How to Apply for Türkiye Scholarships – Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Dreaming of studying in Turkey? The Türkiye Scholarships (also known as Türkiye Bursları) is a prestigious government-funded program that offers international students a chance to pursue higher education in Turkey – fully funded! From tuition fees and accommodation to health insurance, a monthly stipend, and even a year of Turkish language classes, this scholarship covers it all. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through how to apply for Türkiye Scholarships 2025, with easy-to-follow steps, eligibility requirements, required documents, and tips to make your application shine. Let's get started on turning your dream of studying in Turkey into reality!

Table of Contents

• Eligibility Criteria
• Required Documents
• Application Timeline & Deadlines
• How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
• Tips for a Successful Application
• Learn Turkish for a Head Start

Eligibility Criteria

Before starting your application, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for Türkiye Scholarships 2025. Key criteria include:

• Academic Performance: A minimum of 70% academic average for undergraduate applicants, 75% for master's and Ph.D. applicants, and 90% for those applying to health sciences (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy).
• Age Limits: Under 21 years of age for undergraduate programs, under 30 for master's, and under 35 for Ph.D. programs. (Research applicants should be under 45 years old.)
• Education Status: Applicants should be high school graduates or in their final year of high school (for undergraduate candidates), bachelor's degree graduates or in their final year (for master's candidates), and master's degree graduates or in their final year (for Ph.D. candidates). You must have completed the previous degree by the time of enrollment if you are selected.
• Nationality: Open to nationals of all countries **except** Turkish citizens. Applicants should not currently be enrolled in a program at a Turkish university at the same level for which they are applying, nor have already completed a program in Turkey at that level in the past (the scholarship is aimed at those who have not had the opportunity to study in Turkey before).
• Health & Character: Candidates should be in good health and capable of completing studies in Turkey. A clean disciplinary/criminal record is expected. (No specific health certificate is required at application, but you should be fit to study abroad.)

Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee selection, but you must meet these thresholds to be considered. Make sure you qualify before putting effort into the application.

Required Documents

Gather the following documents to support your application. All documents will need to be uploaded to the online application system (no physical submission is required):

• Valid Identification: Passport or national ID card (showing your photo and personal details).
• Photograph: A recent passport-sized photo of yourself (preferably taken within the last year).
• Diplomas or Certificates: Graduation diplomas or temporary graduation certificates for all completed degrees. If you are in your final year of study, an official document from your school noting your expected graduation date can be used.
• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts reflecting your grades/marks for each year of high school or university study (as applicable to the level of scholarship you are applying for).
• National Exam Scores: If your country has national examination results (e.g., high school exit exams or university entrance exams), include those scores if available/applicable.
• International Test Scores: Score reports for any standardized tests relevant to your program. For example, SAT/ACT results for undergraduate applicants or GRE/GMAT for graduate applicants (if required by the program or university you’re aiming for).
• Language Proficiency Scores: If the program you are applying to is taught in a language that isn't your native language, you may need to provide language test results. For English-taught programs, tests like TOEFL or IELTS are commonly accepted. (If you already know some Turkish, you could include a Turkish proficiency certificate, though this is not mandatory.)
• Letter of Intent (Motivation Letter): A well-written personal statement explaining your motivations for applying. Discuss your academic background, why you want to study in Turkey, your future goals, and how receiving this scholarship will help achieve them.
• Recommendation Letters: Typically two reference letters from teachers, professors, or employers who can attest to your abilities and character. Ideally, these should be on official letterhead, signed, and (if not in English or Turkish) translated.
• Research Proposal (Ph.D. applicants only): If you're applying for a doctoral program, prepare a clear and concise research proposal. Outline the research questions or objectives, your methodology, and how your research will contribute to your field. (You may also be asked to provide a writing sample or abstract of previous research work.)

Note: All documents should be in English or Turkish. If any document is in another language, have it translated and attested. Make sure your scans or PDF copies are clear and legible. Having these materials ready in advance will make the online application process much smoother.

Application Timeline & Deadlines (2025)

The Türkiye Scholarships application period for the 2025 academic year is time-sensitive. Below are the key dates and milestones to keep in mind:

• Applications Open: January 10, 2025 – The online application system opens on this date for 2025 applications.
• Application Deadline: February 20, 2025 – This is the last day to submit your completed application. Tip: Don’t wait until the final day; submit early to avoid last-minute issues or website congestion.
• Evaluation Period: March – May 2025. During these months, the scholarship committee reviews all applications. They verify documents and assess candidates based on the eligibility criteria and merits.
• Interview Invitations: June – July 2025. Shortlisted candidates will receive an invitation for an interview. Interviews can be conducted online or at Turkish embassies/consulates in your country. Keep an eye on your email and the application portal for notification.
• Final Results: Early August 2025. If you are selected for the scholarship, you will be notified via email and on the portal. This is when the official results are announced and the list of scholarship winners is published.
• Travel to Turkey & Orientation: September 2025. Successful candidates will complete their visa processes and travel to Turkey to begin their scholarship journey. The scholarship usually includes an orientation and the start of a one-year Turkish language course (for those who need to learn Turkish) before the academic semester begins.

