By Hum Scholars Editorial Team
The Türkiye Burslari scholarship (Türkiye Scholarships) is Turkey’s government-funded programme for international students, and for the 2027 cycle the application window is expected to run from 10 January to 20 February 2027. With only about six weeks to apply and a very large applicant pool, preparation before January is what separates strong applications from rejected ones. Here is what you need to know.
What Is Türkiye Burslari?
Türkiye Burslari is run by YTB, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities. It funds associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees at Turkish universities, plus short research stays. A unique feature is that you do not apply to a single university. You list up to 12 programme preferences, and YTB places you.
What Does It Cover?
- Full tuition
- A monthly stipend (guides report about 6,500 TL for Bachelor’s, 9,500 TL for Master’s and 13,000 TL for PhD students)
- Dormitory accommodation
- Health insurance
- A one-time flight at the start and end of studies
- A one-year Turkish language course (TÖMER) before your degree begins
Stipend amounts change with the economy, so check the official site for current figures and think about how they compare with living costs in your city.
Expected 2027 Timeline
- 10 January 2027: online portal expected to open
- 20 February 2027: expected deadline
- March to April 2027: document evaluation
- April to June 2027: interviews for shortlisted candidates
- Around August 2027: results and placement
- September 2027: arrival in Türkiye, followed by the Turkish language year
YTB usually confirms exact dates around late December. Check turkiyeburslari.gov.tr before you apply.
Eligibility by Degree Level
Requirements differ by level. According to recent guides, Bachelor’s applicants must be under 21 with at least 70% grades (higher for medicine, dentistry and pharmacy), Master’s applicants under 30 with at least 75%, and PhD applicants under 35 with at least 75%. These details come from the annual call, so confirm them on the official site.
How to Apply
- Create an account on the official application system (tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr) once it opens.
- Complete the personal and academic sections carefully. Only one application is allowed per cycle, and it locks after submission.
- Upload documents: passport, transcripts, certificates, a motivation letter, photo and any required references.
- Choose up to 12 programmes that match your academic background.
- Submit well before the deadline. Applicants report the portal slowing down in the last days, so aim to submit at least a week early.
How to Write a Motivation Letter That Stands Out
Explain why you want to study your chosen field in Türkiye, what you plan to do with your degree, and how you will contribute as a scholar. Avoid clichés and copied templates. Use your own examples: a project, a community role or a research interest. Stay within the character limits, since oversized or incorrectly formatted submissions are a common cause of rejection.
Be Realistic: Competition and the Language Year
Türkiye Burslari is highly competitive, with applications reported in the hundreds of thousands for a few thousand places. Plan to apply to other scholarships as well. Also remember the language year: most scholars study Turkish full time for a year, even if their degree is taught in English, so your degree usually begins about a year after you arrive.
Common Mistakes
- Waiting until the last week to apply
- Choosing programmes that do not match your previous degree
- Copying a motivation letter from the internet
- Uploading unclear or incorrectly named documents
- Assuming you will get your first-choice city
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Türkiye Burslari 2027 deadline?
The application window is expected to run from 10 January to 20 February 2027. Official dates are confirmed by YTB.
Is Türkiye Burslari free to apply for?
Yes. There is no application fee.
Do I need to know Turkish before applying?
No. Turkish is not required at the application stage, and the scholarship includes a language year.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Türkiye Burslari accepts applicants from many countries. Pakistani students should confirm eligibility for their degree level in the official call.
Next Steps
Use the months before January to gather transcripts, get your passport ready, shortlist programmes and write several drafts of your motivation letter. If you want expert feedback on your profile, Hum Scholars provides profile assessments, scholarship application support and visa guidance. Contact us at humscholars.info@gmail.com or visit humscholars.com.
Information is based on recent cycles and may change. Always confirm details on the official Türkiye Scholarships website.