Türkiye Scholarships - Master's Programme

Overview

The Türkiye Scholarships Master's Programme is a fully funded government scholarship managed by YTB (Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities). It places international graduate students at Turkish universities for master's-level study, covering tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation support, health insurance, a return flight, and a one-year Turkish language course. It is part of the same Türkiye Bursları framework as the undergraduate programme, with benefit amounts calibrated for graduate-level living needs.

For master's students, the accommodation model differs from the undergraduate track: you receive free dormitory housing in your first year and then a monthly housing allowance of 6,000 TL if you study in Istanbul or Ankara, or 5,000 TL elsewhere, for the remainder of your programme. The monthly stipend at master's level is 6,500 TL, higher than the undergraduate rate, reflecting the longer average working hours and research intensity of graduate study.

The scholarship is competitive across all disciplines. You can apply to up to 12 university and programme combinations, and YTB makes the final placement decision based on your application score, interview performance, and academic background. The application window runs annually in early year - the 2026-2027 cycle ran from 10 January to 20 February 2026 - and is one of the largest fully-funded master's scholarship schemes open to students from any country worldwide.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You must have a minimum academic achievement of 75% in your undergraduate degree. For health sciences programmes, the minimum rises to 90%. You must be a graduate or a final-year undergraduate student at the time of application.

Nationality Requirements

The scholarship is open to citizens of all countries except Türkiye. You must not currently be enrolled in a Turkish university at master's level, and you must not have previously held this scholarship at the same level.

Age Requirements

You must be under 30 years old as of 1 January of the application year.

Language Requirements

No prior Turkish proficiency is required at application - the one-year language course is part of the scholarship. If your chosen programme is taught in English, proficiency in English is advantageous and may be a university admission requirement. Check the specific language requirements of your target programmes before listing them.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition waiver for the entire master's programme
• Monthly stipend of 6,500 TL throughout the programme
• Free dormitory accommodation in the first year
• Monthly housing allowance after the first year: 6,000 TL in Istanbul or Ankara; 5,000 TL in other cities
• Full health insurance covering emergency and routine medical services
• One-off return flight ticket (arrival and final departure)
• One-year Turkish language preparatory course, with stipend and housing provided during this period

How to Apply

1. Check the application window - The TBBS system opens in early January each year. Monitor turkiyeburslari.gov.tr from December for the opening announcement.
2. Register an account - Create a profile on tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr using the name exactly as it appears on your passport.
3. Complete the online application - Fill in all sections: personal details, educational background, language skills, achievements, and your statement of purpose.
4. Select up to 12 programmes - Research Turkish universities and master's programmes before the window opens. Rank your choices by genuine preference.
5. Upload your documents - Attach all required files in the system's specified formats before submitting.
6. Submit before the closing date - The system closes at the advertised deadline. Incomplete applications are not reviewed.
7. Attend the interview if invited - Shortlisted candidates receive an interview invitation via the TBBS system, typically in March-April.
8. Await placement results - Final decisions are typically announced between May and July.

Required Documents

• Clear scan of your passport (photo page)
• Biometric passport-size photograph
• Bachelor's degree diploma or official letter confirming final-year enrolment
• Official undergraduate transcripts showing grade percentages
• Language proficiency test results if applicable (TOEFL, IELTS)
• International exam results if applicable (GRE, GMAT)
• Research statement or study plan relevant to your proposed master's field
• Certificates for academic competitions, publications, or notable achievements

Key Dates & Deadlines

The application window opens in early January and closes in mid-to-late February. The 2026-2027 cycle ran from 10 January to 20 February 2026. Interviews are held in March-April. Final placement results are announced between May and July. The Turkish language course begins in September or October, ahead of the master's programme start.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Research Turkish universities and their master's programmes in your field before the window opens so you can make informed programme choices
• Write a focused statement of purpose that explains your research interests, why you chose Türkiye, and what you plan to do with the degree
• Highlight any research experience, publications, or academic presentations - these carry real weight in the master's selection
• Apply in the first week of the window; technical issues tend to spike near the deadline
• If your target programme has language requirements, prepare proficiency test results before the application opens

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing programme preferences without checking that the master's is available in English or Turkish depending on your language situation
• Writing a generic statement of purpose that could apply to any programme in any country
• Applying while already enrolled in a Turkish master's programme - this disqualifies you
• Uploading low-resolution or incomplete document scans
• Applying as a Turkish citizen - Turkish nationals are not eligible

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Türkiye Scholarships Master's Programme?

It is a fully funded government scholarship from YTB that places international students in Turkish universities for master's-level study, covering tuition, a 6,500 TL monthly stipend, first-year dormitory then a housing allowance, health insurance, a return flight, and a one-year Turkish language course.

Who is eligible for the Türkiye Scholarships Master's Programme?

Citizens of any country except Türkiye, under 30 years old as of 1 January of the application year, with at least a 75% undergraduate average (90% for health sciences). You must not be currently enrolled at a Turkish university at master's level.

Is the Türkiye Scholarships Master's Programme fully funded?

Yes. It covers tuition, a monthly stipend, first-year dormitory accommodation, a housing allowance thereafter, health insurance, and a return flight.

What is the monthly stipend for the Türkiye Scholarships Master's Programme?

The monthly stipend is 6,500 TL at master's level, paid throughout the programme including the Turkish language course year.

What accommodation does the programme provide?

Free dormitory accommodation in the first year. From the second year onwards, you receive a monthly housing allowance of 6,000 TL if studying in Istanbul or Ankara, or 5,000 TL in other cities.

What is the deadline for the Türkiye Scholarships Master's Programme?

The window runs annually in early year. The 2026-2027 cycle closed on 20 February 2026. Monitor tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr from December for the next cycle's exact dates.

Do I need to know Turkish to apply?

No. A one-year Turkish language course is included in the scholarship before your master's programme begins.

Does the programme include an interview?

Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview, typically held online or in person at Turkish embassies in March-April.

What documents do I need?

A passport scan, biometric photo, bachelor's degree diploma or enrolment confirmation, undergraduate transcripts, language and exam test results where applicable, a research statement, and certificates of academic achievement.

Can I choose which university I attend?

You can list up to 12 university and programme preferences. YTB makes the final placement decision based on your application score, interview, and academic profile.

How long does the programme last in total?

A typical Turkish master's programme lasts two years. Add the one-year Turkish language course at the beginning, so plan for approximately three years in Türkiye in total.

Is there a minimum GPA required to maintain the scholarship?

YTB expects recipients to maintain satisfactory academic progress. Specific continuation requirements are communicated upon scholarship acceptance and vary by university and programme.