Note: The application window is short, and late submissions are not accepted. Mark these dates on your calendar and plan ahead. If you miss the deadline, you'll have to wait for the next year's cycle (2026). Stay informed by checking the official Türkiye Scholarships website for any announcements or changes to the timeline.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for a Türkiye Scholarship is done entirely online through the official application system. Follow these steps to submit your application successfully:

1. Create an Account: Visit the official Türkiye Scholarships website and navigate to the Application System (Türkiye Scholarships Application System, also known as TBBS). You can also go directly to the Türkiye Scholarships application portal. Sign up for a new account using a valid email address and set a secure password. Be sure to verify your account via the confirmation email if prompted.
2. Complete Your Profile: Log in to the application portal and fill out your profile information. This includes personal details (name, contact info, etc.), your educational background (schools attended, grades, degrees), language skills, work experience (if any), and extracurricular achievements. Take your time to ensure everything is entered accurately. The system will save your information as you go.
3. Select Your Program Preferences: Choose the scholarship type and program(s) you wish to apply for. Türkiye Scholarships allows you to list multiple university and course preferences (for example, you might select several universities and departments that you'd be happy to attend). Research the universities and programs in advance to make informed choices. Make sure your academic background aligns with the requirements of the programs you select.
4. Upload Your Documents: Once your basic info and preferences are set, you will need to upload all the required documents into the portal. There will be designated sections to upload each document (passport, transcript, diploma, etc.). Ensure each file is clear and readable. Follow the instructions for file format and size (PDF or JPEG formats are commonly accepted). After uploading, double-check that each file appears correctly.
5. Write Your Letter of Intent: In the application portal, you'll find a section to write (or copy-paste) your letter of intent/motivation. Compose this carefully, as it's a critical part of your application. Explain why you want to study in Turkey, why you chose your field of study, and how your goals align with the scholarship. Highlight what makes you a strong candidate. Keep within any word or character limits provided by the system.
6. Submit the Application: After filling in all details and uploading documents, review your entire application. Check for any missing information or typos. Once you are satisfied, submit your application. Remember, there is no application fee – applying to Türkiye Scholarships is free. After submission, you should receive a confirmation on the portal (and possibly a confirmation email). Save this confirmation and note your application reference number (if given) for future use.

After submitting, all you can do is wait patiently. You can log back into the portal anytime to see if there are updates or requests for additional information. Be sure to keep an eye on your email (including spam folder) for any communication from the scholarship program. If you advance to the interview stage, instructions will be provided on how to schedule and prepare for it.

Tips for a Successful Application

Türkiye Scholarships are highly competitive, with thousands of applicants from around the world. Here are some tips to help your application stand out:

• Start Early and Plan: Begin your application well before the deadline. This gives you time to gather documents, request recommendation letters, and polish your letter of intent. Rushing at the last minute can lead to mistakes or missing information.
• Write a Strong Personal Statement: Your motivation letter is your chance to speak directly to the selection committee. Clearly articulate your academic achievements, ambitions, and reasons for choosing Turkey. Explain how your chosen program fits into your career plans. Be sincere and avoid clichés – the goal is to make your story memorable and authentic.
• Tailor Your Research Proposal (if applicable): For graduate applicants, especially at the PhD level, a well-thought-out research proposal is crucial. Make sure your proposal is relevant and addresses a real problem or question in your field. Show how your research could benefit from being conducted in Turkey (for example, if Turkey has resources or contexts relevant to your study). Mention any professors or facilities in Turkey that could support your work, if appropriate.
• Choose Recommenders Wisely: Pick teachers, professors, or employers who know you well and can write positively about your academic performance, character, and potential. Provide them with information on the scholarship and your goals so they can tailor their letters. Gentle reminders to your recommenders can help ensure your letters are submitted on time.
• Highlight Language Skills: Demonstrating strong English proficiency will boost your application for English-taught programs. If you have taken exams like TOEFL or IELTS, include those scores. If you have any knowledge of Turkish or other relevant languages, mention it. Even though the scholarship will provide Turkish language training, showing initiative in learning languages can be a plus.
• Proofread Everything: A polished application free of spelling or grammatical errors makes a good impression. Double-check all sections of your online form. Ensure names, dates, and numbers are entered correctly. It's often helpful to have a friend or mentor review your personal statement for clarity and typos.
• Stay Honest: Be truthful about your achievements and experiences. Do not exaggerate or provide false information. All submissions may be verified, and any discrepancies could lead to disqualification. It's better to honestly portray yourself and your ambitions.

By following these tips, you'll increase your chances of crafting a compelling application. Remember that persistence and preparation are key. Even if you don't succeed this year, you can learn from the experience and improve for the next application cycle.

Learn Turkish for a Head Start

One of the best ways to prepare for living and studying in Turkey is to start learning the language. While many programs are offered in English (and remember, the scholarship provides a free Turkish language course to winners), having some knowledge of Turkish beforehand will greatly improve your experience. You can easily learn Turkish online even before you arrive. There are many options available, from structured Turkish lessons to flexible sessions with personal Turkish tutors. If you prefer individualized learning, consider 1-on-1 Turkish classes where an instructor can tailor the course to your level and pace. For those just starting out, there are classes in Turkish for beginners, so don’t worry if you’re new to the language – you can begin with the basics (greetings, simple phrases, and fundamental Turkish grammar).

Practicing with native Turkish teachers through online Turkish tutoring is arguably the best way to learn Turkish because it gives you real conversational practice. This kind of immersive Turkish language learning will help you improve Turkish speaking skills significantly. Through regular sessions, including private Turkish lessons focused on conversation, you'll get plenty of Turkish conversation practice. Over time, you'll find yourself able to speak Turkish more confidently and understand the culture better. By investing time in learning the language now, you set yourself up for success both academically and socially once you land in Turkey.

Ready to take the next step? If you've checked your eligibility and gathered your documents, go ahead and start your Türkiye Scholarships 2025 application. And as you await the results, keep learning Turkish to prepare for an exciting journey ahead. Good luck, and we hope to see you thriving in Turkey soon!