Turkish Government Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Türkiye Bursları Complete Guide

Your Gateway to World-Class Education in Turkey Without Financial Barriers

The Türkiye Bursları Scholarship 2026 represents one of the world’s most prestigious and comprehensive fully funded scholarship programs, offering international students an exceptional opportunity to pursue higher education in Turkey. With over 5,000 scholarships awarded annually, this government-funded program has established itself as one of the largest and most competitive scholarship initiatives globally, opening doors to academic excellence at Turkey’s top universities.

Turkey has become a major academic hub, with more than 301,694 international students enrolled in its higher education institutions during the 2022/2023 academic year, representing a fivefold increase since 2014. This remarkable growth reflects Turkey’s rising prominence as a destination for quality international education.

Application Timeline 2026: Mark Your Calendar

The application window for Türkiye Scholarships 2026 follows a strict timeline that candidates must carefully observe:

• Opening Date: January 10, 2026
• Closing Date: February 20, 2026
• Application Portal: www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
• Results Announcement: June-July 2026
• Academic Year Start: September 2026

Students are strongly advised to apply early, as heavy traffic on the website can cause technical errors during the last days of registration. For Research Scholarships, applications are received four times a year, while Success Scholarship applications are accepted between October and November.

Comprehensive Scholarship Benefits: More Than Just Free Education

The Türkiye Scholarships 2026 offers an unprecedented package of benefits that covers every aspect of your educational journey:

Financial Coverage

• 100% Tuition Fee Waiver: Complete coverage of all academic fees
• Monthly Stipends:
  • Bachelor’s students: 3,500 TL per month
  • Master’s students: 5,000 TL per month
  • PhD students: Up to 9,000 TL per month

Additional Benefits

• Free Accommodation: University dormitories at no charge
• Round-trip Flight Tickets: International airfare covered
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage throughout your studies
• Turkish Language Course: One-year preparatory language program
• University Placement: Guaranteed admission to Turkish universities
• No Application Fee: The entire application process is free

Students who prefer not to live in dormitories can choose alternative accommodations but must cover these costs themselves.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

The scholarship welcomes applications from candidates worldwide with the following requirements:

Nationality

• Open to all nationalities except Turkish citizens
• Applicants must not be currently enrolled in any Turkish university

Age Requirements

• Undergraduate programs: Under 21 years of age
• Master’s programs: Under 30 years of age
• PhD programs: Under 35 years of age
• Research programs: Under 50 years of age

Academic Requirements

Minimum Academic Scores:

• Undergraduate candidates: Minimum 70% academic score
• Master’s and PhD candidates: Minimum 75% academic score
• Medical programs: Minimum 90% academic score

Educational Status:

• Current students in their final year (must graduate by August 2026)
• Recent graduates
• University professors and researchers (for research scholarships)

Language Requirements

While language proficiency certificates like IELTS or TOEFL are beneficial for English-taught programs, they are not mandatory for all programs. Turkish language knowledge is not required as the scholarship includes a one-year Turkish language preparatory course.

Available Study Programs and Universities

Academic Levels Covered

• Associate Degree Programs
• Bachelor’s Degree Programs
• Master’s Degree Programs
• PhD Programs
• Research Scholarships
• Short-term Language Programs

Fields of Study

The scholarship covers programs ranging from engineering to health sciences, humanities to social sciences. Over 1,325 programs are available across various disciplines, though health-related specialties are excluded for the 2026 cycle.

Top Participating Universities

Turkey’s most prestigious institutions participate in the program, including:

• Koç University (Istanbul)
• Bilkent University (Ankara)
• Middle East Technical University (Ankara)
• Boğaziçi University (Istanbul)
• Sabancı University (Istanbul)
• Istanbul University
• Hacettepe University (Ankara)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Create Your Account

Visit the official portal at www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr and register for a new account. Applications can only be made individually through this website, and there are no authorized institutions or persons to apply on behalf of candidates.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Gather all necessary documentation before starting your application:

Essential Documents:

• Valid passport or national ID
• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Academic transcripts (officially certified)
• Diploma or temporary graduation certificate
• Letter of Intent/Statement of Purpose
• Two letters of recommendation (with contact details)
• Language proficiency certificates (if available)
• International exam results (SAT, GRE, GMAT – if applicable)

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

• Fill in all personal and educational information accurately
• Select up to 12 program preferences from participating universities
• Upload all documents in the specified format
• Write a compelling letter of intent explaining your academic goals

Step 4: Submit Before Deadline

Review your application thoroughly and submit before February 20, 2026. Applications delivered by post, courier, or by hand will not be accepted.

Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on academic success, social activities, and motivation related to the chosen field. The selection involves multiple stages:

Initial Screening (March-April 2026)

Applications are examined for basic criteria including minimum academic achievement, age limits, and required documents.

