Türkiye Scholarships (Turkiye Burslari) 2026: Official Application Guide

Scholarship Overview

  • Status: Open
  • Application Window: January 10, 2026 – February 20, 2026 (23:59 Turkish Time)
  • Host Country: Türkiye
  • Funding Authority: Government of the Republic of Türkiye (Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, YTB)
  • Eligible Study Levels:
    • Undergraduate
    • Master’s
    • PhD
    • Research

Türkiye Scholarships, known globally as Turkiye Burslari, is one of the most comprehensive fully funded government scholarship programs in the world. What makes this program unique is its integrated university placement system. Applicants do not need to secure admission separately. A single application through the official portal covers both the scholarship and university placement process.


1. Scholarship Coverage and Benefits

Türkiye Scholarships is designed to remove all major financial barriers for international students.

Official Benefits Include:

  • Full tuition fee waiver for the entire degree duration
  • Monthly stipend (official 2026 rates):
    • Undergraduate: 4,500 TL per month
    • Master’s: 6,500 TL per month
    • PhD: 9,000 TL per month
  • Free accommodation in state dormitories (KYK) or equivalent support
  • Comprehensive public health insurance (GSS) from arrival
  • One-time return flight ticket (arrival and departure)
  • One-year Turkish language course for students who do not meet Turkish proficiency, including those admitted to English-taught programs

2. University and Program Placement System

Applicants can select up to 12 program and university preferences within the Türkiye Scholarships Information System (TBBS).

There is no fixed published university list. The TBBS portal dynamically shows eligible universities and programs based on the applicant’s profile and chosen study field. These include Türkiye’s leading public universities across engineering, social sciences, medicine, and research disciplines.

Important Strategy:
Use all 12 preferences wisely by selecting a balanced mix of highly competitive and moderately competitive universities to maximize placement chances.


3. Eligibility Criteria

Türkiye Scholarships applies strict automatic filters based on academic performance and age.

Minimum Academic Scores

  • Undergraduate: Minimum 70 percent
  • Master’s and PhD: Minimum 75 percent
  • Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy): Minimum 90 percent

Age Limits (as of January 1, 2026)

  • Undergraduate: Under 21 years
  • Master’s: Under 30 years
  • PhD: Under 35 years
  • Research Applicants: Under 50 years

Who Cannot Apply

  • Turkish citizens or those who have lost Turkish citizenship
  • Students currently enrolled in a Turkish university at the same level they are applying for

4. Required Documents for TBBS Application

All documents are uploaded online. No physical mailing is required.

  1. Valid passport or national ID
  2. Recent photograph (professional format)
  3. Diploma or temporary graduation certificate
  4. Complete academic transcripts
  5. National or international exam results if required by the chosen program (such as SAT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or equivalent)
  6. Letter of intent explaining academic goals and motivation
  7. Recommendation letters (strongly recommended and required by some programs)

5. Official Application Timeline for 2026

  • Applications Open: January 10, 2026
  • Deadline: February 20, 2026
  • Evaluation Period: March to May 2026
  • Interviews: June to July 2026 (conducted in many countries)
  • Results Announcement: Early August 2026
  • Visa and travel preparation: August 2026
  • Arrival in Türkiye: September 2026

6. How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through the official Türkiye Scholarships Information System.

Official Application Portal:
https://tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr

Create an account, complete your profile, upload documents, write your letter of intent carefully, and select up to 12 program preferences before the deadline.


Final Advice for Applicants

Türkiye Scholarships is highly competitive because it handles both admission and funding. Your letter of intent, academic record, and program preference strategy play a major role in the final placement decision. Avoid rushing the application and carefully review every section before submission.