Checked against official sources on 19 October 2026. Requirements, fees and dates change and can differ by university, embassy or consulate. Always confirm the current rules with the official source before you apply — we do this for every student we work with.
Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) is the Turkish government's scholarship programme for international students. It is fully funded and competitive, and it is open to Afghan citizens. This guide summarises the official rules and explains how to prepare.
Key facts at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | Citizens of all countries except Türkiye |
| Application window | 10 January – 20 February every year (per the official website) |
| Where to apply | Online at tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr |
| Levels | Associate, bachelor's, master's, PhD (plus research programmes) |
Age limits and minimum grades
According to the official criteria:
- Associate and bachelor's: under 21, minimum academic achievement 70%
- Master's: under 30, minimum 75%
- PhD: under 35, minimum 75%
- Medicine, dentistry and pharmacy: minimum 90%
Meeting the minimum makes you eligible. It does not make you competitive. Successful applicants usually have results well above these thresholds.
What the scholarship covers
The official page for full-time programmes lists:
- Tuition fees
- A monthly stipend (listed as 6,500 TL for undergraduate, 9,500 TL for master's and 13,000 TL for PhD students when we checked in October 2026)
- Accommodation
- Health insurance
- A flight ticket at the start and end of your studies
- A one-year Turkish language course
How to prepare a strong application
- Start in November or December. Gather your documents before the window opens in January.
- Choose programmes carefully. Pick programmes that genuinely match your academic background and goals, and be ready to explain why.
- Write your own statement of purpose. Explain your background, your goals and why this field and Türkiye make sense for you. Be specific and honest.
- Get strong references from teachers or professors who know your work.
- Check every detail of your online application before submitting. Mistakes in names, dates or grades can hurt your application.
- Prepare for the interview if you are shortlisted. Know your application well and speak honestly about your plans.
Documents to prepare in advance
The online application asks you to upload documents. Exact requirements are listed in the portal and can change, but students typically need:
- Passport or national identity document
- A recent photograph
- Diploma (or proof of expected graduation) and transcripts
- Exam results, if you have any that the system asks for
- Language certificates, if you have them
- Reference letters, where required for your level
Scan everything clearly, in colour, and check that names match your passport.
Why many applications are weak
- A generic statement of purpose that could have been written by anyone
- Programme choices that do not match the applicant's background
- Incomplete or unclear uploads, such as missing pages or blurry scans
- Leaving it to the last days of the window, when there is no time to fix problems
Have a back-up plan
Competition is strong, so many students also apply directly to universities for the same intake. If you are selected for the scholarship, you can then decide. Read how to apply to Turkish universities and about university tuition discounts.
A warning about scams
Applications are submitted through the official portal, and decisions are made only by Türkiye Scholarships. No agent, consultancy or person can sell you a place. If someone guarantees selection for a fee, walk away.
How we help
We check your eligibility, help you plan programme choices, review your documents and statement of purpose, and make sure you submit on time. We cannot influence selection, and we will never claim to.
Questions students ask
When does the Türkiye Scholarships application open?
The official website states that applications for associate, bachelor's and graduate programmes are accepted between 10 January and 20 February every year. Confirm the dates when the next call is announced.
Is there an application fee?
Applications are made through the official online portal. Be wary of anyone who asks you to pay to secure a scholarship.
Can I apply to Türkiye Scholarships and to universities directly at the same time?
Many students do both, so that they have options if they are not selected for the scholarship. Check the current programme rules for any restrictions.
About this guide
Written and maintained by the team at Noory Educational Consultancy Services, an education consultancy in Jalalabad established in 2018 and led by Fatihullah Noory (Founder & CEO). We check time-sensitive facts against official sources and update our guides when the rules change.