Turkey Government Scholarship 2026 (Türkiye Bursları)

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The Turkey Government Scholarship 2026 – Türkiye Bursları is considered one of the most prestigious scholarship programs worldwide for international students who wish to study in Turkey free of charge with full funding. The scholarship does not only provide a university seat, but also offers an integrated package that includes tuition fees, a monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, a Turkish language course, and in most tracks, a round-trip international flight ticket.

In this comprehensive guide, you will find everything you need to know about:

Available degrees and fields under the Turkey Government Scholarship 2026
Official admission and eligibility requirements as announced by the scholarship authority
Required documents and a practical explanation of how to prepare them
Step-by-step application process through the TBBS online system
Sample answers for admission questions and motivation letters to guide you when preparing your application

What Is the Turkey Government Scholarship 2026 (Türkiye Bursları)?

The Turkey Government Scholarship 2026 (Türkiye Bursları Scholarship) is an international scholarship program fully funded by the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and administered by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB). The main objectives of the program are:

Attracting academically outstanding students from around the world
Building a global alumni network that strengthens cooperation between Türkiye and other countries

The scholarship is distinguished by the following features:

Fully funded scholarship: covers tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, monthly stipend, and a Turkish language course
Scholarship with guaranteed university placement: applicants do not need to apply separately to universities; the scholarship administration nominates and coordinates placement at a suitable Turkish university

Available Study Levels

Associate Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree
PhD
Short-term research scholarships for selected researchers and academics

For regular updates on scholarships and academic opportunities, follow our official platforms:

Available Degrees and Fields in the Turkey Government Scholarship 2026

The Türkiye Bursları scholarship offers different programs depending on the level of study:

1. Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Suitable for students who have completed high school or are about to graduate. Fields of study include almost all disciplines, such as:

Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy
Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Architectural, Mechanical, Computer Engineering, etc.)
Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Marine Sciences, etc.)
Social Sciences (Economics, Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, etc.)
Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Marketing
Humanities (Arabic, English, Turkish Language, History, Islamic Studies, etc.)
Arts and Design, Cinema, Music, and Interior Architecture

2. Master’s and PhD Programs

Designed for students holding a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s programs) or a Master’s degree (for PhD programs), covering:

Advanced research programs in engineering and technology
Business Administration (MBA), Economics, and Finance
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science
Health Sciences, Public Health, and Nursing
Humanities, Social Sciences, Islamic and Sharia Studies

You can also check out the Mastercard Scholarship at the American University of Beirut

3. Research Scholarships and Short-Term Programs

There are short-term research programs for researchers and academics, allowing them to conduct research at a Turkish university for a specific period, in accordance with the conditions published on the official website.

Funding Benefits – What Does the Turkey Government Scholarship 2026 Cover?

According to the Benefits of Türkiye Government Scholarships page and official data, the scholarship offers a comprehensive funding package:

Full Tuition Fee Waiver

Students do not pay any semester or annual tuition fees throughout the program, as long as they maintain academic success and regular attendance.

Monthly Stipend

The scholarship administration states that it provides a monthly stipend that varies by degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) to cover basic living expenses such as accommodation, food, local transportation, and books.
Exact stipend amounts may change from year to year, so applicants must always consult the official website before relying on any figures.

Free or Subsidized University Accommodation

Most students are accommodated in government or university dormitories.
If a student needs to live outside official dormitories, arrangements are made according to the scholarship policy and the host university.

Government Health Insurance

Students receive health insurance that allows access to public healthcare services, often at symbolic or no cost.

One International Flight Ticket

The scholarship usually includes an international flight ticket at the beginning of studies and a return ticket after completion, according to the conditions specified for each program in official announcements.

One-Year Turkish Language Course

If the student does not already hold a C1 Turkish language certificate, they must complete a one-year preparatory Turkish language program, fully covered by the scholarship.

Cultural Activities and Alumni Network

The Turkish government invests in cultural activities, trips, workshops, and international alumni networks to strengthen long-term relations.

Important Note: Any exact financial figures (monthly stipend amounts or accommodation costs) should be taken only from the most recent official announcements on the Türkiye Scholarships website, as values may change depending on economic conditions and the year of application.

You can also check out the Simmons University Kotzen Scholarship in the USA

Official Admission and Eligibility Criteria for Turkey Government Scholarship

According to the Criteria & Scholarship Programs page, the general eligibility requirements are as follows:

1. Nationality and Eligible Categories

Eligible applicants:

Citizens of all countries (no general regional restrictions)
Graduates or students expected to graduate before August of the admission year
Researchers and academics (for selected research programs)

Not eligible:

Turkish citizens or individuals who have lost Turkish citizenship
Students already enrolled in a Turkish university at the same level they are applying for

2. Minimum Academic Achievement Requirements

Associate & Bachelor’s: minimum 70% in high school or equivalent
Master’s & PhD: minimum 75% in the previous degree
Medical fields (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy): minimum 90%

3. Age Requirements

Associate & Bachelor’s: under 21 years old
Master’s: under 30 years old
PhD: under 35 years old
Research programs: under 50 years old

Additional Selection Criteria

In addition to GPA and age requirements, official sources state that selection is competitive and focuses on:

Strength of the CV and volunteer/leadership activities
Alignment between the chosen field and the applicant’s academic background
Quality of the motivation letter and required essays
Interview performance (if shortlisted)

Historic university campus in Turkey representing the Turkey Government Scholarship (Türkiye Bursları).

Required Documents for Turkey Government Scholarship 2026

All documents must be uploaded through the TBBS online application system before the deadline and include:

Valid Identification Document

National ID card or passport, with translation if not in English or Turkish (as required by the system).

