ANKARA : Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) represent one of the most comprehensive, government-funded higher education programmes in the world, designed to provide international students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, equitable access to quality education in Türkiye. This initiative reflects Türkiye’s commitment to fostering global solidarity through education and building bridges between nations.
The programme has attracted significant global interest, with annual applications averaging over 125,000 from diverse countries. In 2026, Türkiye Scholarships reached a historic milestone, receiving nearly 200,000 applications worldwide. Over the years, the programme has built an extensive alumni network of more than 150,000 graduates from all regions, who continue to play a vital role in strengthening ties between Türkiye and their home countries.
Sri Lanka has been an important partner in this journey. Since the programme’s inception in 2002, more than 100 Sri Lankan students have been privileged to study in Türkiye as scholarship recipients. These graduates now serve as cultural and intellectual bridges, connecting our two nations across thousands of kilometres.
Türkiye Scholarships provide comprehensive support, including university and programme placement, full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, and round-trip flight tickets. A one-year Turkish language course ensures that students adapt smoothly to academic and everyday life. Beyond financial and academic assistance, recipients benefit from cultural excursions, academic conferences, internships, and networking opportunities, enriching both their personal and professional growth.
Through this programme, Türkiye reaffirms its belief that education is a powerful tool for building lasting friendships and advancing shared progress between nations.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet specific academic and age requirements depending on their intended level of study.
Minimum Academic Achievement
- Bachelor’s programmes: At least 70% academic achievement
- Master’s and PhD programmes: At least 75% academic achievement
- Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy): At least 90% academic achievement
Age Requirements
- Undergraduate programmes: Applicants must be under 21 years of age
- Master’s programmes: Applicants must be under 30 years of age
- PhD programmes: Applicants must be under 35 years of age
- Research programmes: Applicants must be under 50 years of age
Required Documents
Candidates are required to submit the following documents as part of their online application:
- A valid identity document, such as a national ID card or passport
- A recent photograph taken within the past year
- A diploma or temporary graduation certificate
- An academic transcript
- National examination results, if available
- International examination results, such as GRE, GMAT, or SAT, if required by the selected university or programme
- International language proficiency test results, such as TOEFL or DELF, where required by the selected university or programme
- A research proposal and a sample of previous academic research, applicable only to PhD applicants
Application Process
Applications are free of charge and submitted online through the official website, https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/.
Application Timeline
- Applications: January 10-February 20
- Evaluation: March-April
- Interviews: April-June
- Results: Early August
- Scholarship Agreements and Visa Processing: August
- Beginning of the Academic Year: September
