Studying abroad is a dream for many, but the high cost of tuition and living expenses can be a barrier. If you are looking for fully funded scholarships for international students, the Türkiye Bursları (Turkish Government Scholarship) is your golden ticket. This prestigious program is more than just financial aid; it is an all-inclusive gateway to world-class education at Turkey’s top-ranked universities.
Whether you are pursuing a Master’s degree scholarship, a PhD scholarship, or an undergraduate program, this guide covers everything you need to rank your application among the best.
What is the Türkiye Bursları Scholarship?
The Türkiye Bursları Scholarship is a merit-based program open to students from all over the world. Unlike many other study abroad programs, Türkiye Bursları includes both the scholarship and university placement in one single application. This means you don’t need to apply to universities separately—the government does it for you!
Types of Scholarships Available
Depending on your academic goals, you can apply for several categories:
- Undergraduate Scholarship Program: For high school graduates wanting to pursue a Bachelor’s degree.
- Graduate Scholarship Program: For those seeking a Master’s or PhD.
- Research Scholarship Program: For researchers and academicians to conduct short-term research in Turkey.
- Success Scholarship Program: Specifically for students already studying in Turkey on their own means who show exceptional academic performance.
What Does the Scholarship Cover? (Financial Benefits)
This is a fully funded scholarship program, meaning it covers:
- Full Tuition Fees: No out-of-pocket costs for your education.
- Monthly Stipend: * Undergraduate: 4,500 TL/month
- Master’s: 6,500 TL/month
- PhD: 9,000 TL/month
- Accommodation: Free stay in government dormitories.
- Health Insurance: Full coverage for medical needs.
- One-Year Turkish Language Course: Even if your program is in English, you get a free year to learn the local language.
- Flight Tickets: One-time return ticket to your home country upon graduation.
Eligibility Criteria Explained Simply
To apply for the Türkiye Bursları Scholarship, you must meet the following basic requirements:
| Criteria | Undergraduate | Master’s | PhD |
| Minimum GPA | 70% | 75% | 75% |
| Health Science GPA | 90% (Medicine/Dentistry) | N/A | N/A |
| Age Limit | Under 21 years | Under 30 years | Under 35 years |
| Nationality | Non-Turkish Citizens | Non-Turkish Citizens | Non-Turkish Citizens |
Pro Tip: While looking for student loan alternatives, this scholarship stands out because it requires zero repayment and offers a higher value than most online degree programs or private grants.
Required Documents for Application
Ensure you have clear scans of the following:
- A valid Passport or National ID.
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background).
- High School/University Diploma or a temporary graduation certificate.
- Academic Transcripts showing all grades.
- International exam scores (GRE, GMAT, SAT) — Only if required by your chosen university.
- Language proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS) — If the program is in English.
- A powerful Letter of Intent (Motivation Letter).
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Register: Visit the official Türkiye Bursları portal and create an account.
- Profile Update: Enter your personal, educational, and social activity details.
- Upload Documents: Attach all the files listed above.
- Select Universities: You can choose up to 12 university and program preferences.
- Write Your Motivation Letter: This is the most crucial part! Explain why you want to study in Turkey and how it aligns with your career goals.
- Submit: Review everything and hit submit before the deadline.
Important Dates for 2026
- Application Starts: January 10, 2026
- Deadline: February 20, 2026
- Evaluation Phase: March – May 2026
- Interviews: June – July 2026
- Results Announcement: August 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply if I haven’t graduated yet?
Yes! If you are in your final year of high school or university and will graduate by August 2026, you can apply using your current transcripts.
Q: Is there an application fee?
No. The application for the Türkiye Bursları scholarship is completely free. Beware of agencies asking for money to “guarantee” your selection.
Q: Do I need to know Turkish?
No. All students receive a one-year free Turkish language course. However, if your chosen course is in English, you will need a TOEFL certificate.
Conclusion
The Türkiye Bursları Scholarship program is a life-changing opportunity for students globally. If you want to avoid high tuition fees and enjoy a high-quality education in a culturally rich environment, start preparing your documents today. This is one of the best scholarships for international students available right now.
Official Website Links:
Additional Resources
Turkish Scholarship Tips and Tricks
This video provides excellent insights into the application portal and how to select the best universities to increase your chances of winning the Türkiye Bursları scholarship.
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