language skills, and extracurricular activities. Accuracy matters; incorrect information can lead to disqualification.
3. Select Up to 12 Programs: Browse available programs and universities, then select up to 12 choices ranked by preference. The placement committee considers your selections alongside your academic profile when assigning your university.
4. Upload Required Documents: Upload scanned copies of your passport or ID, photograph, academic transcripts, diploma or graduation certificate, language certificates (if available), and any other supporting documents.
5. Write and Submit Your Motivation Letter: Write a motivation letter explaining why you want to study in Turkey, your academic goals, and how the scholarship fits your career plans. This is a key part of the evaluation.
6. Review and Submit Before the Deadline: Check all entered information and uploaded documents carefully. Submit your completed application before February 20, 2026. Late submissions are not accepted.
7. Attend the Interview (If Shortlisted): Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview, either in-person at a location in the applicant's region or online. The interview evaluates motivation, communication skills, and academic potential.

Required Documents

• Valid passport or national identity card
• Recent passport-size photograph (taken within the last year)
• High school diploma or equivalent (for undergraduate applicants)
• Bachelor's or master's degree certificate (for graduate applicants)
• Official academic transcripts with grades
• National or international exam results (SAT, GRE, GMAT, if applicable)
• Language proficiency test results (TOEFL, IELTS, if available)
• Research proposal or writing sample (for PhD applicants)
• Letter of recommendation (optional but recommended)

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	January 10, 2026
Application Deadline	February 20, 2026
Results Announced	Interviews are conducted between March and June 2026. Final results are announced by July–August 2026.
Course Start	September 2026 (Turkish language program begins first; degree program starts the following academic year)

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Explain specifically why you want to study in Turkey. Reference Turkish academic strengths, research institutions, or cultural connections relevant to your field.
• Show a clear link between your past academic work and your proposed field of study.
• Describe how you plan to contribute to your home country or to international cooperation after completing the scholarship.
• Be authentic and specific. The selection committee reviews tens of thousands of applications and can spot generic statements.
• If you have overcome real challenges, briefly share them to show resilience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting the application at the last minute and hitting server congestion. Apply at least a week before the deadline.
• Selecting programs that don't match your academic background, which reduces your chances of placement.
• Uploading low-quality scans of documents that are hard to read.
• Writing a motivation letter that is too short or too generic, with no specific reference to Turkey or your chosen field.
• Failing to check age limit requirements before applying (under 21 for bachelor's, under 30 for master's, under 35 for PhD).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Turkiye Burslari a fully funded scholarship?

Turkiye Burslari is fully funded. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance, Turkish language course, and round-trip airfare. Scholars pay nothing for these.

How much is the Turkiye Burslari monthly stipend?

TL 4,500 for undergraduate students, TL 6,500 for master's students, and TL 9,000 for PhD students. Special tracks like the Success and Science Scholarships offer double the stipend.

Do I need a university acceptance letter to apply for Turkiye Burslari?

You do not need a prior admission or acceptance letter. Turkiye Burslari handles university and department placement for you. You select up to 12 preferred programs during the application.

Do I need to speak Turkish to apply for Turkiye Burslari?

No Turkish language skills are needed at the time of application. All scholarship recipients attend a one-year Turkish language preparation course before starting their degree program.

What is the acceptance rate for Turkiye Burslari?

About 3-5% of applicants are selected each year. The program receives over 165,000 applications and awards around 5,000 scholarships annually. Strong academics, a solid motivation letter, and good interview performance drive selection.

Can I choose my university with Turkiye Burslari?

You can list up to 12 preferred programs and universities in your application. The placement committee weighs your preferences against your academic profile, but final placement is at the committee's discretion.

What is the Turkiye Burslari application deadline for 2026?

February 20, 2026. Applications open on January 10, 2026, and are submitted through the official TBBS portal at turkiyeburslari.gov.tr.

Does Turkiye Burslari provide accommodation?

Free accommodation is provided in government dormitories (KYK) or on-campus residences. The accommodation includes basic furnishings and facilities.

Can I study in English with Turkiye Burslari?

Several Turkish universities offer English-taught programs. You can select English-medium programs during the application process. The one-year Turkish language course is still required for all scholars.

How is the Turkiye Burslari interview conducted?

Interviews are conducted either in-person at designated locations (often in the applicant's home country or region) or online via video call. The interview covers motivation, communication skills, academic knowledge, and career plans.

Can I apply for Turkiye Burslari if I am already studying in Turkey?

You cannot apply for the same degree level you are currently pursuing in Turkey. If you are completing one degree and want to apply for a higher level, you may be eligible.

What are the age limits for Turkiye Burslari?

Under 21 for undergraduate programs, under 30 for master's programs, and under 35 for PhD programs as of January 1 of the application year.

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