Expert Committee Review

Eligible candidates are evaluated based on academic status, previous qualifications, academic interests, career goals, consistency of preferences, content of the letter of intent, and participation in social activities.

Aptitude Test (For Undergraduates)

A 30-question quantitative test consisting of mathematics, geometry, and logic questions is held for undergraduate candidates.

Interview Stage (May-June 2026)

Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews, conducted either online or at Turkish embassies/consulates.

Final Selection (July-August 2026)

Interview results are evaluated by a selection committee, and the final list of scholarship recipients is created.

Success Tips: Maximize Your Chances

1. Start Early

Begin preparing your documents well before the application opens. Apply early to avoid technical issues that often occur in the final days due to website traffic.

2. Craft a Powerful Letter of Intent

Many students are accepted based primarily on their compelling letter of intent, which can significantly influence the evaluation committee. Focus on:

• Your academic and career goals
• Why you chose Turkey and your specific program
• How you’ll contribute to Turkey-international relations
• Your leadership potential and social activities

3. Highlight Extracurricular Activities

The scholarship committee values students who are academically or socially distinguished, have volunteer activities, or possess practical experience.

4. Choose Programs Strategically

Select your 12 program preferences carefully, considering:

• Program language (Turkish or English)
• University rankings and reputation
• Location preferences
• Career alignment

5. Prepare for the Interview

If shortlisted, prepare thoroughly by:

• Researching Turkey’s culture and education system
• Reviewing your application materials
• Practicing common interview questions
• Demonstrating genuine interest in studying in Turkey

Competition and Success Rates

Acceptance rates for full funding stand at 8-12%, with candidates competing from over 50 countries. Although the acceptance rate is not high, many evaluation criteria remain unknown, and students who don’t excel purely academically can still obtain the scholarship.

The most competitive programs include:

• Medical and health sciences (90% minimum requirement)
• Engineering programs at top universities
• International relations and political science
• Computer science and AI programs

Special Scholarship Programs

Beyond the main scholarship, Türkiye offers specialized programs:

Başarı Bursu (Success Scholarship)

Designed exclusively for international students currently enrolled in Turkish universities who have completed at least one academic year.

Research Scholarships

For post-doctoral researchers and PhD students at dissertation stage, with applications accepted quarterly.

Joint Programs

Partnerships with international organizations like:

• Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
• Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
• United Nations agencies

Post-Application: What Happens Next?

If Selected:

1. Receive official acceptance letter (July-August 2026)
2. Complete visa procedures at Turkish embassy/consulate
3. Arrive in Turkey (September 2026)
4. Begin Turkish language course (if needed)
5. Start academic program

If Not Selected:

• Consider reapplying next year with improved credentials
• Explore other Turkish university scholarships
• Look into bilateral agreement scholarships
• Consider self-funded options with partial scholarships

Living in Turkey: What to Expect

Turkey offers international students:

• Rich Cultural Heritage: Bridge between Europe and Asia
• Affordable Living: Even beyond scholarship stipend
• Safe Environment: Welcoming atmosphere for international students
• Quality Education: Internationally recognized degrees
• Career Opportunities: Growing economy with global connections
• Student Life: Vibrant campus culture and social activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I work while studying? A: Yes, international students can work part-time with a work permit, though the scholarship covers all basic needs.

Q: Is the scholarship renewable? A: Yes, the scholarship continues throughout your program duration, subject to maintaining academic performance.

Q: Can I change my program after acceptance? A: Program changes are generally not permitted after scholarship allocation.

Q: What if I don’t speak Turkish? A: The scholarship includes a one-year Turkish language course, and many programs are offered in English.

Q: Can I bring my family? A: The scholarship covers only the student. Family members must arrange separate visas and funding.

Application Languages Available

Applications can be submitted in Turkish, English, French, Arabic, Farsi, Russian, Bosnian, or Spanish, making the program accessible to candidates from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Conclusion: Your Future Awaits

The Türkiye Bursları Scholarship 2026 represents more than just financial support—it’s an investment in your future and an opportunity to join a global network of leaders. The program aims to build a network of future leaders committed to strengthening cooperation among countries and mutual understanding among societies.

With comprehensive benefits, world-class education, and cultural immersion, this fully funded scholarship opens doors to endless possibilities. The application window from January 10 to February 20, 2026, is your chance to transform your academic dreams into reality.

Remember, the application is completely free, and with over 5,000 scholarships available, your opportunity for a world-class education in Turkey awaits. Start preparing your application today, and take the first step toward an extraordinary educational journey in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.

Official Website: www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr

Don’t wait—prepare now, apply early, and secure your future with the Türkiye Bursları Scholarship 2026!