Life During the Scholarship
Once you've passed TOMER and started your degree, the scholarship continues with specific obligations and opportunities. Here's what to expect during your academic years in Turkey.
Academic Expectations
GPA Maintenance
You must maintain a minimum GPA (typically 2.0/4.0 for undergrad, 2.5/4.0 for graduate). Falling below this for two consecutive semesters can lead to scholarship probation or termination. YTB checks your grades annually.
Attendance Requirements
Most Turkish universities enforce 70% minimum attendance per course. Some professors check attendance every lecture. Missing more than 30% of classes in any course results in automatic failure of that course, which affects your scholarship standing.
Maximum Duration
You must complete your degree within the standard duration plus one year. For a 2-year Master's, you have 3 years total. For a 4-year undergrad, you have 5 years. Extensions beyond this are rare and require special approval.
Annual Progress Reports
YTB requires annual reports on your academic progress, language development, and activities. These are usually simple forms, but missing them can trigger scholarship review.
Part-Time Work Rules
Can You Work?
Officially, TB scholars are discouraged from working as the scholarship is designed to cover your needs. However, the reality of inflation means many scholars do find work:
Allowed (Generally)
- University teaching/research assistantships
- Tutoring other students
- Translation work (freelance)
- On-campus part-time positions
- Online freelancing
Risky / Not Recommended
- Full-time employment (violates visa terms)
- Jobs that interfere with class schedule
- Unregistered ("black") employment
- Working without a work permit
Scholarship Renewal Conditions
Your scholarship renews automatically each year as long as you meet these conditions:
The Success Scholarship Upgrade Path
If you excel during your studies, you may be eligible for the Success Scholarship (Türkiye Başarı Bursu) upgrade:
- Double stipend — your monthly payment doubles if you're admitted to a top-100 ranked university for your next degree
- Continuing support — undergrads who finish with high GPAs can apply for Master's scholarship continuation
- Research opportunities — high-performing PhD scholars may qualify for additional research grants
Scholarship Termination Causes
GPA below minimum for 2+ consecutive semesters
Not reaching C1 after 18 months
Serious university or legal violations
Not completing within standard + 1 year