Associate, Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, ResearchFully Funded

Türkiye Scholarships

Last verified 26 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

Türkiye Scholarships is a comprehensive, government-funded scholarship program for international students seeking to pursue full-time or short-term education at prestigious Turkish universities.

Provider: Republic of Türkiye, Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB)
Host country: Türkiye
Region: Multiple

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Türkiye Scholarships is open to African students applying to study in Türkiye at the Associate, Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Research level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Associate, Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Research · applicants for Türkiye
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Associate, Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Research
Deadline: Rolling / see sponsor

Key eligibility criteria

Open to international students from all countries, with specific age and academic criteria varying by study level. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic excellence.

What the fully funded award covers

Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare
Health insurance
Language preparation

About the Türkiye Scholarships (2026)

## Overview The Türkiye Scholarships program is a prestigious, government-funded higher education scholarship initiative that offers international students the opportunity to study at leading universities across Türkiye. More than just financial aid, the program is a comprehensive educational experience that aims to foster a global network of future leaders and promote cultural exchange. Türkiye Scholarships covers a wide range of study levels, from associate and undergraduate degrees to master's, PhD, and research programs, across diverse fields of study including engineering, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The program emphasizes academic excellence and provides significant support to its recipients, ensuring a smooth transition and enriching academic journey in Türkiye. Beyond the academic benefits, Türkiye Scholarships also offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in Turkish culture, learn the Turkish language, and build lasting connections within a vibrant international community. ## Benefits Türkiye Scholarships is a "comprehensive program offering students everything at once." While the specific benefits may vary slightly based on the scholarship program (full-time versus short-term) and the level of study, generally, the scholarship covers the following: * **University and Program Placement:** Assistance with securing placement in a university and program of choice. * **Monthly Stipend:** Financial support to cover living expenses. * **Tuition Fees:** Full coverage of tuition costs. * **Health Insurance:** Comprehensive health coverage. * **Accommodation:** Provision of accommodation, typically in state dormitories. * **Turkish Language Course:** A one-year Turkish language course (for non-Turkish speakers) to help students adapt to their new environment and academic life. * **Flight Ticket:** A one-time flight ticket for the student's arrival in Türkiye and departure after graduation. ## Eligibility The Türkiye Scholarships program is highly competitive and merit-based. Applicants must be international students from any country. While specific criteria vary depending on the level of study, key eligibility requirements generally include: * **Citizenship:** Applicants must not be citizens of Türkiye. * **Academic Performance:** A strong academic record is crucial, with specific minimum academic achievement percentages required for different disciplines and study levels (e.g., minimum 70% for undergraduate applicants, 75% for master's and PhD applicants, and 90% for health science applicants). * **Age Limit:** There are age restrictions. For example, to apply for undergraduate programs, you must be under 21; for master's programs, under 30; for PhD programs, under 35; and for research programs, under 45. * **Previous Degree:** Applicants for master's degrees must have completed an undergraduate degree, and for PhD degrees, they must have completed both undergraduate and master's degrees. * **Health:** Applicants must not have any health issues that would prevent them from studying in Türkiye. ## Required Documents While the official page does not detail all required documents explicitly in this section, based on common scholarship applications and the nature of the Türkiye Scholarships, applicants are typically required to submit: * A valid national ID or passport. * A photograph of the candidate. * National exam results (if any) or diploma. * High school graduation diploma or temporary graduation certificate (for undergraduate applications). * Transcripts showing all courses taken and grades received. * International exam results (e.g., SAT, DELF), if required by the chosen university or program. * Official language proficiency test results (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS), if available and relevant to the language of instruction. * A research proposal and examples of written work (for PhD and research applications). * Two academic reference letters. * Motivation letter/Statement of purpose. It is highly recommended to refer to the comprehensive application guide and specific program requirements on the official Türkiye Scholarships website for a complete list of necessary documents. ## How to Apply Applications for Türkiye Scholarships are exclusively submitted online through the official application system. The process is free of charge and typically involves the following steps: 1. **Register:** Create an account on the Türkiye Scholarships Application System. 2. **Complete Application Form:** Fill in all required personal, educational, and experience details accurately. 3. **Upload Documents:** Upload all necessary supporting documents as specified in the application guidelines. 4. **Select Programs:** Choose your preferred universities and programs from the available options. 5. **Write a Motivation Letter:** Articulate your reasons for applying, your academic goals, and how the scholarship aligns with your future aspirations. 6. **Submit Application:** Review all information carefully before submitting your application. ## Key Dates The official page does not explicitly state the application deadlines on this section. Applicants are advised to regularly check the official Türkiye Scholarships website for updated application periods and deadlines for their desired programs. Historically, applications typically open in January and close in February/March each year, but this can vary. ## Selection Criteria Türkiye Scholarships is a competitive program with a strong emphasis on academic excellence. The selection process considers several factors, including: * **Academic Merit:** The primary criterion, assessed through academic transcripts, diplomas, and national/international exam results. * **Motivation and Potential:** Assessed through the motivation letter, demonstrating the applicant's commitment, future plans, and potential to contribute to their field. * **Research Proposal Quality:** For graduate and research programs, the quality and originality of the research proposal are critical. * **Interview Performance:** Shortlisted candidates are typically invited for an interview to assess their communication skills, general knowledge, and suitability for the program. * **Social Activities and Leadership Skills:** Engagement in extracurricular activities and demonstrated leadership can enhance an application. ## Tips * **Start Early:** Begin preparing your application well in advance of the deadline, as gathering all required documents and crafting a strong motivation letter takes time. * **Read Instructions Carefully:** Thoroughly review all application guidelines and specific program requirements on the official website. * **Highlight Academic Achievements:** Emphasize your academic strengths, awards, and any research experience. * **Craft a Compelling Motivation Letter:** Clearly articulate your academic and career goals, why you chose Türkiye, and how you will contribute to the Turkish academic environment and society. * **Seek Strong Recommendation Letters:** Choose recommenders who know you well academically and can speak to your strengths and potential. * **Prepare for the Interview:** If shortlisted, practice your interview skills and be ready to discuss your academic background, research interests, and why you are a suitable candidate for the scholarship. * **Check for Specific Program Requirements:** Ensure you meet all specific requirements for your chosen associate, undergraduate, master's, PhD, or research program. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official Türkiye Scholarships website: [https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/en](https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/en)

What the Fully Funded Türkiye Scholarships covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare
Health insurance
Language preparation

Türkiye Scholarships eligibility for Türkiye applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Open to international students from all countries, with specific age and academic criteria varying by study level. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic excellence.

Documents required for the Türkiye Scholarships application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Standardised test scores where required (SAT or ACT for many U.S. universities)
Secondary-school leaving certificate (WAEC, KCSE, NSC, EGSECE or equivalent)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Türkiye Scholarships 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/en and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Open to international students from all countries, with specific age and academic criteria varying by study level. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic excellence.". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many Republic of Türkiye, Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/en, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit at least one week before the deadline
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Republic of Türkiye, Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Türkiye Scholarships deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Türkiye Scholarships?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Associate, Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Research level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Republic of Türkiye, Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), and be able to relocate to Türkiye for the duration of the programme.

Is the Türkiye Scholarships fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is varies by intake — see the official site. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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