Türkiye Bursları Scholarship University List: Complete Guide to Partner Universities

Quick Answer

Türkiye Bursları partners with 130+ universities across Turkey — including both state universities and foundation (private) institutions like Koç, Sabancı, and Bilkent. You can list up to 12 university-programme combinations in your application, but final placement depends on quotas, your GPA, and programme availability — not just your preference order. The Success Scholarship (Türkiye Başarı Bursu) is a separate, merit-based award for current international students at

Turkish universities with outstanding GPAs (3.00+ for undergraduate, 3.50+ for master’s/PhD). The full university list is dynamic and only visible through the official application portal on turkiyeburslari.gov.tr once you create an account. The 2027 application window opens on 10 January 2027 and closes on 20 February 2027.

👉 Start with the Key Facts table below before diving into the full guide.

1. It’s Dynamic, Not Static

The eligible universities and programmes change every year. Universities can be added or removed based on bilateral agreements, institutional capacity, and programme accreditation. You will only see the current list when you create an account on the portal and select your degree level (undergraduate, master’s, or PhD).

2. Not Every University Offers Every Programme

A university might be on the partner list but not offer your specific field at your degree level. For example, a university might have a strong engineering faculty but no medicine programme. The portal filters programmes based on your selected degree level and field of study.

3. Foundation Universities Are Included

Prestigious private institutions like Koç University, Sabancı University, and Bilkent University are full partners in the programme. Türkiye Bursları covers 100% of tuition at both state and foundation universities.

4. All 74 Provinces Are Represented

From Istanbul and Ankara to smaller cities like Eskişehir, Konya, Trabzon, and Sakarya, the programme partners with universities across the entire country. As of 2026, over 15,000 Türkiye Bursları scholars are studying at 136 universities across 74 cities. This is deliberate — the programme aims to distribute scholars across Turkey, not concentrate them in major cities.

5. The List Changes Year to Year

Do not assume that a university on the list this year will be on it next year. Bilateral agreements, university capacity, and programme availability all shift. Always check the current list on the portal.

💡 LearnViaHub Tip: Create your application account early — as soon as the portal opens on 10 January 2027. The university list is only visible inside the portal. The earlier you see it, the more time you have to research your 12 preferences and build a strategic list.

💡 LearnViaHub Tip: Do not assume foundation universities are “better.” Some of Turkey’s strongest programmes are at state universities — METU for engineering, Hacettepe for medicine, Boğaziçi for social sciences. Choose based on programme quality and fit, not university type. Don’t pick a city first and programme second — reverse that order.

How the Success Scholarship Works

• Eligibility: Open to international students currently studying at Turkish universities on their own finances (not already receiving a Türkiye Bursları scholarship).
• Academic requirement: Must have completed at least one academic year (two semesters) and meet GPA thresholds.
• GPA requirements: Undergraduate students need 3.00/4.00. Master’s and PhD students need 3.50/4.00. Medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy students need 2.50/4.00.
• Coverage: The scholarship covers monthly stipend only. Accommodation and other expenses are not covered.
• Duration: Awarded for one academic year at a time and can be renewed based on continued academic performance.
• Application window: Typically opens in October–November and results are announced in December.
• Monthly stipend: Undergraduate: 3,500 TL; Master’s: 5,000 TL; PhD: 6,500 TL.

⚠️ Important: The Success Scholarship is not automatically awarded based on university ranking. It is a merit-based award tied to your GPA and academic performance, not the ranking of your university. You must submit a separate application during the Success Scholarship application window (October–November).

💡 LearnViaHub Tip: If you are currently studying in Turkey on your own finances and have a strong GPA, the Success Scholarship is one of the most accessible ways to get financial recognition. The application window is short (October–November), so mark your calendar early.

💡 LearnViaHub Tip: The 2:10 rule from successful applicants: list a maximum of 2 big-city universities (your dream picks) and 10 in mid-size or smaller cities. This maximises your chances of placement while still giving you a shot at your top choices.

Language of Instruction: A Critical Filter

Some programmes are only available in Turkish. Even though you will complete a mandatory TOMER language year before your degree, starting a master’s thesis in Turkish is significantly harder than in English. Verify the instruction language before selecting.

How the 12-Preference System Works

You can list up to 12 university-programme combinations in order of preference. But the system rarely gives you your top pick. Placement is determined by:

• Quota: Each programme has a limited number of scholarship spots.
• GPA: Higher GPAs are matched to more competitive programmes.
• Programme availability: Some programmes fill up faster than others.
• Preference order: Your ranking is considered, but it is not the deciding factor.

The “Dream vs Realistic” Balance

A balanced 12-preference list should include:

• 3 dream choices: Competitive programmes at top-ranked universities in major cities.
• 5 mid-tier choices: Strong programmes at regional universities or less competitive programmes at major universities.
• 4 safe choices: Programmes at smaller universities where your GPA exceeds the typical threshold.

