Applications for the scholarship program offered by the Turkish Government under the Türkiye Scholarships scheme are now open for the 2026–2027 academic year.
This international scholarship is available to applicants between January 10 and February 20, 2026, which is the official application period established by the Turkish authorities.
The Turkish Government Scholarship aims to provide financial support to international students, regardless of nationality, who wish to pursue technical or higher education studies in Turkey. This fully funded scholarship covers a wide range of academic pathways, from undergraduate to doctoral programs, including master’s degrees and research programs.
For reference, in 2025, more than 120,000 applicants from 170 countries applied for this scholarship, but only approximately 5,000 scholarships were awarded, indicating a highly competitive selection process.
Turkey’s Growing Role as a Hub for International Students
Over recent years, Turkey has emerged as a major player in international higher education. The country currently hosts more than 200 universities, including public universities and foundation universities, offering a wide variety of academic programs.
This momentum is reflected in the significant increase in the number of international students: from approximately 48,000 in 2013, the figure rose to 125,000 in 2018, and reached nearly 340,000 international students during the 2024–2025 academic year. Turkish authorities now aim to welcome 500,000 international students by 2028, relying in particular on the expansion of international programs and the allocation of scholarships, which have become a central pillar of this openness policy.
This rapid growth highlights the increasing appeal of Turkish universities, especially due to the wide range of programs taught in English, now exceeding 600 programs. For many students, access to a scholarship is a decisive factor, as it significantly reduces financial constraints while offering access to recognized academic instruction. The cost-quality ratio of education in Turkey remains highly competitive, making the scholarship even more attractive for candidates from diverse academic backgrounds.
In addition, the cost of living in Turkey represents a major advantage for international students, particularly those benefiting from a partial or full scholarship. Outside major metropolitan areas such as Istanbul, a student can cover monthly expenses with a budget ranging from €400 to €650, including accommodation and daily living costs.
Public university dormitories offer very affordable rates, while private rentals remain moderate depending on the city and housing type. Overall, the standard of living is significantly lower than the European average, further enhancing the positive impact of a scholarship, especially for students from developing countries.
About Türkiye Scholarships 2026
The Türkiye Scholarship 2026 is a Turkish Government program designed for international students wishing to pursue their studies in Turkey. This fully funded scholarship is intended to cover all essential needs of beneficiaries throughout their academic journey.
The scholarship includes:
- University placement in Turkey, allowing selected students to avoid applying separately to universities;
- A monthly stipend, varying according to the level of study:
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4,500 TRY for undergraduate and technical programs,
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6,500 TRY for master’s programs,
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9,000 TRY for doctoral programs.
Certain special scholarships, such as those dedicated to arts or academic excellence, offer double financial allowances;
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University accommodation and full exemption from tuition fees, fully covered by the scholarship;
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One year of Turkish language training for students without C1 level, included to facilitate academic integration;
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Comprehensive health insurance and a round-trip airfare, included among the scholarship benefits;
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Participation in cultural activities, internship opportunities, and seminars, enabling scholarship holders to strengthen their social integration and professional network.
Scholarship Timeline and Eligible Levels
- Application period: The scholarship is open to applicants who submit their applications between January 10 and February 20, 2026. All applications must be submitted online via the official TBBS platform. No other application method is accepted.
- Application review: Following the application deadline, submissions undergo a thorough evaluation between March and May, in order to identify candidates meeting academic and institutional criteria.
- Selection interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited to interviews held in June and July. Conducted in more than 100 countries, these interviews include an academic assessment and a personal discussion to better understand the candidate’s background and motivation.
- Announcement of results: Final scholarship decisions are announced in early August, allowing successful candidates to prepare their academic plans.
- Arrival in Turkey: Scholarship beneficiaries are expected to arrive in September, at the start of the academic year in Turkey.
Academic Programs Covered by the Scholarship
The Turkish Government Scholarship is open to students applying for various levels of higher education. It covers associate degree, undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, as well as certain research programs.
