Turkey is quickly becoming a preferred destination for international students seeking affordable yet high-quality education. If you’ve ever dreamed of studying in a culturally rich country at zero tuition cost, here’s your golden opportunity. The Turkish Government, through its prestigious Turkiye Burslari Scholarship Program, has opened applications for the November 2025 intake, targeting Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students from all over the world.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this game-changing opportunity.
Why Choose Turkey for Higher Education?
Turkey sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, blending ancient tradition with modern academic rigor. Home to top-ranking polytechnics and research universities like Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and Middle East Technical University (METU), it offers:
- Globally recognized degrees
- Modern campus infrastructure
- Low cost of living
- Rich historical and cultural exposure
International students in Turkey benefit not only from excellent academic environments but also from a friendly visa process and comprehensive government scholarships.
What Are the Turkiye Success Scholarships?
Unlike the main Turkiye Burslari Program that includes full tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipends, the Success Scholarships focus primarily on supporting high-achieving students already enrolled in Turkish universities.
However, for the November 2025 intake, the Turkish Presidency has extended the Success Scholarship scheme to include new international applicants for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
This means you can now apply for a funded seat in some of the best Turkish polytechnic universities if you meet the academic and language proficiency standards.
Key Features of the 2025 Turkish Success Scholarships
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based, competitive |
| Coverage | Tuition waiver, partial living stipend, health insurance, Turkish language course |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2025 |
| Eligible Levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Host Institutions | Top Turkish polytechnics (e.g., ITU, METU, Yildiz Technical University) |
| Intake Session | November 2025 |
| Application Mode | Online via turkiyeburslari.gov.tr |
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to citizens of all countries, excluding Turkish nationals and those who have already acquired Turkish citizenship.
Here are the core eligibility requirements:
- Bachelor’s Applicants: Must have completed secondary education with excellent academic records.
- Master’s Applicants: Must possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- PhD Applicants: Must have a Master’s degree.
- Must not be enrolled in a Turkish university (for new applicants).
- Must meet the age requirement:
- Under 21 for undergraduate
- Under 30 for Master’s
- Under 35 for PhD
Required Documents
Here’s a checklist of the documents needed to apply:
- A valid passport or national ID
- Academic transcripts (with GPA clearly visible)
- Degree or diploma certificates
- A well-written Statement of Purpose (SoP)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Language proficiency score (TOEFL, IELTS, or Turkish Proficiency Test if applicable)
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
Refer to the official document checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything.
How to Apply for the 2025 Turkish Success Scholarship
The application process is 100% online and can be completed in 4 simple steps:
- Create an account on the Türkiye Scholarships application system.
- Upload required documents as outlined in the checklist.
- Fill in academic and personal information accurately.
- Submit your application before the deadline on September 30, 2025.
Make sure your personal statement and academic goals align with the strengths of Turkish institutions to increase your chances of selection.
What Makes This Scholarship Unique?
- Access to Turkish polytechnics renowned for engineering, architecture, and technology studies.
- Partial but flexible coverage that reduces education costs significantly.
- Opportunity to learn Turkish and integrate better with local culture.
- Gateway to job opportunities in Turkey and other EU/Asia-linked economies after graduation.
Top Turkish Polytechnics Participating in the Program
Here are some of the top institutions likely to host scholarship recipients:
- Istanbul Technical University (ITU): Known for engineering and urban design
- Middle East Technical University (METU): A leader in science, engineering, and economics
- Yildiz Technical University: Focused on architecture, design, and computing
- Gebze Technical University: Excellent for applied sciences
These institutions consistently rank high in international university rankings and have strong industry linkages.
Comparison With Other Global Scholarships
| Scholarship | Coverage | Countries Accepted | Language Requirement | Application Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkish Success | Partial (tuition + stipend) | All countries | English/Turkish | Sept 30, 2025 |
| DAAD Germany | Full | Developing countries | English/German | Oct 15 annually |
| Chevening UK | Full | 160+ countries | English | Nov 2025 deadline |
| Erasmus+ | Partial to full | EU countries + partners | English | Varies by institution |
The Turkish program is a smart choice if you’re looking for affordability, unique culture, and solid academics.
Pro Tips for a Successful Application
- Highlight academic excellence: The scholarship is merit-based, so GPA matters.
- Tailor your SoP: Show how your goals align with Turkey’s academic environment.
- Get strong recommendations: Academic or professional referees add weight.
- Double-check deadlines: Late applications are not accepted.
- Learn some Turkish phrases: It shows cultural enthusiasm!
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Turkish Government Success Scholarships offer a rare and strategic chance for students across the globe to experience quality education in a dynamic setting. Whether you’re an aspiring engineer, researcher, or policy expert, studying at a Turkish polytechnic on a government scholarship could launch your career to new heights.
Apply before September 30, 2025, and take your first step toward a fully-funded academic journey in Turkey.
For more details or to begin your application, visit the official Türkiye Scholarships portal.
Have questions about how to write a winning SoP or need tips for getting top recommendation letters? Let us know in the comments or check out our other guides on international scholarship applications.