Apply for the Turkey Government International Student Scholarship 2026/2027. Get full tuition, accommodation, and stipends for UG, Master’s, or PhD. Apply by Feb 20, 2026.
The Turkey Government International Student Scholarship 2026/2027, widely known as Türkiye Bursları, is a prestigious and comprehensive government-funded programme designed for elite international students. This scholarship is not just an educational grant; it is a gateway to one of the world’s most culturally rich and academically evolving nations. By offering full financial coverage and university placement, the Republic of Türkiye empowers students from all corners of the globe to pursue undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD degrees without the burden of financial constraints.
If you are looking to advance your career at a top-tier Turkish institution, the 2026/2027 application cycle offers a life-changing opportunity to join a global network of future leaders. The application deadline is February 20, 2026.
Key Details
| Feature | Description |
| Study Level | Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, and Research |
| Funding Status | Fully Funded (Tuition, Stipend, Flights, Housing) |
| Host Country | Türkiye (Turkey) |
| Annual Deadline | February 20, 2026 |
| Language of Study | Turkish (with English options available) |
About the Türkiye Scholarships Programme
The Turkey Government International Student Scholarship 2026/2027 is managed by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB). Unlike many international scholarships that only cover tuition, Türkiye Scholarships provide a holistic ecosystem. The programme is built on the philosophy of “equal opportunity,” ensuring that talented students, regardless of their financial background, can access quality education in fields ranging from engineering and medicine to humanities and the arts.
Türkiye has increasingly become a hub for international education, boasting a high number of English-taught programmes and research-intensive universities. The scholarship programme is unique because it integrates university placement directly into the application process. When you apply for the scholarship, you also apply for admission to your chosen universities, simplifying the journey for international applicants. Furthermore, the programme includes a mandatory one-year Turkish language course to help scholars integrate into the local society and academic environment effectively.
Comprehensive Scholarship Benefits
The financial package offered by the Turkey Government Scholarship is often cited as the most inclusive in the world. It is designed to ensure that scholars can focus entirely on their studies and cultural immersion.
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Successful candidates do not pay any tuition or registration fees for the duration of their degree.
- Monthly Stipend: To assist with daily living costs, the government provides monthly payments based on the level of study:
- Undergraduate: 4,500 TL per month.
- Master’s: 6,500 TL per month.
- PhD: 9,000 TL per month.
- Accommodation: Scholars are provided with free housing in state-run university dormitories, including electricity, water, and internet.
- Health Insurance: All awardees receive comprehensive public health insurance, providing access to state-of-the-art medical facilities.
- Turkish Language Training: A free, one-year intensive Turkish language course (C1 level) is provided before the start of the academic programme.
- Round-trip Flight Tickets: The scholarship covers your airfare to Türkiye at the start of your studies and your return ticket upon graduation.
- Cultural and Academic Programmes: Scholars gain access to exclusive seminars, internships, and cultural trips organized by YTB.
Eligibility Criteria and Academic Requirements
To maintain high standards, the Turkey Government International Student Scholarship 2026/2027 employs strict eligibility benchmarks. Applicants must meet citizenship, academic achievement, and age-related criteria to move forward in the selection process.
Eligible Citizenship
- Open to All: Citizens from all countries except Türkiye and those who have lost Turkish citizenship are eligible to apply.
- Student Status: You must be a graduate or a student who will graduate by August 2026.
Minimum Academic Achievement
The selection committee evaluates your GPA and previous academic records based on your intended field of study:
- Undergraduate/Associate Degree: Minimum 70% average.
- Master’s and PhD Degree: Minimum 75% average.
- Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy): Minimum 90% average is strictly required for undergraduate admission into these competitive fields.
Age Restrictions
Applicants must not exceed the following age limits as of the application date:
- Undergraduate: Under 21 years old.
- Master’s: Under 30 years old.
- PhD: Under 35 years old.
- Research: Under 50 years old.
Language and Training Requirements
One of the defining features of studying in Türkiye is the language experience. While many universities offer programmes in English, French, or German, the government prioritizes Turkish language proficiency to ensure long-term cultural links.
