Complete Guide to the
Türkiye Bursları 2026

Positioned as a vibrant bridge between East and West, Turkey has become a premier destination for higher education. To foster mutual understanding and host future global leaders, the Turkish government offers the highly prestigious Türkiye Bursları (Turkey Scholarships) program.

Unlike many other international programs, Türkiye Bursları is uniquely comprehensive: it manages your university placement and your scholarship funding simultaneously. Let's break down everything you need to know about securing this life-changing, fully-funded opportunity for the 2026 academic year.

What is Türkiye Bursları?

Türkiye Bursları is a government-funded, competitive scholarship program awarded to outstanding international students and researchers. It allows you to pursue full-time or short-term programs at top universities in Turkey.

What makes this scholarship stand out globally is its all-in-one application process. You do not need to apply to a Turkish university separately. In your scholarship application, you select your top university and program choices. If awarded the scholarship, you are automatically granted university admission to one of your choices.

Financial Benefits & Full Package

Türkiye Bursları is known for offering one of the most comprehensive funding packages in the world, covering virtually every aspect of a student's educational and living journey.

Note on Language: This immersive 1-year language preparation is mandatory. It ensures you can navigate daily life, make friends, and fully experience Turkish culture, even if your actual academic degree will be taught entirely in English.

Eligibility & Age Requirements

The scholarship is strictly merit-based and has rigid academic and age criteria depending on the degree level you are applying for.

1. Minimum Academic Criteria

• Undergraduate Candidates: Minimum academic achievement of 70%.
• Graduate Candidates (Master's & PhD): Minimum academic achievement of 75%.
• Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy): Minimum academic achievement of 90%.

2. Age Criteria

• For Undergraduate programs: Must be under the age of 21.
• For Master’s programs: Must be under the age of 30.
• For PhD programs: Must be under the age of 35.
• For Research programs: Must be under the age of 50.

Note: Turkish citizens and individuals who have lost Turkish citizenship cannot apply. Current students already studying in Turkey at the targeted level of study are also ineligible.

Eligible Programs & Language

You can apply for almost all academic fields, including Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, and Business. However, you must pay attention to the language of instruction.

While many programs in top Turkish universities are taught in English (or French/Arabic), the majority are taught in Turkish. If you choose an English-taught program, you must provide internationally recognized language certificates (like TOEFL or IELTS) during your application, or you will not be considered for those specific programs.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

The application period usually opens in early January and strictly closes in late February every year. The entire process is conducted online via the official TBBS portal.

1. Step 1: Create an Account on TBBS (Jan - Feb) Register on the Türkiye Scholarships Information System (TBBS). Fill out your entire profile, including personal details, education history, social activities, and work experience.
2. Step 2: Upload Documents You will need your Diploma/Transcripts, National ID/Passport, a recent photograph, Exam Scores (if any, like SAT, GRE, GMAT), and Language Scores (TOEFL/IELTS if applying for English programs).
3. Step 3: Program Selection & Letter of Intent Choose up to 12 university/program preferences. You must then write your "Letter of Intent" (Motivation Letter) answering specific prompt questions directly in the system.
4. Step 4: Interview Process (April - June) Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview in their home country (at the Turkish Embassy/Consulate) or online. This interview includes a document check, an academic knowledge assessment, and a discussion of your future goals.
5. Step 5: Final Results & Visa (July - August) Successful candidates receive their award letters, apply for their student visas, and prepare to travel to Turkey in September.

Tips for a Winning Application

With hundreds of thousands of applicants yearly, standing out requires more than just good grades. The selection committee looks for well-rounded individuals with leadership potential.

"Your Letter of Intent is your biggest asset. Don't just list your academic achievements. Explain your vision for your home country and how studying in Turkey will help you build bridges between the two nations."

• Highlight Extracurriculars: TBBS has a dedicated section for awards, projects, and volunteering. Fill it up! They highly value students who are active in their communities.
• Be Strategic with Preferences: You have 12 choices. Do not just pick the top 3 universities in Istanbul or Ankara. Mix in highly-ranked universities in other beautiful student cities like Izmir, Bursa, or Antalya to increase your placement chances.
• Prepare for the Interview: The interview lasts about 15-30 minutes. Be ready to summarize your academic background, explain your Letter of Intent, and demonstrate basic knowledge about Turkey's culture and academic landscape.