Türkiye Government Scholarships for International Students, 2026-2027

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Applications for the Turkish Government Scholarships (Türkiye Scholarships) for the 2026–2027 academic year are officially open. Registration runs from January 10 to February 20, 2026.

The Turkish Government Scholarship program aims to provide full funding to international students of all nationalities who wish to pursue technical education, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD studies, or conduct research in Türkiye. In 2025, more than 120,000 students from 170 countries applied, and around 5,000 scholarships were awarded. Competition is therefore expected to be strong.

Türkiye’s growing appeal for international students

Türkiye is emerging as a major academic destination with 207 higher education institutions (including 129 public universities and 73 foundation universities). According to the latest figures, the number of international students rose from 48,000 in 2013 to 125,000 in 2018, reaching nearly 340,000 in 2024–2025. The government aims for 500,000 international students by 2028. The chart below illustrates this remarkable growth:

Such growth reflects the increasing attractiveness of Turkish programs, especially those taught in English (more than 600 programs), and the strong value for money. Outside Istanbul, an international student can live on €400 to €650 per month, including housing and daily expenses. Public dormitories cost between €24 and €38 per month, while renting an apartment typically ranges from €68 to €283 per month. Overall, the cost of living remains around 40% lower than the European average, a major advantage for students from developing countries.

About Türkiye Scholarships 2026

Turkish Government Scholarships are fully funded and cover all key needs for international students:

• University placement in Türkiye, which eliminates the need to apply separately.
• Monthly stipend: 4,500 TL for bachelor’s and technical programs, 6,500 TL for master’s, and 9,000 TL for PhD programs. Special tracks such as the “arts” scholarship or the merit scholarship offer doubled stipends.
• Accommodation and tuition fee exemption.
• One year of Turkish language courses for those who do not have C1 level.
• Health insurance and a round-trip flight ticket.
• Participation in cultural activities, access to internship opportunities, and seminars to support integration and strengthen professional networks.

READ ALSO : Top 10 Turkish Universities in 2025

Timeline and study levels

• Application dates: January 10 – February 20, 2026. Applications are submitted exclusively online via the official TBBS platform.
• Application evaluation: from March to May.
• Interviews: in June and July. Interviews take place in more than 100 countries and include an academic component and a personal discussion.
• Results announcement: early August.
• Arrival in Türkiye: September.

Eligible study programs

Turkish Government Scholarships cover associate degree, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs, as well as selected research programs. Associate and undergraduate tracks also welcome students for technical training.

You can use this official link to find a study program in Türkiye: https://www.studyinturkiye.gov.tr/StudySearch/List.

Eligibility criteria for Türkiye Government Scholarships

Turkish Government Scholarships are open to all nationalities, but applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Age: under 21 for technical and bachelor’s programs, under 30 for master’s, under 35 for PhD, and under 50 for research programs.
2. Degree: Must have graduated or be able to graduate before August 2026 (researchers and university academics may also apply). Applicants in health sciences (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy) must have a minimum average of 90% (18/20).
3. Academic average: at least 70% for technical and bachelor’s programs, 75% for master’s, and 90% for health-related fields.
4. Language: Turkish is not mandatory, but basic knowledge is recommended. For programs taught in English, applicants must provide an international language test (TOEFL, DELF, IELTS, etc.) and sometimes an international admission test (SAT, GRE, etc.). Awardees who do not submit a Turkish C1 certificate will attend a one-year language course.

Required documents

All documents must be uploaded on the TBBS platform when applying:

1. A valid ID document (passport or national ID card).
2. A recent photo of the applicant (taken within the last year).
3. National exam results (if applicable).
4. The diploma or a temporary graduation certificate.
5. Official transcripts.
6. International exam results (GRE, GMAT, SAT) if required by the program.
7. International language test scores (TOEFL, DELF, IELTS, etc.) if required.
8. For PhD applications: a research proposal and a sample of scientific work.

Selection process

The selection process includes several steps:

• Preliminary evaluation: Verification of age, degree eligibility, and application completeness.
• Academic evaluation by experts: Review of academic performance, program choice, motivation, and the statement of purpose.
• Quantitative test: For some undergraduate applicants (30 questions in mathematics and other disciplines).
• Interview: Questions on academic knowledge, career goals, and motivation to study in Türkiye.
• Final decision: A selection committee reviews the full file and interview feedback.

Why choose Türkiye?

Beyond the full funding offered by Türkiye Scholarships, Türkiye provides affordable living costs, internationally ranked universities, and a dynamic culture blending tradition and modernity. Free applications (no application fee) attract many candidates: around 125,000 applications per year. More than 150,000 alumni have already benefited from the program, forming an active global network.

How to apply for Türkiye Government Scholarships 2026?

The application process for the Turkish Government Scholarship program is straightforward and fully online:

1. Create an account on the official TBBS portal.
2. Complete the application form by providing all required information and uploading the necessary documents.
3. Select your preferred universities and programs (up to 12 choices are possible in the system). The program handles your placement.
4. Write your statement of purpose, explaining your motivation and professional goals.
5. Submit your application before February 20, 2026.

Contact and useful resources

For any questions, contact [email protected]. You can also consult:

• Best Universities in Türkiye in 2025: A ranking of the highest-rated institutions.
• Eiffel Scholarships 2025: calls for applications: Another prestigious program to study in France.
• Scholarships in Finland 2026: A complete guide to studying in Finland in 2026.

With full funding, academic and language support, and a vibrant international community, the Turkish Government Scholarships 2026 are an outstanding opportunity to pursue higher education in a country experiencing rapid academic and economic growth.

Apply Now! Official website