Turkey Scholarship - YTB

Side note: By years, the application process and system might have undergone some changes. 

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Merhaba!

I am currently pursuing my Master's degree at Istanbul Üniversitesi, Turkey, fully sponsored by the Turkish government. The scholarship includes the university and tuition fees, health insurance, accommodation in a public dormitory (with provided meals), a monthly allowance (amount depends on your study level), as well as a flight ticket. What do you need to give in return? NOTHING. Just study and earn your degree!

What is Turkey Scholarship?

The Turkey scholarship, also known as Türkiye Bursları, is an initiative by the Turkish government to bring international students from around the globe to study in Turkey by providing sponsorship. The program offers Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D., and Post Doc. This scholarship is open to all nationalities, including Malaysians, Thais, Indonesians, Filipinos, Palestinians, Egyptians, Somalis, Sudanese, etc. There is only one condition: you must take and pass a one-year Turkish language course before entering your department, regardless of whether your studies will be in English or Arabic.

How do I apply?

Firstly, stay alert for announcements about new application openings. The application is open once a year and normally the process is organized by country groups and usually begins at the end of the year or early in the new year. To stay updated, visit the official website or follow the scholarship’s social media pages for more information.

Secondly, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. 

Undergraduate programs: Applicants must be under the age of 21.

Master's programs: Applicants should be under the age of 30.

Ph.D. programs: Applicants must be under the age of 35.

Research programs: Applicants should be under the age of 45.

Do I need to apply for university first?

No, you do not need to apply to a university separately when applying for the Turkey Scholarships. The scholarship program includes both the scholarship award and university placement. During your application, you'll have the opportunity to select up to 12 university programs of your choice. If awarded the scholarship, you will be placed in one of these preferred programs. While waiting for the application to open, you can explore universities and programs directly from the Turkey Scholarship website. It provides details about the universities, available programs, and their requirements, helping you make informed choices when selecting your preferences in the application.

You need to sign up on the system to start your application. Creating an account is the first step, and it’s simple to do. Once you’ve registered, you’ll gain access to the application portal, where you can fill out your details, upload documents, and track your progress. Make sure to use a valid email address, as it will be the primary way they communicate with you throughout the process.

The scholarship application process is done entirely online using the provided system, which comes with its pros and cons. On the bright side, you can apply from anywhere, making it highly convenient. However, the downside is that the system won’t let you proceed if you’re missing any required documents. I should point out that the list of required documents is quite extensive and demands a lot of attention to detail. Here’s what you’ll need to submit for the first part of the application.

The image above shows the education information section of the application. If you’re applying for a Master’s degree, the minimum academic requirement is an Associate Degree. For a Bachelor’s degree, a high school diploma is essential. Since this is an online system, it’s important to upload all required documents in the designated "upload" section, as failure to do so will halt your progress.

For instance, high school academic certificates are mandatory for Bachelor’s applicants but not for those applying for Master’s or Ph.D. programs. Personally, I found it easiest to upload the same authentic certificate (e.g., my graduation certificate) across multiple columns where applicable.

Key Points to Note:

Work Section: Prepare your CV carefully, as it’s a crucial document that will be thoroughly reviewed.

Social Activities Section: Mention any awards you’ve received and attach the relevant certificates.

Once you complete the first part of the application, the system will unlock the second part. This section involves providing information about the universities and courses you wish to apply for. At this stage, you’ll need to upload at least two recommendation letters. These should be written by lecturers, academic authorities, or other credible figures who can vouch for your eligibility.

Ensure the letters are uploaded, and include the referees’ email addresses. The system will automatically send an email to your referees requesting confirmation of your qualifications and other positive attributes highlighted in the letters. Only references that are responded to will be considered, so it’s a good idea to inform your referees in advance and encourage them to respond promptly.

You’ll also need to provide a Letter of Intent for postgrad which is a summary of your thesis proposal. 

The Interview Process:

If you’re shortlisted, you’ll receive an email calling for an interview. You can select the country where the interview will take place. The panel typically consists of two or three representatives from the Turkish Foreign Ministry, and you can conduct the interview in English, Arabic, or Turkish.

A Final Word of Advice:

This scholarship is open to everyone, so aim high and put your best foot forward. While making the Dean’s list every semester isn’t mandatory, it’s important to maintain solid academic performance and avoid failing multiple semesters.

Additionally, extracurricular involvement can make a significant difference. Join social clubs, engage in community work, or gain practical work experience - these activities are highly valued and can set you apart.

Keep in mind that there’s stiff competition, especially for postgraduate studies. Hundreds of applicants may apply, but only about 50 are typically shortlisted for interviews, and around 20 scholarships are awarded per country. Each country has its quota, so it’s crucial to stand out.

Good luck with your application - go for it!