Türkiye Scholarships – 2027/2028 Intake Expected January 2027 (2026 Round Closed)

The Türkiye Scholarships program is a highly reputable, fully funded government scholarship for international students, including Africans, who wish to pursue full-time undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees at Turkish universities. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and accommodation, plus a one-year Turkish language course for students who need it.

The 2026–2027 intake has closed (applications ran 10 January – 20 February 2026). Based on the program’s consistent yearly pattern, the 2027–2028 intake is expected to open around mid-January 2027 and close around 20 February 2027, with results announced in early August 2027. Over 165,000 students from more than 170 countries apply annually, with roughly 5,000 new scholars selected each cycle — competition is strong, so early preparation matters.

Eligibility is open to applicants of any nationality who meet the academic requirements for their chosen level of study; most undergraduate and master’s applicants must be under a specified age limit at the time of application. The application is entirely online and free via the official Türkiye Scholarships portal, which is the only place to confirm exact 2027–2028 dates once announced.

Detailed Eligibility Checklist

• Applicants of any nationality (not limited to African countries) may apply
• Undergraduate applicants: generally under 21 years old with strong secondary school results
• Master’s applicants: generally under 30, holding a relevant Bachelor’s degree
• PhD applicants: generally under 35, holding a relevant Master’s degree
• Minimum GPA requirements apply and vary by programme — check the official handbook for your target field
• No prior Turkish language knowledge required at application stage — a one-year language course is provided if needed

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Register on the Türkiye Scholarships online portal (TBBS) once the application window opens.
2. List up to 12 university and programme preferences in order of priority — YTB will place you based on your profile and preferences, so you don’t apply to each university separately.
3. Upload transcripts, ID, a motivation letter, and (for some undergraduate applicants) prepare for a quantitative test.
4. Submit before 20 February (typical deadline) — late submissions are not accepted.
5. If shortlisted, attend an interview, held both in-person in over 100 countries and online, covering academic knowledge and motivation.
6. Await placement results, typically announced in early August.

Why This Scholarship Is Competitive

Türkiye Scholarships receives well over 100,000 applications a year for around 5,000 places, making it one of the most oversubscribed fully funded programmes globally — but its breadth (207 institutions, nearly every academic field, no application fee) also makes it one of the most accessible to strong applicants who prepare thoroughly. A clear, specific motivation letter connecting your academic background to your chosen field carries significant weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an application fee? No, Türkiye Scholarships is completely free to apply for.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL? Only if your chosen programme is taught in English and specifically requires it — many programmes do not.

Can I choose my own university? You rank preferences, but YTB makes the final placement decision based on your profile and available capacity.