Türkiye Bursları: requirements, dates and application for Tunisians

Türkiye Bursları is the Turkish government's scholarship programme for international students. It is one of the most comprehensive scholarships in the world: tuition fees, accommodation, monthly allowance, health insurance and even a year of Turkish lessons. Every year, Tunisian students obtain it for a bachelor's, master's or doctorate. Here are the requirements, the application period, what goes into the application and our tips to maximise your chances.

The requirements and timetable are published each year on the programme's official website. The information below gives the usual framework; our advisers check the rules for the current year for you.

What does the Türkiye Bursları scholarship cover?

As a general rule, the scholarship includes:

• a tuition fee waiver at the assigned university;

• a monthly allowance (the amount depends on the level of study);

• accommodation in a public university residence;

• health insurance;

• a return plane ticket, at the start and end of studies;

• a Turkish language preparatory year for students who need it.

It is therefore a so-called "full" scholarship: it allows you to study without major costs for the family, which makes it highly competitive.

Who can apply?

The scholarship is open to nationals of almost every country, including Tunisia. The usual criteria:

• Age: age limits apply depending on the level (lower for the bachelor's, higher for the master's and doctorate).

• Minimum grades: a minimum pass percentage in the previous qualification is required, higher for health programmes (medicine, pharmacy, dentistry).

• Not already being enrolled in a programme at the same level at a Turkish university (except in special cases provided for by the regulations).

• Be in good health and able to study full time.

Final-year secondary school pupils can apply for a bachelor's with their grades for the year, provided they obtain the baccalaureate before the start of the academic year.

When should you apply?

The main application period is generally at the start of the calendar year, between January and February, for a September-October start. Results are announced during the summer, after the review of applications and the interviews. For some research programmes, other timetables may apply.

Our advice: prepare your application from November-December. Translations, letters of recommendation and the motivation letter take time.

The application

The application is entirely online on the programme's official platform. It is free. You provide:

• your personal information and a photo;

• your academic background and grades;

• your choices of universities and programmes (you can select several, in order of preference);

• a motivation letter (often as a text to write directly in the form);

• for the master's and doctorate, a research proposal and letters of recommendation.

Documents to upload, in general:

• passport or identity card;

• transcripts and diploma (or a school certificate for final-year pupils);

• standardised test or language test results if you have them (not compulsory but appreciated);

• certificates of activities, awards, certificates.

The interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview, online or in person depending on the year. The panel assesses:

• your motivation and your knowledge of Türkiye;

• the consistency between your programme choices and your plans;

• your personality, your openness and your commitment;

• your ambitions after graduation.

Be ready to explain why Türkiye, why these programmes and what you will do with your degree. Community, social or cultural involvement is valued.

Studying in Turkish or in English?

A large share of programmes is taught in Turkish. If you do not have the required level, the scholarship funds a year of language preparation (TÖMER or equivalent), at the end of which you must reach the required level. Some programmes are in English: an English test may then be required. For a full overview of the university system, read Studying in Türkiye: public and private universities, YÖS and costs.

Our tips to maximise your chances

1. Take care over the motivation letter: personal, concrete, without ready-made phrases.

2. Choose programmes consistent with your background, and vary the universities (not just the most sought-after ones in Istanbul).

3. Highlight your activities: associations, volunteering, awards, projects.

4. Prepare for the interview as you would for a job interview.

5. Keep a plan B: the scholarship is very selective. Private Turkish universities or those in Northern Cyprus also offer partial scholarships.

How we support you

Worldwide Studies helps you choose programmes, write the motivation letter and the research proposal, prepare for the interview and, in parallel, put together a solid plan B. Discover also our overview of scholarships for Tunisians.

Recommended preparation timeline

• October – November: choice of programmes and universities, first draft of the motivation letter.

• December: preparation of documents (transcripts, diplomas, passport, photo), translations if needed, requests for letters of recommendation for master's and doctorates.

• January – February: submit the online application as soon as it opens, without waiting for the last few days.

• Spring: interview preparation if you are shortlisted.

• Summer: results, then visa and departure.

Keep a copy of all your documents and your motivation letter: they will be useful for other applications, in Türkiye or elsewhere.

Key takeaway: Türkiye Bursları is a full scholarship and free to apply for, but very selective. A personal motivation letter, consistent choices and good interview preparation make the difference.

👉 Dates and requirements change every year: talk to an adviser to prepare your Türkiye Bursları application on time.