In addition, the scholarship also supports technical education programs, particularly at the associate and undergraduate levels, providing opportunities for candidates with diverse academic profiles.
Searching for Scholarship-Eligible Programs
To identify programs available under the scholarship framework in Turkey, applicants may consult the official academic program search platform at the following link:
https://www.studyinturkiye.gov.tr/StudySearch/List.
Eligibility Conditions for Turkish Government Scholarships
The Turkish Government Scholarships are open to candidates of all nationalities. However, applicants must meet a set of clearly defined academic and administrative requirements.
Age Requirements
Eligibility depends on the applicant’s age at the time of application:
- Undergraduate and technical programs: maximum 21 years old
- Master’s programs: under 30 years old
- Doctoral programs: under 35 years old
- Research programs: under 50 years old
Academic Qualifications and Performance
To be eligible, candidates must have already graduated or commit to graduating no later than August 2026. University lecturers and researchers may also apply under specific conditions.
Minimum academic performance requirements apply:
- 70% for technical and undergraduate programs
- 75% for master’s programs
- 90% for health sciences programs (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy), equivalent to 18/20
Language Proficiency
Knowledge of Turkish is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.
For English-taught programs, applicants must generally provide an internationally recognized language certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, DELF, etc.). Depending on the program, international admission tests such as SAT or GRE may also be required.
Scholarship recipients without C1-level Turkish must complete one year of Turkish language training prior to starting their academic studies.
Required Documents for the Scholarship Application
All required documents must be uploaded exclusively via the TBBS platform at the time of application. Incomplete applications or submissions outside the platform will not be considered.
A complete scholarship application must include:
- Valid official identification (passport or national ID);
- Recent photograph (taken within the last 12 months);
- National exam results, where applicable;
- Final diploma or provisional graduation certificate;
- Official academic transcripts;
- International exam results (GRE, GMAT, SAT, etc.), if required;
- International language certificates (TOEFL, DELF, IELTS, or equivalent), if required.
For doctoral applications only:
- A detailed research proposal;
- A sample of academic or scientific work, enabling assessment of the applicant’s research potential.
Selection Process
The scholarship selection process consists of several stages to ensure a rigorous and fair evaluation:
- Pre-selection: verification of eligibility (age, academic level, document completeness);
- Academic evaluation: review of academic background, program relevance, motivation, and quality of the statement of purpose;
- Quantitative skills test: for some undergraduate applicants, a written test assessing analytical abilities;
- Individual interview: evaluation of academic knowledge, career goals, and motivation to study in Turkey;
- Final decision: comprehensive review by the selection committee leading to the final award decision.
Why Choose Turkey?
Beyond full financial coverage, Turkey offers a reasonable cost of living, internationally recognized universities, and a rich cultural environment blending tradition and modernity.
Each year, approximately 125,000 applications are submitted, attracted by the free application process with no administrative fees. Moreover, more than 150,000 alumni now form a dynamic global network across many countries.
How to Apply for the Turkish Government Scholarship in 2026
Applications are submitted entirely online, via the official Türkiye Scholarships platform, with no in-person procedures required.
Application Steps
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Create a personal account on the official TBBS portal;
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Complete the online application form and upload all required documents;
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Select up to 12 universities and programs (placement is automatic);
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Write a motivation letter outlining academic goals and career objectives;
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Submit the application before February 20, 2026.
Accepted Application Languages
Applications may be submitted in the following languages:
Turkish, French, Arabic, English, Persian, Russian, Bosnian, Spanish
This linguistic diversity facilitates access for international applicants.
Important Information
No direct application to Turkish universities is required.
The program itself handles university placement and enrollment for selected candidates.
Contact and Useful Resources
For further information, contact the scholarship office at: info@turkiyeburslari.gov.tr.
Additional recommended resources:
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Eiffel Scholarships 2025 – Call for Applications: a prestigious excellence program for higher education in France.
Thanks to full funding, strong academic and linguistic support, and a dynamic multicultural environment, the Turkish Government Scholarships 2026 represent a unique opportunity to pursue higher education in a country experiencing rapid academic and economic growth.
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