Timeline
Four dates that shape your year
Applications open
Sep 1, 2026
Applications close
Jan 31, 2026
Results announced
Apr 15, 2026
Period begins
Sep 1, 2026
* Popular Scholarship pathway. Verified deadlines and details.
02 — Eligibility
Who can apply
Ensure you qualify on core disciplines, citizenship status, and credential requirements.
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Citizenship
Applicants must be non-Turkish citizens. Individuals holding or having held Turkish citizenship are typically not eligible to apply. Dual citizens where one nationality is Turkish may also be excluded, so it's critical to verify the nuances on the official platform.
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Academic Background
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Undergraduate Applicants
Must have successfully completed secondary education or be on track to graduate before the start of the academic year in Turkey. A minimum academic achievement score (e.g., 70% for Bachelor’s applicants, 90% for Health Sciences for certain countries) is usually required.
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Master's Applicants
Must have completed a Bachelor's degree with a specified minimum academic achievement (e.g., 75% or equivalent GPA).
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PhD Applicants
Must have completed a Master's degree with a specified minimum academic achievement (e.g., 75% or equivalent GPA).
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Age Limits
Specific age limits are enforced for each study level:
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Undergraduate
Typically under 21 years old.
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Master's
Typically under 30 years old.
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PhD
Typically under 35 years old.
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Research Scholarship
Often under 45 years old.
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Language Proficiency
While the scholarship includes a one-year Turkish language course, some university programs may require English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) if the instruction language is English. Applicants pursuing programs taught in Turkish will undertake the mandatory language preparation.
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Field of Study
The scholarship covers a wide array of disciplines across Turkish universities. Applicants must choose from the available programs listed on the Türkiye Bursları application system, aligning their academic background with their chosen field.
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Prior Enrollment
Generally, individuals who are already enrolled and studying at a Turkish university are not eligible to apply. Similarly, those who have previously been awarded and completed a Türkiye Bursları scholarship for the same study level are typically ineligible.
Who this is NOT for
- Short-term residency seekers: Candidates looking for conference or travel support rather than active degree enrollment.
- Remote learners: Students planning to attend online degree modules from Pakistan.
- U.S. Dual Citizens: Dual nationals holding U.S. citizenship (for U.S. study grants).
- Late planners: Those unable to commit 9–12 months of early preparation for visa and document assembly.
03 — Documents
Required credentials
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Valid Identification
A valid national ID card or passport. Ensure it is not expired and is clearly scan-able.
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Recent Photograph
A recent, high-quality passport-sized photograph.
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Academic Transcripts and Diplomas
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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For Bachelor's applicants
High school diploma and official transcripts showing all courses and grades.
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For Master's applicants
Bachelor's degree diploma and official transcripts.
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For PhD applicants
Master's degree diploma and official transcripts, along with Bachelor's degree diploma and transcripts.
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Note
If you have not yet graduated, you must provide a document proving your enrollment and expected graduation date.
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Statement of Purpose/Letter of Intent
A well-written essay outlining your motivations for applying, academic interests, chosen field and universities, future career goals, and how the scholarship aligns with your aspirations.
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Two Letters of Recommendation
(Often required for Master's and PhD; sometimes for Bachelor's) These should be from academic referees (professors, lecturers) who can attest to your academic abilities and potential. They should be recent and on official letterhead.
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Language Proficiency Certificates
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Turkish
If you already possess a C1 Turkish proficiency (e.g., from TOMER), you can submit it. Otherwise, you will undertake the included one-year Turkish language course.
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English
If applying for an English-taught program, official scores from recognized English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS might be required.
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Research Proposal
(Mandatory for PhD applicants, sometimes for Master's in specific fields) A detailed outline of your proposed research topic, methodology, and objectives.
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Portfolio
(For arts and architecture applicants) A collection of your creative works.
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A comprehensive summary of your academic achievements, work experience, publications, and extracurricular activities.