Recent Personal Photograph

A photo with a plain background, taken within the last year, close to official photo standards.

Graduation Certificates / Diplomas

Bachelor’s applicants: High school certificate + transcript
Master’s applicants: Bachelor’s degree certificate + transcript
PhD applicants: Master’s degree certificate + transcript

Academic Transcript

Shows all courses and grades, including final cumulative GPA.

National Examination Results (If Available)

Such as national high school exams or entrance examinations in your country.

International Exams (If Required)

GRE, GMAT, SAT, or equivalent, if required by the selected universities or programs.

Language Certificates (If Available)

IELTS / TOEFL for English-taught programs (if required).
DELF / DALF or other language certificates if required.

Research Proposal and Writing Sample (For PhD Applicants)

Applicants to PhD programs must upload a clear research proposal and a sample of previous academic work.

You can also check out the Malaysian Government MTCP Scholarship

Application Steps for Turkey Government Scholarship 2026 via TBBS System

According to official pages such as Application in 5 Steps and Türkiye Scholarships Applications, the process can be summarized as follows:

Step 1: Create an Account on the Türkiye Scholarships Portal

Visit the TBBS application portal via the Application/Login section on the official website
Register using a valid email address and a strong password
Activate your account via email verification if required

Step 2: Fill in Personal and Academic Information

Enter identity details, address, and contact information
Add previous education details: schools, universities, majors, GPAs, graduation years
Upload required documents in PDF or JPEG format with clear quality

Step 3: Select Universities and Programs

Usually, you can select up to three programs at different universities
Choose programs aligned with your academic background and experience
Carefully review each program’s details (language of instruction, additional requirements, city, etc.)

Step 4: Write the Motivation Letter and Answer Application Questions

Typical questions include:

Why did you choose to study in Turkey?
Why did you choose this field of study?
What is your career plan after graduation?

These answers play a critical role in evaluating your application. Sample models are provided later in this article.

Step 5: Submit the Application and Wait for Initial Screening Results

Ensure all fields are completed and documents uploaded correctly
Submit before the deadline
Shortlisted candidates will receive interview invitations (online or in-person), as announced officially

Expected Application Timeline for Turkey Government Scholarship 2026

Based on the Türkiye Scholarships 2025 Applications announcement, application dates for the 2025–2026 academic year were:

Application period: January 10 to February 20, 2025 (annually)

Practical Strategies to Increase Your Chances of Acceptance

Because Türkiye Bursları 2026 is highly competitive, you must build a strong profile combining academic performance, activities, and a compelling motivation letter:

Strengthen your academic record
Focus on volunteer and leadership activities
Write a clear, specific, and convincing motivation letter
Choose logical programs aligned with your background
Avoid common mistakes such as unclear documents, generic answers, or last-day submissions

You can also check out the Khalifa University Scholarship in UAE

Sample Answers for Motivation Letter Questions (Guidance Models)

(These samples are for guidance only and must be adapted personally.)

Sample: Why Did You Choose to Study in Turkey?

“I choose to study in Turkey through the Turkey Government Scholarship 2026 because it represents a unique intersection between educational quality and rich cultural heritage. Turkish universities offer strong programs in engineering and applied sciences, supported by modern laboratories and distinguished academic staff. At the same time, studying in Turkey allows me to engage with a culturally diverse society that bridges Eastern identity and European openness.

Moreover, the Türkiye Bursları Scholarship is not limited to financial support; it provides a global alumni network and cultural engagement opportunities, aligning with my ambition to build an international career while maintaining strong ties to my home country.”

Sample: Why Did You Choose This Field?

“Since my early school years, I have been interested in how technology can be used to solve societal challenges, particularly in the fields of energy and infrastructure. For this reason, I chose to apply for the Bachelor’s program in Electrical Engineering through the Turkiye Scholarships 2026.

In my country, many regions suffer from frequent power outages and a shortage of qualified professionals in designing and operating modern energy systems. Through this specialization, I aim to gain in-depth knowledge in designing electrical grids and renewable energy systems, and eventually return to contribute to the development of the energy sector through practical projects and partnerships with both governmental and private institutions.”

Sample: What Is Your Plan After Graduation?

“In the first years after graduating from a Turkish university, I aim to return to my country and work in the energy or infrastructure sector, either within national companies or in projects carried out in cooperation with international institutions. In the medium term, I aspire to establish a small consultancy firm specializing in improving energy efficiency in industrial and public facilities.

I believe that studying in Turkey through the fully funded Turkey Government Scholarship 2026 will provide me with the technical and linguistic skills, as well as the international network, that I need to turn this goal into a practical reality rather than merely a theoretical plan.”

Sample Paragraph for the “Your Contribution to Your Country After the Scholarship” Section

“I believe that the true value of any international scholarship does not end with the student, but extends to the community to which they return. Therefore, if I am awarded the Turkiye Government Scholarship 2026, I am committed to transferring the knowledge and experience I gain back to my country through:

Offering free workshops for university and school students on higher education planning and scholarship opportunities.
Contributing to local research projects in collaboration with university professors in my country.
Supporting youth initiatives that focus on innovation in the field of sustainable energy

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Interview and Selection

Lack of basic knowledge about Turkey or your chosen field
Inconsistencies between application content and interview answers
Exaggeration or unrealistic promises
Poor preparation in the language of instruction

Official Links for Verification

Conclusion

If you are serious about studying in Turkey in 2026 through the Turkey Government Scholarship (Türkiye Bursları), begin now by selecting suitable programs, preparing a strong motivation letter, and verifying all details through official sources. This structured and realistic approach will significantly increase your chances of success.