Turkey is one of the few countries where international students can find genuinely fully funded scholarships at every level, from bachelor’s to PhD. Some are run by the government, some by research councils, and some by universities themselves. Below is a clear roundup of the best fully funded scholarships in Turkey for the 2027 intake, who each one is for, and how to choose the right one.
Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Turkey for 2027
| Scholarship | Level | What it covers | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Türkiye Bursları | Bachelor, Master, PhD, research | Tuition, monthly stipend, dormitory, health insurance, flight, Turkish course | Most international students |
| TÜBİTAK 2215 Graduate Scholarship | Master, PhD | Monthly stipend, health insurance (tuition at public universities is low or covered) | Science, engineering and research students |
| University PhD funding (e.g. Koç, Sabancı, Bilkent) | PhD (some Master) | Tuition waiver, stipend, sometimes housing | High-achieving research applicants |
| Private university 100% merit awards | Bachelor, Master | Full tuition (living costs usually not included) | Students with excellent GPA, SAT, IB or YÖS |
| Religious foundation scholarships (e.g. Diyanet) | Bachelor, Master, PhD | Tuition, stipend, housing | Theology and Islamic studies |
Programme names and conditions are updated every year, so check each official website before applying.
1. Türkiye Bursları – Turkey’s Flagship Scholarship
Run by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), Türkiye Bursları funds thousands of students from over 150 countries every year.
- Grades: 70% for bachelor’s (90% for medicine and health sciences), 75% for master’s and PhD.
- Age limits: under 21 (bachelor’s), under 30 (master’s), under 35 (PhD).
- Application: usually January to around 20 February on the official portal, turkiyeburslari.gov.tr.
2. TÜBİTAK Scholarships for Graduate Students
Turkey’s Scientific and Technological Research Council (TÜBİTAK) supports international graduate students in science, technology, engineering and related fields. You first gain admission to a Turkish university, then apply for the stipend. It is a strong option for researchers who want to join labs at leading technical universities.
3. Fully Funded PhD Positions at Top Universities
Several research universities fund all or most of their PhD students with a tuition waiver plus a teaching or research assistant stipend. These positions are competitive and are decided by the department, so a strong research profile and contact with faculty members help a lot.
4. 100% Merit Scholarships at Private Universities
Private universities award full tuition scholarships to top international applicants based on high school grades and exam scores. While these do not include housing or a stipend, they can save you $20,000–$100,000+ over a degree. Read our dedicated guide: 100% Scholarship in Turkey 2027.
Which Scholarship Should You Apply For?
| If you are… | Apply to |
|---|---|
| A high school graduate under 21 with strong grades | Türkiye Bursları + private university merit awards |
| A bachelor’s graduate in engineering or science | Türkiye Bursları + TÜBİTAK + university-funded master’s |
| A master’s graduate with research experience | University-funded PhD + Türkiye Bursları PhD |
| A future doctor or dentist | Türkiye Bursları (90%+) + private university scholarships – see our medical scholarship guide |
Students interested in medicine and dentistry should also read our medical scholarship in Turkey and dentistry scholarship in Turkey guides.
How to Strengthen Your Application
- Apply to several scholarships at once. There is no rule against holding multiple applications.
- Write a tailored motivation letter for each programme, linking your goals to Turkey.
- Prepare for interviews about your field, future plans and why you chose Turkey.
- Translate and notarise documents early so you can submit as soon as applications open.
- Budget for living costs if your award covers tuition only; see our cost of living in Turkey guide.
What Happens After You Win a Fully Funded Scholarship?
Winning the award is only the first step. Türkiye Bursları scholars are placed at a university chosen during the application, start with a one-year Turkish language course (unless already exempt), and then begin their degree. You will need to arrive on time, register at the university and apply for a student residence permit; our Turkey student visa and residence permit guide explains each step.
Keep in mind that scholars must pass their courses and keep attending classes. Failing the language year or too many courses can end the scholarship.
Plan B: Strong Partial Scholarships
Fully funded places are limited, so most successful students apply to private universities as a backup. A 50%–100% merit award at a good university can make your degree affordable even without Türkiye Bursları. Compare these options in our 100% scholarship in Turkey guide and our list of the cheapest universities in Turkey, then get a free consultation to plan both routes together.
Get matched with the right fully funded scholarship
Saya Group reviews your profile, builds your scholarship strategy and prepares every document for Türkiye Bursları and university applications.
Planning graduate study? Read our master’s degree in Turkey guide.
A 12-Month Plan for Fully Funded Scholarships in Turkey
The strongest applicants start well before the application window opens. Working backwards from a September start, a realistic plan looks like this:
- September to November: shortlist programmes and universities, check eligibility rules and decide which scholarships fit your degree level.
- November to December: request transcripts, translations and recommendation letters, and book any language or graduate admission tests you need.
- January to February: submit your Türkiye Bursları application while the portal is open, and apply to private universities with merit scholarships in parallel.
- Spring: prepare for interviews, contact potential supervisors if you are applying for research degrees, and track decisions from each university.
- Summer: accept your offer, arrange your visa and accommodation, and read the scholarship terms carefully.
Dates move slightly from year to year, so check each official call when it is published. For the admission side of the process, see our guide on how to apply to Turkish universities.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
Fully funded awards attract far more applicants than places, so reviewers look for reasons to shortlist quickly. Avoid giving them reasons to skip your file:
- A generic motivation letter. Explain why this programme, why Turkey and what you plan to do afterwards, with concrete examples.
- Programme choices that do not match your background. Reviewers expect a clear link between your previous studies and your chosen field.
- Weak or late recommendation letters. Ask referees who know your work well, and give them plenty of time.
- Relying on one application. Combine a fully funded scholarship application with partial scholarship offers so you have a fallback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fully funded scholarship in Turkey?
Türkiye Bursları is the most comprehensive: it covers tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, a flight and a Turkish language course.
Are there fully funded scholarships in Turkey for master’s students?
Yes. Türkiye Bursları, TÜBİTAK graduate scholarships and some university-funded master’s programmes provide full funding.
Can I apply to more than one scholarship in Turkey?
Yes. Many students apply to Türkiye Bursları and university scholarships in the same year to maximise their chances.
Do I need to speak Turkish?
No. Türkiye Bursları includes a free one-year Turkish course, and many universities teach in English.
When is the deadline for fully funded scholarships in Turkey 2027?
Türkiye Bursları usually closes around 20 February. University and TÜBİTAK deadlines vary, typically in spring and summer.
Can I choose my university with Türkiye Bursları?
You list your preferred universities and programmes in the application, but the final placement is decided by the scholarship committee.
Is the Turkish language year compulsory?
Most scholars take it, even if their programme is in English, because the scholarship requires a certain Turkish level. Students with an accepted Turkish certificate may be exempt.
Can I work while studying on a fully funded scholarship in Turkey?
International students in Turkey can work in some cases, subject to work permit rules, but scholarship programmes may set their own conditions. Check the terms of your award first, and read our guide to working while studying in Turkey for the general rules.
Is there an age limit for fully funded scholarships in Turkey?
Türkiye Bursları sets maximum ages for bachelor’s, master’s and PhD applicants, which are published in each year’s call. Private university scholarships usually have no formal age limit but focus on recent academic results. Always check the current call before applying.