04 — The pipeline
Narrative steps, four acts
Most candidates underestimate how much prep work is done before the online form opens. Follow this structured chronological timeline to plan deliberately.
Research and Preparation:
Begin by thoroughly researching the Türkiye Bursları website. Understand the eligibility criteria, available programs, required documents, and the application timeline for your desired study level (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD).
Create an Account:
Access the Türkiye Bursları application portal and create a personal account. This will be your primary interface for the entire application process. Ensure you use a valid and frequently checked email address.
Complete Personal Information:
Fill in all required personal details accurately, including nationality, date of birth, contact information, and passport details. Upload a recent passport-sized photograph.
Enter Academic Information:
Provide comprehensive details about your academic history, including your high school results, Bachelor's degree, or Master's degree, depending on the scholarship level you are applying for. This includes grades, institutions, and dates. You will need to upload scanned copies of your academic transcripts and diplomas.
Select University and Program Preferences:
You will be prompted to select a certain number of university and program preferences (e.g., up to 12 choices for Bachelor's). Research Turkish universities and their programs carefully before making your selections. Consider your academic background, career aspirations, and language of instruction.
Write Your Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement:
Craft a compelling and well-structured personal statement (often called a Statement of Purpose or Letter of Intent). This is a crucial component where you articulate your academic interests, reasons for choosing Turkey and the specific program, future goals, and how the Türkiye Bursları would contribute to your aspirations.
Upload Required Documents:
Systematically upload all mandatory documents as specified in the "Required Documents" section below. Ensure all documents are clear, properly scanned, and in the correct file format. Translate any non-English or non-Turkish documents to English or Turkish by a sworn translator if required.
Obtain Letters of Recommendation (if required):
For Master's and PhD programs, and sometimes for Bachelor's, letters of recommendation are necessary. Identify suitable recommenders (professors, supervisors) well in advance and provide them with all necessary information and deadlines. Upload these through the portal as instructed.
Review and Submit:
Before final submission, meticulously review every section of your application for accuracy, completeness, and grammatical errors. Once satisfied, submit your application. You will typically receive an email confirmation.
Track Application Status:
Log in to your application account periodically to check the status of your application. You will be notified through this portal regarding interview invitations or final results.
Get the free application checklist (PDF)
A comprehensive, printable spreadsheet checklist mapping milestones, required essays, references, and deadline checks.
05 — Answered
Frequently asked questions
Is the Türkiye Bursları fully funded for international students?
Yes, the Türkiye Bursları is designed to be a comprehensive, fully funded scholarship. It typically covers tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and one-time return flight tickets. The exact benefits can vary slightly by program level (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD).
What are the core eligibility requirements for the Türkiye Bursları scholarship?
Eligibility for Türkiye Bursları generally requires applicants to be non-Turkish citizens, meet specific academic performance criteria (e.g., minimum GPA), fall within designated age limits for their study level, and commit to studying in an approved program at a Turkish university. Specific requirements vary and are detailed on the official program website.
When does the application period for the Türkiye Bursları typically open?
The application window for Türkiye Bursları usually opens in January and closes in February each year. However, these dates are subject to change, and applicants should always refer to the official Türkiye Bursları website for the most current information and precise deadlines.
Can I apply for the Türkiye Bursları if I'm already studying in Turkey?
Generally, individuals who are already enrolled and studying at a Turkish university are not eligible to apply for the Türkiye Bursları scholarship. The program is primarily aimed at new international students wishing to commence their studies in Turkey.
What documents are required to apply for the Türkiye Bursları?
Commonly required documents include officially attested academic transcripts and diplomas, a valid passport or national ID, a personal statement or statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and in some cases, language proficiency certificates (Turkish or English). A comprehensive list is always provided on the application portal.
How competitive is the Türkiye Bursları program?
The Türkiye Bursları is highly competitive globally, attracting hundreds of thousands of applicants annually from across the world. Success requires a strong academic record, compelling personal statements, well-chosen references, and a clear vision for how studying in Turkey aligns with personal and career goals.
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