Türkiye Scholarships 2027: who gets the Turkish government scholarship and how to apply

Türkiye Bursları is the Turkish government's full scholarship for international students. Hundreds of thousands apply every year, so competition is very high. But students who know the rules and prepare on time have a real chance.

What does the scholarship cover?

• Tuition — in full
• Monthly stipend — according to the latest published figures about 3,500 TL for bachelor's, 4,500 TL for master's and 5,500 TL for PhD (amounts are updated every year)
• Accommodation — a place in a state dormitory
• Health insurance
• Turkish language preparation — one year, free
• Flight ticket — at the start and end of studies

Important: you do not choose the university and programme yourself — you list up to 12 preferences and the committee places you. Teaching is mostly in Turkish.

Who can apply?

Level	Age limit	Minimum grade average
Bachelor's	under 21	70%
Master's	under 30	75%
PhD	under 35	75%

Medicine, dentistry and pharmacy usually require higher grades. Turkish citizens and students already studying at that level in a Turkish university cannot apply.

When do applications open?

In 2026 applications ran from 10 January to 20 February. Official 2027 dates are not out yet, but the window usually opens at the same time. Applications are online only, via tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr, and free of charge.

Application steps

1. Register on the portal and complete your profile.
2. Upload your passport, photo, school certificate (or diploma) and transcript; if you have them, a language certificate, YÖS/SAT result and recommendation letter.
3. Write a motivation letter: why Türkiye, why this field, your future plans.
4. Choose up to 12 universities/programmes.
5. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview (usually in spring); results come out in summer.

How to improve your chances

• The motivation letter matters most — no generic phrases, write a concrete goal and your experience.
• Back up olympiads, projects, volunteering and certificates with documents.
• YÖS or SAT is not required, but a strong score helps.
• Don't wait for the last day — the portal gets overloaded in the final week.

Türkiye Scholarships or a private university discount?

	Türkiye Scholarships	Private university discount
Cost	Free + monthly stipend	Discounted tuition
University choice	Committee places you	You choose
Language	Mostly Turkish	English or Turkish
Competition	Very high	Low, admission with school certificate
Decision	In summer	Conditional offer in 1–5 working days

The smartest strategy is to prepare for both in parallel: apply for Türkiye Scholarships and secure a discounted place at a private university at the same time. If you win the scholarship, the choice is yours. Compare discounted programmes here.

Sources: Türkiye Scholarships official website (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr) — 2026 call; stipend amounts: study-abroad.org (2026). Figures may change, check the official website.

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