The Turkish Language Course
All scholarship holders—including those enrolled in English-medium programmes—must attend a one-year Turkish Language Course. This year is fully funded and aims to bring students to a C1 proficiency level. If you already possess a C1 certificate from an accredited body like TÖMER, you can proceed directly to your academic studies.
English-Taught Programmes
If you select a programme taught in English, you must provide an internationally recognized language certificate such as TOEFL or IELTS (if accepted by the specific university). Note that many top-tier universities in Türkiye also require international exam scores like GRE, GMAT, or SAT for admission into their competitive departments. Always check the specific requirements of the departments you list in your application.
Application Documents Checklist
All applications are submitted online through the Türkiye Scholarships Application System (TBBS). You must upload scanned copies of the following documents:
- Identification: A valid national ID card or a valid passport.
- Photography: A professional photo of the candidate taken within the last year.
- Academic Transcripts: Official records showing all courses and grades.
- Diplomas: Graduation certificates or a document from your school stating your expected graduation date if you are still a student.
- Exam Scores: National or international exam results (SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.) if required by your chosen university.
- Language Proficiency: Certifications like TOEFL or DELF if applying for non-Turkish programmes.
- PhD Research Proposal: A detailed research topic proposal and a sample of your previous academic writing (PhD applicants only).
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application for the Turkey Government International Student Scholarship 2026/2027 is entirely free. You should avoid any third-party agents claiming to offer “guaranteed” placement for a fee.
Step 1: Register on the TBBS Portal
Visit the official Turkey Government TBBS application webpage: https://tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/ and create a personal account.
Step 2: Complete Your Profile
Enter your personal information, family details, and educational background. Be thorough when listing your extracurricular activities, social projects, and work experience, as these are highly valued by the selection committee.
Step 3: List University and Programme Preferences
The system will offer you a list of universities and departments based on your educational background. You can select up to 12 preferences. Ensure that at least half of your choices are outside of major cities like Istanbul and Ankara to increase your placement chances.
Step 4: Write Your Letter of Intent
This is your chance to shine. Explain why you chose Türkiye, how your chosen field aligns with your career goals, and how you intend to contribute to the relationship between Türkiye and your home country upon graduation.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Ensure all documents are clear and readable. Once you have double-checked your preferences and the Letter of Intent, approve your application before the February 20, 2026 deadline.
Selection Process and Interview Phase
The selection process is divided into two main stages: the preliminary evaluation and the interview.
- Preliminary Evaluation: This is an automated and manual screening where your academic grades, age, and document validity are checked.
- The Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview (either in person at a Turkish embassy/consulate or online). The interview panel assesses your academic knowledge, motivation, and communication skills.
- Final Results: Successful candidates are usually notified by early August 2026, allowing enough time for visa processing and travel arrangements for the September intake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The competition for the Turkey Government International Student Scholarship 2026/2027 is fierce, with over 150,000 applicants annually. To ensure your application is successful, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Inaccurate GPA Calculation: If your school uses a different grading system (e.g., 4.0 or 5.0 scale), ensure you provide an official conversion or clearly state the maximum possible grade.
- Generic Letter of Intent: Do not copy-paste templates. The committee looks for a personalized narrative that shows you have researched the Turkish higher education system.
- Missing Language Prerequisites: If a university requires a TOEFL score and you don’t upload it, your application for that specific university will be rejected, even if you are eligible for the scholarship.
- Poor Document Quality: Scans that are blurry, cut off, or upside down can lead to technical disqualification. Use a high-quality scanner for all academic transcripts.
- Late Submission: The TBBS portal often experiences high traffic in the final 48 hours before the deadline. Aim to submit your application at least one week early.
Final Thoughts
The Turkey Government International Student Scholarship 2026/2027 is more than just a financial award; it is a commitment from the Republic of Türkiye to foster global intellectual growth. Whether you are aiming to be a surgeon, an engineer, or a historian, the academic resources in Türkiye combined with the full funding of this programme provide an unparalleled foundation for your future. Start your application today, focus on building a strong Letter of Intent, and prepare to embark on an extraordinary educational journey in the heart of Eurasia.
For more information and to start your application, kindly visit the official Turkiye Government Scholarship webpage: https://turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/about