Türkiye Bursları FAQ 2027

About 2.5%, by our estimate. Nearly 200,000 people applied in 2026 (a record, up from 125,668 in 2025), and YTB says it funds about 5,000 international students a year. That makes it comparable to Ivy League admissions in competitiveness. See our success rate page for country-level data.

Usually not. Turkish-taught programmes don't need them, because every scholar studies Turkish at TÖMER. If you choose an English- or other foreign-language programme and the university requires a certificate, you must provide TOEFL or an accepted equivalent. If you have scores anyway, upload them — they can strengthen your application.

Yes, as long as you graduate before August. Upload your latest transcripts and an expected graduation letter (or temporary graduation certificate) from your institution. You'll need to provide the actual diploma before enrolment.

Absolutely. There's no penalty for reapplying. Many successful scholars were rejected once or twice first. Use the rejection as motivation to improve your application, especially your motivation letter and interview preparation.

Typically 5–10 days, and some applicants report as little as 3–4 days. Interviews run from April to June, so start preparing as soon as you submit your application rather than waiting for the invitation. See our interview guide.

It depends on your country. Most countries have in-person interviews at the Turkish embassy or a designated centre; some, especially those without Turkish diplomatic missions, interview online. You'll be told the format, and your timeslot, in your invitation.

Barely. The master's stipend is 9,500 TL a month, about $194 at September 2026 exchange rates (6,500 TL for bachelor's, 13,000 TL for PhD). In smaller cities with KYK housing you can cover basic needs; in Istanbul it isn't enough if you rent. Many scholars rely on family support or find informal work. See our scholarship amount and living costs pages.

Yes. Tuition is 100% covered at your assigned university, with no hidden tuition fees. Some universities do charge small administrative fees for student ID cards, lab access or library services.

The Türkiye Başarı Bursu (Success Scholarship) is a one-year, stipend-only scholarship for international students who are already studying in Türkiye at their own expense and have outstanding grades. It pays 3,500 TL (bachelor's), 5,000 TL (master's) or 6,500 TL (PhD) a month, with applications in October–November. The double stipend people often confuse it with is the Merit Scholarship, for new applicants with a 90% average and strong SAT/GRE/ALES and English scores. Well-known universities include Boğaziçi, METU, Koç, Sabancı and Bilkent.

Almost certainly. Scholars without a C1 Turkish certificate complete a one-year TÖMER course and must reach C1, even if their degree is in English. The only exceptions: you already hold a C1 certificate, or YTB lets you start a foreign-language programme directly on condition that you get the certificate before you graduate. See our Turkish language guide.

You list up to 12 preferences, but placement depends on quotas, grades and programme availability. Many scholars end up in cities they didn't choose, and Istanbul is especially hard to get. See our university placement guide for strategy.

Generally yes. Major cities and university areas are safe, comparable to most European cities; take normal precautions. Some scholars from African countries have reported occasional xenophobia, but violent incidents are rare, and Turkish people are widely reported as welcoming and hospitable.

Officially discouraged but not strictly prohibited. Many scholars do freelance or part-time work (tutoring, translation, online freelancing). Any paid job in Türkiye needs a work permit, and full-time work can break your student residence terms. See our during the scholarship guide.