Government of Turkiye Scholarships Open for 2026-2027 Intake for International Students
If you’re planning to study abroad in 2026 and want a scholarship that removes financial stress instead of adding to it, the Turkey Government Scholarship (Türkiye Bursları) deserves a top spot on your list. This is not just another tuition waiver — it’s a fully funded national program designed to bring talented students from around the world to Turkish universities for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees.
With applications open from January 10 to February 20, 2026, and with no application fee and no compulsory IELTS, this scholarship has become one of the most realistic study-abroad pathways for students who want quality education without elite barriers.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from what you actually get, to how to apply smartly, and even how part-time work works for international students in Turkey.
Why Türkiye Bursları Is Different from Most Scholarships?
Many scholarships help with one or two costs. Türkiye Bursları removes almost all of them.
If selected, you receive:
- Full tuition coverage at a public Turkish university
- Monthly living allowance throughout your study period
- Free student accommodation or housing support
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Round-trip international airfare
- One-year Turkish language course before your degree begins
This means your biggest responsibility is not money — it’s performance. The program is built to let students focus on academics, not survival.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to international students from all countries who want to study in Turkey at:
- Bachelor’s level
- Master’s level
- PhD level
You can apply in nearly all major fields, including:
- Engineering and technology
- Medicine and health sciences
- Business and economics
- Social sciences and humanities
- Natural sciences
- Arts and design
Language flexibility is another advantage. If your program is in English, an English test score is helpful but not mandatory for the scholarship. If your program is in Turkish, the scholarship already includes a fully funded language year — so no one is excluded because of language.
Step-by-Step: How the Application Process Works
Türkiye Bursları keeps things refreshingly simple.
Step 1: Prepare your documents
You’ll typically need:
- Academic transcripts
- Graduation certificates (or expected completion proof)
- Passport or national ID
- Motivation letter
- CV or academic profile
Step 2: Apply online — for free
All applications are submitted through the official Türkiye Bursları system. There are no agents required and no application charges.
Step 3: Evaluation and shortlisting
Your application is reviewed based on:
- Academic strength
- Motivation and clarity of goals
- Completeness of documents
- Overall profile balance
Step 4: Interview stage
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews (online or in person depending on region).
Step 5: Final selection
Successful applicants receive official offers and instructions for visa and enrollment.
Tip: Students often think test scores guarantee success. In reality, Türkiye Bursları puts serious weight on motivation letters and document quality. A clear, honest, and focused application can outperform expensive credentials.
Can International Students Work Part-Time in Turkey?
Yes — but with rules you should understand clearly.
Part-time work rights by study level
-
Bachelor’s students:
Generally, part-time work is not permitted in the first year. Work permission may be possible later, but it requires formal approval and is more limited. -
Master’s and PhD students:
Graduate students have stronger legal rights to work part-time, especially in research, academic assistance, or relevant professional fields. A work permit is still required, but universities often support this process.
What kind of jobs do students do?
Common student jobs include:
- University research or lab assistant roles
- Teaching assistance and tutoring
- Library or campus services
- Cafés, restaurants, and retail
- Translation or online freelance work
Important reality check
If you are a Türkiye Bursları scholar, your core expenses are already covered. Part-time work should be seen as:
- Extra income for personal spending
- Professional experience
- Skill development
—not as a necessity for survival. This makes Turkey one of the few countries where students can work by choice, not by pressure.
Living in Turkey as an International Student
Turkey offers something rare: European-level education costs with Middle-Eastern hospitality and Asian connectivity. Cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, and Konya host major public universities with strong international communities.
You’ll find:
- Affordable food and transport
- Student discounts across cities
- Rich cultural life and history
- Easy travel access to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
For many scholars, Turkey becomes more than a study destination — it becomes a second home.
Application Submission Dates You Must Remember
For anyone planning to apply for the Turkey Government Scholarship 2026–2027, keeping the submission timeline in mind is essential. The official application window opens on January 10, 2026, giving candidates the green light to submit their profiles and documents through the Türkiye Bursları system.
The deadline to complete and finalize your application is February 20, 2026, after which no new submissions are accepted. One of the biggest advantages of this program is that the entire process is completely free of charge — there is no application fee, no compulsory IELTS requirement, and no hidden costs at any stage, making it one of the most accessible fully funded scholarship opportunities for international students worldwide.
Final Words for Future Applicants
Türkiye Bursları is not just about funding — it’s about opportunity without gatekeeping. It gives students from all economic backgrounds a real chance to earn a respected international degree, gain global exposure, and build a future without being buried under costs.
If you’re serious about studying abroad in 2026 and want a scholarship that supports you fully — academically, financially, and culturally — this is one opportunity you should prepare for early and apply for with confidence.
Official application portal:
https://tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/
