This page covers the MBA-specific path through Türkiye Scholarships — eligibility, the 12-preference-slot strategy, MBA-eligible universities, and the motivation letter. For a comparison against other government schemes, see the Government-Funded MBA Scholarships guide.
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Türkiye Scholarships funds an MBA at select Turkish universities — full tuition, free accommodation, monthly stipend (~3,000 TL for master’s), health insurance, round-trip airfare, and a mandatory one-year Turkish language course for scholars who don’t already speak Turkish. No work experience is required by the scholarship.
The application window is short: 10 January to 20 February 2027. You use up to 12 university-programme preference slots. The scheme received close to 200,000 applications in 2026 against an annual intake of approximately 4,000.
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Türkiye Scholarships MBA snapshot
| Host country | Türkiye (Turkey) |
| Funding type | Fully funded |
| Monthly stipend | ~3,000 TL for master’s students |
| Accommodation | Free university dormitory (or monthly allowance if full) |
| Other benefits | Full tuition waiver, health insurance, round-trip airfare, mandatory one-year Turkish language course |
| Work experience | Not required by the scholarship. Some competitive MBA programmes prefer it. |
| Application window | 10 January – 20 February 2027 (one window per year, strictly enforced) |
| Eligible countries | All countries (non-Turkish citizens). Some programme-level restrictions. |
| Age limit | Under 30 for master’s programmes (varies by programme) |
| Academic minimum | 75% cumulative GPA for graduate applicants |
| Post-study obligation | No formal legal return obligation. Scholars are encouraged to maintain Türkiye-home country ties. |
| Official link | turkiyeburslari.gov.tr |
What Türkiye Scholarships covers
The package is one of the most comprehensive among government-funded MBA schemes — and it’s the only one that includes a mandatory language year.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Full tuition waiver | 100% of MBA tuition, paid directly to the university. No cap. |
| Monthly stipend | Approximately 3,000 TL per month for master’s students. |
| Free accommodation | Free place in a public university dormitory. If unavailable, a monthly housing allowance is provided instead. |
| Turkish language course | One full year of free Turkish language training for scholars who don’t already speak Turkish. Fully covered. Does not reduce the length of your MBA scholarship. |
| Health insurance | Comprehensive coverage for the duration of your studies. |
| Round-trip airfare | One return flight between your home country and Türkiye at the start and end of your programme. |
The language year extends your total time in Türkiye by one year. If your MBA is two years, total study duration becomes three. Budget for that in your planning — the scholarship covers the language year, but the extra time away from your home career is real.
Return obligation nuance: Unlike Chevening and Australia Awards, Türkiye Scholarships does not impose a formal two-year legal return requirement. Scholars are expected to remain in Türkiye for the duration of study and are encouraged to maintain ties to their home country afterward. Verify the current terms on turkiyeburslari.gov.tr before planning post-graduation.
Eligibility
- Nationality: Open to citizens of all countries except Türkiye. Some programmes have country restrictions.
- Education: Completed bachelor’s degree (or expected to graduate before the programme starts).
- Academic minimum: 75% cumulative GPA for master’s applicants.
- Age: Under 30 for master’s programmes (varies by programme).
- Work experience: Not required by the scholarship. Some competitive MBA programmes prefer professional experience.
- Language: English-taught MBAs may require TOEFL or IELTS. Many programmes accept a medium-of-instruction certificate instead. Turkish-taught programmes use the language year.
- Health: Good health required for study in Türkiye.
How to apply
Applications open 10 January 2027 and close 20 February 2027. One window per year. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
- Create an account on the TBBS portal at turkiyeburslari.gov.tr. You’ll need a valid email and your passport details.
- Complete your profile: personal information, education background, language skills. Upload a recent passport-size photograph.
- Select programme preferences: you can choose up to 12 university-programme combinations. Use all 12. Include multiple MBA programmes at different universities. The system does not penalise you for choosing many options.
- Upload required documents: bachelor’s degree and transcripts, passport, language test scores (if available), CV, motivation letter, and two recommendation letters.
- Write your motivation letter directly in the system or upload as a document.
- Submit before 20 February 2027. The portal closes at midnight Turkish time — no changes can be made after submission.
💡 Strategic tip
Submit your application by early February — not the deadline day. The portal experiences heavy traffic in the final week, and you don’t want a technical issue to cost you a full year.
