Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları)
Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), Türkiye
- Where you study
- Türkiye · Turkish state universities
- Study level
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- PhD
Applications usually run from about 10 January to 20 February each year (as in 2024, 2025 and 2026); the 2027 dates will be confirmed on the official calendar.
Based on the usual yearly schedule. The official dates for the next round are not announced yet; check the official page.
Why: The official website says the programme is for international students from all countries, so Somali citizens can apply.
International students from all countries. Not for Turkish citizens, people who lost Turkish citizenship, or students already enrolled at a Turkish university at the level they apply for.
In short
Türkiye Scholarships is offered by YTB for Bachelor's, Master's and PhD study at Turkish state universities. It is fully funded, and Somali citizens can apply.
How competitive
Highly competitive
Well over 100,000 applications a year for a few thousand scholarships.
English requirement
No English test required
Fields of study
Most fields at Turkish state universities (health sciences ask for higher grades)
What it covers
It covers tuition, a monthly stipend, travel, health insurance and accommodation. It also includes a one-year Turkish language course and flights at the start and end of study.
- Tuition feesIncluded
- Living allowanceIncluded
- TravelIncluded
- Health insuranceIncluded
- Visa costsNot stated
- AccommodationIncluded
- FamilyNot stated
University placement and tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, a one-year Turkish language course and a flight ticket at the start and end of the studies, as listed on the official website (amounts on the official page).
Only what the official source states. "Not stated" means we could not confirm it, not that it is excluded.
Who can apply
It is for international students from all countries who meet the age and grade rules. It is not for Turkish citizens, people who lost Turkish citizenship, or students already enrolled in Türkiye at the level they seek.
- International students from all countries can apply, including Somali citizens.
- Turkish citizens and people who lost Turkish citizenship cannot apply.
- You cannot apply if already enrolled in Türkiye at your intended study level.
- Minimum grades: 70% for Bachelor's; 75% for Master's and PhD.
- Health sciences require 90% minimum grades.
- Age limits: under 21 for Bachelor's, 30 for Master's, and 35 for PhD.
- Academic requirement
- Minimum grades: 70% for bachelor's, 75% for master's and PhD, 90% for health sciences (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy).
- Age
- Under 21 for bachelor's, under 30 for master's, under 35 for PhD.
- Selection
- Online application, then interviews in the applicant's country for shortlisted candidates.
English requirement
No English test required
The scholarship does not require an English test or language certificate to apply. An English-taught programme may ask for proof of English later.
No language certificate is required to apply (one can help); the scholarship includes a one-year Turkish course, and English-taught programmes may ask for proof of English later.
Never assume IELTS is needed. Only the official page and the university you apply to decide.
Documents you will need
- Passport (or national ID)
- Passport photo
- Degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Motivation letter / personal statement
- Recommendation (reference) letters
- Other documents (see the official page)
Online application with ID or passport, a photo, your diploma (or expected graduation letter), transcripts and letters of intent; reference letters and language or exam certificates if you have them.
How to apply
- 1Read the official scholarship page and check that you meet its eligibility rules.
- 2Choose Bachelor's, Master's or PhD and check the programme requirements.
- 3Prepare your ID or passport, photo, certificates, transcripts and letters.
- 4Apply online through the official application website.
- 5Attend an interview in your country if shortlisted.
Prepare well
- Start preparing early, especially your transcripts, certificates and recommendation letters.
- Check that your grades and age meet the rule for your study level.
- Write a clear motivation letter that explains your study plans.
- The scholarship is highly competitive, so submit a careful and complete application.
Important notes
- The curated dates note says 2027 dates will be confirmed on the official calendar.
- The official page lists benefit amounts; check it for the current figures.
Official source
ZitTalent explains; the official website decides. Always check the official page before you apply, and apply only there.
Official page last checked 27 September 2026
The explanation was written by AI from the verified facts and the official page, then checked by fixed rules: any amount, date, score or document the source does not state is removed.