The Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) program is one of the major government-funded scholarship opportunities available to international students. It offers opportunities at different levels of higher education, including bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programs, as well as other scholarship programs. Applications are submitted online through the official Türkiye Scholarships system and are free of charge.
In this guide, you will learn about Türkiye Scholarships, eligibility requirements, scholarship benefits, required documents, the application process, important dates, and how to apply through the official website.
Important: Requirements, available programs and dates can change. Always check the official Türkiye Scholarships website before submitting your application.
What Is Türkiye Bursları?
Türkiye Bursları, also known as Türkiye Scholarships, is a scholarship program for international students who want to pursue higher education in Türkiye.
The program is designed to provide students with both financial support and university placement. It offers scholarship opportunities at several levels, including associate degree, bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programs, depending on the available programs.
The scholarship is competitive and selection considers more than academic grades. The official evaluation process also considers academic interests, career goals, motivation, consistency of program preferences and social activities.
What Does Türkiye Scholarships Cover?
Türkiye Scholarships is designed as a comprehensive scholarship program.
Depending on the applicable program and award, benefits can include:
- University and department placement
- Monthly financial support
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Health insurance
- Turkish language education
- Flight ticket support
The official full-time scholarship page currently lists these benefits as part of the scholarship package.
The exact scholarship conditions can vary according to the program and current scholarship rules, so applicants should always check the official announcement.
Who Can Apply for Türkiye Scholarships?
Türkiye Scholarships is open to citizens of many countries around the world, subject to the program’s eligibility rules. The current official criteria include the following general academic and age requirements.
Bachelor’s and Associate Degree Applicants
Applicants generally need:
- At least 70% academic achievement
- To be under 21 years old
Master’s Applicants
Applicants generally need:
- At least 75% academic achievement
- To be under 30 years old
PhD Applicants
Applicants generally need:
- At least 75% academic achievement
- To be under 35 years old
Health Sciences
Applicants for medicine, dentistry and pharmacy generally need at least 90% academic achievement.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not mean that an applicant is guaranteed a scholarship. Türkiye Scholarships is competitive, and eligible applications go through an evaluation and selection process.
What Documents Are Required?
Before starting your application, prepare your documents.
According to the official application guide, applicants may need:
- Valid identity document, ID card or passport
- Recent photograph
- National examination results, if applicable
- Diploma or temporary graduation certificate
- Academic transcript
- International examination results, such as SAT, GRE or GMAT, if required by the selected university or program
- International language test results, such as TOEFL or DELF, if required by the selected university or program
PhD applicants may also need:
- Research topic proposal
- Written example of previous research
The exact documents required can depend on your education level and selected program.
Is IELTS Required for Türkiye Scholarships?
This is one of the most common questions from international students.
There is not one IELTS rule that applies to every program.
The official Türkiye Scholarships guidance explains that some programs taught in English or another language may require an internationally accepted language proficiency certificate. Requirements can depend on the university and program.
Therefore, do not assume that every Türkiye Scholarships program is automatically available without IELTS.
Before selecting a program, carefully check its language and admission requirements.
Turkish Language Requirement
Another important point is Turkish language preparation.
According to the official Türkiye Scholarships application information, scholarship recipients who do not have a C1-level Turkish proficiency certificate generally attend a one-year Turkish language course, including students who are placed into programs taught in English or another language.
This means that applicants should be prepared for Turkish language education if they do not already meet the required Turkish proficiency level.
Türkiye Scholarships 2027/2028 Application Timeline
The official Türkiye Scholarships calendar currently lists the general application period as:
January 10 – February 20
The current calendar also lists:
- Evaluation: March–April
- Interviews: April–June
- Results: Early August
- Initial procedures: August
- Transfer of grantees to Türkiye: September
Important for 2027/2028 Applicants
These dates are based on the current official annual calendar. Applicants should check the official Türkiye Scholarships website when the 2027/2028 application announcement is published for confirmation.
Do not rely on an old scholarship post for the final deadline.
How to Apply for Türkiye Scholarships 2027/2028
The application is completed online through the official Türkiye Scholarships Information System (TBBS).
Here is the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Start at the official Türkiye Scholarships website:
Official Türkiye Scholarships Website
Use the official website to review available scholarship programs, requirements and announcements.
Step 2: Create Your Account
Open the official Türkiye Scholarships application system:
Official Türkiye Scholarships Application System
You must register before beginning an application.
The official system states that registration is free and that registration only needs to be completed once.
You will be asked to provide information such as:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Email address
- Password
- Security question and answer
Make sure your name and other personal information are entered accurately.
Step 3: Complete Your Personal Information
After creating your account, complete the personal information section.
Check your information carefully before continuing.
Your application information needs to be accurate because incorrect information can affect your application.
Step 4: Enter Your Education Information
Add your educational history.
Depending on your level, this can include:
- Secondary education
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Academic grades
- Graduation information
- Examination results
Upload the appropriate academic documents when requested.
Step 5: Upload Your Documents
Upload your required documents to the application system.
Make sure:
- Documents are clear
- Names and dates are correct
- Scans are readable
- You upload the correct document to each section
- Information matches what you entered in the application
Do not upload false or altered documents.
Step 6: Search for Scholarship Programs
Türkiye Scholarships provides a program search function that allows applicants to find suitable universities and programs.
Review the available programs carefully before making your choices.