Sample 12-Preference Strategy (Engineering Applicant)

💡 LearnViaHub Tip: Your 5th choice might be your best bet. Universities in cities like Konya, Trabzon, Sakarya, and Eskişehir often have excellent programmes in specific fields but receive far fewer applications. Less competition means a higher chance of getting your preferred programme.

Step 1 — Create Your Account

Register on tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr when the portal opens on 10 January 2027. The university list is only visible after you create an account and complete the initial sections of your application.

Step 2 — Filter by Degree Level and Field

The portal filters the university list based on your degree level (undergraduate, master’s, or PhD) and your chosen field of study. Only eligible university-programme combinations will appear.

Step 3 — Select Your 12 Preferences

Choose up to 12 university-programme combinations and rank them in order of preference. Use the strategy from the previous section to balance dream, mid-tier, and safe choices.

Step 4 — Complete the Rest of Your Application

Upload your documents, write your motivation letter, and submit by 20 February 2027 at 23:59 Turkish time (UTC+3). No extensions are ever given.

💡 LearnViaHub Tip: The portal crashes every year in the final 3–5 days. In 2024, the server was down for over 8 hours on 19 February. Submit by 10 February 2027 at the latest. Do not gamble with your application.

• You may not get any of your 12 preferences. Many scholars end up in small Anatolian cities they had never heard of, studying at universities with limited English resources.
• Istanbul is statistically improbable. Around 80% of applicants want Istanbul. Only about 800 spots exist. Your chance is roughly 0.4%.
• The stipend is modest. At current exchange rates, the master’s stipend of 5,000 TL is approximately $120 per month. Istanbul rent alone can exceed 10,000 TL. Many scholars rely on family support or find informal work.
• KYK dormitories vary widely. Some are excellent. Others have overcrowding, food quality issues, and maintenance concerns. Many scholars move out and pay rent from their own pocket.
• You get one transfer — and it’s not guaranteed. Transfer requests require a valid academic reason, must be approved by the receiving university, and may cause you to lose a semester. Once used, there are no more transfers.
• The Turkish language year is mandatory. Even if your degree programme is in English, you must complete a full year at TOMER and reach C1 level. If you fail, your scholarship can be terminated.

💡 LearnViaHub Tip: If your goal is to study in Istanbul specifically, Türkiye Bursları is not the right pathway. The placement system is designed to distribute scholars across Turkey, not concentrate them in major cities. Consider applying to universities directly if location is your priority.

• Apply to programmes that match your academic background exactly. Placement officers match GPAs to programme competitiveness. A mismatch reduces your chances.
• Include at least 3 regional universities in your 12 preferences. The 2:10 rule is widely recommended by successful applicants.
• Prioritise programme over city if your goal is skill acquisition. A strong programme in Eskişehir or Konya will serve your career better than a weak programme in Istanbul.
• Check if you qualify for the Success Scholarship. If you are already studying in Turkey with a strong GPA, this separate award doubles your stipend.
• Verify the language of instruction. Some programmes are Turkish-only, which makes thesis writing significantly harder.
• Contact current scholars before applying. LinkedIn and Facebook groups are full of Türkiye Bursları scholars willing to share their experiences.
• Submit your application by 10 February 2027. The portal crashes in the final days. Do not risk it.

Your Türkiye Bursları University List Action Plan

1. Create your application account on 10 January 2027. The university list is only visible inside the portal.
2. Research your 12 preferences using the 2:10 rule. Two big-city dream picks, ten mid-size or smaller city choices.
3. Check the language of instruction for each programme. Verify whether it is English or Turkish before selecting.
4. Check if you qualify for the Success Scholarship. If you are already studying in Turkey with a strong GPA, note the separate application window (October–November).
5. Prepare your documents in advance. Passport, transcripts, language scores, motivation letter, and recommendation letters.
6. Submit by 10 February 2027. The portal crashes in the final days. Do not risk it.
7. Apply for parallel scholarships. Consider Stipendium Hungaricum, SI Scholarship, VLIR-UOS, and Clarendon. For a full list of options, see our fully funded scholarships guide.

📋 Sources & Methodology

This guide was compiled from the official Türkiye Bursları portal (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr), YTB (Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities) official announcements, YÖK (Turkish Higher Education Council) university registry, published Success Scholarship guidelines, QS World University Rankings 2026, and third-party placement documentation for the 2027 cycle.

The university list is dynamic and changes annually. The “130+ partner universities” figure is based on the official YTB announcement from June 2026 confirming 15,000+ Türkiye Bursları scholars at 136 universities across 74 cities. The “208 universities” figure that appears in some third-party guides refers to the total number of universities in Turkey, not the number of Türkiye Bursları partner universities. University names, programme availability, and Success Scholarship eligibility should be verified on the official portal before applying. Figures marked as “~” or ranges reflect published estimates.