MBA-eligible Turkish universities
The scholarship covers full tuition at both public and private universities. Use all 12 preference slots, mixing competitive programmes with mid-tier options to balance your chances.
| University | MBA programme | Language | Location | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koç University | MBA (Full-Time) | English | Istanbul | 1 year | Triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) |
| Sabancı University | MBA | English | Istanbul | 1–1.5 years | AACSB-accredited |
| Bilkent University | MBA | English | Ankara | 1 year | AACSB-accredited |
| Middle East Technical University (METU) | MBA | English | Ankara | 2 years | Public university; affordable living |
| Istanbul Technical University (ITU) | MBA (Executive / General) | English / Turkish | Istanbul | 1.5–2 years | Strong in technology management |
| Bogaziçi University | MBA | English | Istanbul | 1 year | Public university; competitive admission |
All universities listed are recognised by the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK) and participate in the Türkiye Scholarships programme. Confirm current MBA availability on each university’s own admissions page before listing it.
Writing the motivation letter
The motivation letter is the most important written component. It’s your opportunity to show why Türkiye specifically — not just any MBA.
What reviewers look for
- A specific connection to Türkiye: Why Türkiye over other countries? Mention its position between Europe and Asia, its growing economy, or specific industries (fintech, green energy, logistics).
- Career goals: How the specific MBA connects to your short- and long-term plans.
- A personal story: A brief anecdote that shaped your decision to pursue an MBA — this is what makes your letter memorable.
- Contribution to the community: How you’ll contribute to the campus, to Türkiye’s international student network, and to Türkiye-home country relations.
Suggested structure
- Introduction: Personal hook — why business, why Türkiye.
- Background: Bachelor’s degree, relevant experience, achievements.
- Why this MBA and why Türkiye: Name specific universities and programmes. Mention courses or faculty that align with your goals.
- Future goals: Post-MBA plans and how you’ll contribute to the Türkiye-home country relationship.
- Conclusion: Summarize your enthusiasm and thank the committee.
LearnViaHub editorial tip
Specificity is what makes a motivation letter memorable. Instead of “I admire Türkiye’s economy,” name a real company, policy, or sector. “I want to work at the intersection of Turkish logistics and African trade” beats “I want to do business in Türkiye.” Reviewers read thousands of applications — the specific ones stand out.
Interview (if shortlisted)
Not all applicants are interviewed. If shortlisted, you may be invited to a 15–20 minute online interview covering your motivation, communication skills, and genuine interest in Türkiye.
Common interview questions
- Tell us about yourself and why you want to study in Türkiye.
- Why did you choose these specific MBA programmes?
- What do you know about Turkish culture and history?
- How will you contribute to the university community?
- What are your career goals after completing the MBA?
- If awarded the scholarship, how will you handle living in a new country?
Preparation tip
Prepare a 1-minute introduction. Dress professionally. Test your camera and connection. Be ready to explain why Türkiye specifically — enthusiasm and respect for Turkish culture carry weight.
After the award
1. The language year
If you don’t already speak Turkish, you’ll be enrolled in a one-year Turkish language course starting September 2027 and finishing June 2028. Your MBA then begins September 2028. If you already have a Turkish language certificate, you may be exempt.
2. Student visa
Use your Letter of Acceptance and scholarship award document to apply for a Turkish Student Visa at your nearest Turkish embassy or consulate. The scholarship support letter speeds up approval.
3. Return obligation — read the current terms
Unlike Chevening and Australia Awards, Türkiye Scholarships does not impose a formal two-year legal return requirement. Scholars are expected to remain in Türkiye for the duration of study and are encouraged to maintain ties to their home country. Verify the current terms on turkiyeburslari.gov.tr before planning post-graduation.
Common mistakes
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply without work experience?
Is there an age limit?
How competitive is the Türkiye Scholarships MBA?
Can I apply to more than one country’s Türkiye Scholarships programme?
Official resources
| Türkiye Scholarships official site | turkiyeburslari.gov.tr |
| Online application system (TBBS) | tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr |
| LearnViaHub government-funded MBA hub | Compare all 8 government schemes |
| LearnViaHub MBA scholarships hub | Main MBA scholarships hub |
LearnViaHub is an independent educational platform, not affiliated with the Turkish Government or Türkiye Scholarships. Always verify information on official websites before applying.
Christian Chinonso is the founder of LearnViaHub, with 6+ years of research experience in international education — including GPA systems, scholarships, student financing, and study-abroad guidance — for students worldwide.