Did you know? The Türkiye Scholarships program offers a staggering over 5,000 scholarships annually to international students from all over the world! That’s right, over 5,000 students get the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams in Turkey, tuition-free.
The Türkiye Scholarships are a fully-funded scholarship program that supports international students like you in pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in Turkey. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain a high-quality education abroad while experiencing the rich culture and history of Turkey.
Types of Turkish Scholarships
The Türkiye Scholarships program offers a variety of options to cater to different academic levels and interests. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:
1. Full-Time Scholarship Programs
The full-time scholarship program includes the Graduate Scholarship Program and the Music and Fine Arts Scholarship. The graduate scholarship program is designed for students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees in a wide range of academic fields. These fields encompass the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and engineering. It’s important to note that health disciplines are generally not included in this program.
On the other hand, the Music and Fine Arts Scholarship is a specific program that caters to students interested in music and fine arts degrees. It offers scholarships for various specializations, including instrument training, music sciences, music technologies, music theory, musicology, and voice training.
2. Based on Educational Level (Applies to Full-Time Programs)
The scholarships based on educational level include undergraduate scholarships and graduate scholarships.
The undergraduate scholarships are designated for students from specific countries or regions that have historical ties to Turkey. This could include countries in Africa, the Balkans, the Black Sea region, and Turkic countries.
It’s important to note that eligibility for undergraduate scholarships is regional, so be sure to check the program website for the latest information on which countries are included each year.
Graduate scholarships, on the other hand, are generally open to a wider range of nationalities compared to undergraduate options. This means that students from a larger pool of countries are eligible to apply for graduate-level scholarships in Turkey.
There are even specialized programs offered at the graduate level, such as the Ali Kuşçu Science and Technology Graduate Scholarship and the İbni Haldun Social Sciences Graduate Scholarship.
ALSO READ: Commonwealth Scholarships in the UK 2024-2025 Application Guide
Who Can Apply?
The Türkiye Scholarships program is open to international students who meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: While eligibility can vary slightly from year to year, the program is generally open to students from a wide range of countries. Be sure to check the official website for the latest information on participating countries.
- Academic Level: The program offers scholarships for undergraduate, graduate (Master’s and PhD), and research programs. There might be regional restrictions for undergraduate scholarships, so check for specifics.
- Academic Performance: The program is competitive, and applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance. This typically involves good grades in previous studies and standardized test scores (if required by your chosen program).
- Age: Age limits can vary depending on the program level (undergraduate, graduate, etc.). Check the official website for details.
- Health: Applicants must be in good health and meet any specific health requirements outlined by the program.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Türkiye Scholarships program is a truly comprehensive scholarship, covering a wide range of expenses to ensure a smooth academic journey in Turkey. Here’s what’s included:
- Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for your chosen program at a Turkish university.
- Monthly Stipend: You’ll receive a monthly stipend to cover your living expenses in Turkey. The amount varies depending on your program level (usually higher for PhD students).
- Accommodation: The program either provides accommodation directly or offers a housing allowance to help you find suitable housing.
- Health Insurance: The scholarship covers your health insurance for the duration of your studies in Turkey.
- Flight Ticket: You’ll receive a round-trip flight ticket to cover your travel to and from Turkey.
- Turkish Language Course (if applicable): If necessary, the program provides a one-year Turkish language course to help you prepare for your studies.
Application Timeline
The application window typically opens in early January and closes in late February each year. It’s crucial to mark these dates on your calendar and plan accordingly. Double-check the official website (https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/) for the exact dates for the upcoming application cycle.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted exclusively online through the official Türkiye Scholarships Application System (TBBS). Here’s what you can expect:
- Create an account: Head to the TBBS website and create an account to access the application portal.
- Fill out the application form. Upload the required documents: The online form will ask you for detailed information, including your academic background, program preferences, and contact details.
- This is a crucial step. Make sure you have all the necessary documents scanned and ready to upload within the online system.
Required Documents for the Scholarship
- Valid Identity Document: This could be your passport or national ID card.
- Recent Photograph: A passport-sized photo taken within the last year.
- Academic transcripts: official transcripts from your previous educational institutions (translated into English or Turkish if necessary).
- Diploma or Graduation Certificate: A copy of your diploma or a temporary graduation certificate (if applicable).
- Standardized Test Scores (if required): GRE, GMAT, SAT, or other standardized test scores might be required by your chosen program or university.
- International Language Test Scores (if required): TOEFL, DELF, or another language proficiency test might be required depending on the program language.
- Recommendation Letters: One or two recommendation letters from professors or academic advisors can strengthen your application.
Note: This is a general list, and specific requirements might vary depending on your chosen program and level of study. Always refer to the official program details and application guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose any university in Turkey?
The application system will allow you to choose universities and programs that match your academic background and eligibility.
What happens if I get accepted but then decide not to go?
If you are awarded a scholarship but choose not to accept it, you may be ineligible to apply again in the future.
Do I need to pay an application fee?
No, there is no application fee for the Türkiye Scholarships program.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
There isn’t a specific GPA requirement mentioned, but the program is competitive, so strong academic performance is expected.
Conclusion
The Türkiye Scholarships program offers a truly remarkable opportunity for international students like you to pursue their academic dreams in Turkey. With its comprehensive financial support, the program opens doors to a high-quality education at prestigious universities.