Consider:
- Your previous education
- Your academic interests
- Your career goals
- Language of instruction
- University requirements
- Program eligibility
The official selection process considers the consistency of applicants’ preferences, so avoid choosing programs randomly.
Step 7: Write Your Motivation Carefully
Your motivation is an important part of your application.
Explain clearly:
Why do you want to study this subject?
Show that you understand the field you are applying for.
Why do you want to study in Türkiye?
Explain what attracts you to studying in Türkiye and how the opportunity fits your academic plans.
What are your future career goals?
Explain what you hope to accomplish after completing your education.
How will your education help your future?
Connect your education with your long-term academic or professional goals.
Most importantly, write honestly and use your own experience.
The official evaluation process considers the content of the letter of intent, career goals, academic interests and social activities.
Step 8: Review Your Application
Before submitting, carefully review everything.
Check:
- Personal information
- Education history
- Grades
- Uploaded documents
- Program preferences
- Contact information
- Motivation statement
The official application system allows applicants to save information as they progress, and the final application should be checked carefully before submission.
Step 9: Submit Your Application
Once everything is complete and accurate, submit your application through the official system.
Remember:
Türkiye Scholarships applications are free.
You do not need to pay an application fee to submit a standard Türkiye Scholarships application through the official system.
What Happens After You Apply?
After applications close, eligible applications go through an evaluation process.
The official process includes several stages.
1. Preliminary Assessment
Applications are checked against basic requirements such as:
- Academic achievement
- Age requirements
- Required documents
2. Expert Evaluation
Eligible applications are evaluated based on factors including:
- Academic status
- Previous qualifications
- Academic interests
- Career goals
- Program preference consistency
- Motivation
- Social activities
3. Test
Some undergraduate candidates may be required to take a quantitative test covering mathematics, geometry and logic before their interview.
4. Interview
Candidates selected for interviews are evaluated by interview committees consisting of academics and experts.
The official information states that interviews generally last around 15–30 minutes and can include questions about the applicant’s purpose, academic background and career goals.
5. Final Assessment
After the interview stage, the selection committee evaluates the candidates and determines the final scholarship recipients.
Tips to Improve Your Türkiye Scholarships Application
Here are some practical tips for applicants.
1. Start Early
Do not wait until the final days of the application period.
Prepare your documents in advance.
2. Choose Programs Carefully
Select programs that match your academic background and future goals.
3. Write an Original Motivation Statement
Avoid copying a motivation letter from another applicant.
Your application should explain your own story, goals and reasons.
4. Check Program Requirements
Some universities and programs may require additional examinations or language certificates.
Always check the specific program requirements.
5. Keep Your Information Accurate
The official system emphasizes that the accuracy of the information provided is important.
6. Use Only Official Sources
Scholarship information can change.
Before applying, check the official Türkiye Scholarships website and application system.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes when applying:
❌ Waiting until the deadline
❌ Uploading unclear documents
❌ Entering incorrect grades
❌ Choosing programs randomly
❌ Copying another person’s motivation letter
❌ Providing false information
❌ Ignoring program-specific requirements
❌ Paying someone who promises a guaranteed scholarship
No person or agency can guarantee that you will receive a competitive scholarship.
Official Türkiye Scholarships Links
For your convenience, here are the official resources you should use:
Official Türkiye Scholarships Website:
Türkiye Scholarships Official Website
Official Application System (TBBS):
Türkiye Scholarships Application System
Official Application Steps:
Türkiye Scholarships — Application in 5 Steps
Official Eligibility & Scholarship Programs:
Türkiye Scholarships — Criteria & Programs
Official Application Calendar:
Türkiye Scholarships Application Calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Türkiye Bursları fully funded?
Türkiye Scholarships is a comprehensive scholarship program that can provide university placement, tuition support, accommodation, health insurance, Turkish language education, monthly financial support and flight-ticket support, depending on the applicable scholarship.
Is the Türkiye Scholarships application free?
Yes. The official application system states that registration and application are free of charge.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Türkiye Scholarships is designed for international applicants, subject to the program’s eligibility requirements.
Can I apply for a bachelor’s degree?
Yes. Türkiye Scholarships offers bachelor’s-level opportunities in various fields.
Can I apply for a master’s degree?
Yes. Master’s programs are included among the full-time scholarship opportunities.
Can I apply for a PhD?
Yes. Türkiye Scholarships offers PhD opportunities in a range of fields, subject to the applicable requirements.
Do I need IELTS?
Not necessarily. Language requirements depend on the university and program. Some programs may require an internationally accepted language certificate.
When does the application open?
The current official general application calendar lists January 10–February 20. Always check the official website for the confirmed dates for the relevant application year.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the official Türkiye Scholarships Information System:
Apply through the official TBBS system
Final Thoughts
Türkiye Bursları can be an excellent opportunity for international students who want to pursue higher education in Türkiye.
However, receiving the scholarship is competitive. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
The best approach is to prepare early, choose suitable programs, provide accurate information, write a strong and personal motivation statement, and follow the official application instructions carefully.
Most importantly, apply through the official Türkiye Scholarships system and never pay someone who claims they can guarantee you a scholarship.
Good luck with your Türkiye Scholarships 2027/2028 application!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Scholarship requirements, available programs, benefits and application dates can change. Applicants should verify all information on the official Türkiye Scholarships website before applying.