Every year, thousands of students dream of studying in Turkey without the financial burden of tuition fees and living costs. The Turkiye Burslari Turkmenistan program makes this dream a reality. As the official Turkish government scholarship, it is one of the most comprehensive and competitive fully funded scholarship programs in the world.
For students from Turkmenistan, there has never been a better time to apply. The Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) recently announced plans to significantly increase the scholarship quota for Turkmen citizens, aiming to provide at least 100 scholarships this year.
In this complete 2026 application guide, we will show you exactly what the scholarship covers, who is eligible, and how to build a winning application profile from Turkmenistan.
What Are the Benefits of Turkiye Burslari?
Unlike many scholarships that only cover tuition, Turkiye Burslari is a full-package program. If you are selected, you will receive:
- 100% University Tuition: You will not pay a single lira to your university for the entire duration of your program.
- Monthly Stipend (2026 Rates):
- Undergraduate students: 4,500 TL per month
- Master’s students: 6,500 TL per month
- PhD students: 9,000 TL per month
- Free Accommodation: You will be placed in a state-run KYK dormitory for free.
- One-Year Turkish Language Course (TÖMER): Even if you apply for an English-taught program, you will receive one year of free Turkish language preparation.
- Health Insurance: Full coverage under the Turkish national health system (SGK).
- Flight Tickets: A free one-way ticket to Turkey when you start, and a return ticket to Turkmenistan when you graduate.
Given the strict banking limits on money transfers from Turkmenistan, winning this scholarship completely removes the financial stress detailed in our Cost of Studying in Turkey and Money Transfers guide.
Eligibility Requirements for Turkmen Students
Turkiye Burslari is highly competitive. Before you start the application process, you must ensure you meet the strict eligibility criteria.
Academic Thresholds
Your high school or university grades must meet the following minimums:
- Undergraduate Programs: Minimum 70% academic achievement.
- Master’s and PhD Programs: Minimum 75% academic achievement.
- Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy): Minimum 90% academic achievement.
Note for Turkmen Students: The Turkmenistan high school system uses a 5-point grading scale. A grade of “4” is generally considered 80%, and a “5” is 100%. Ensure your transcripts are properly translated to reflect these percentages accurately.
Age Limits
The age limits are strictly enforced. You must be:
- Under 21 years old for undergraduate programs.
- Under 30 years old for master’s programs.
- Under 35 years old for PhD programs.
The Application Process from Turkmenistan
The application period typically opens in early January and closes in late February. You must apply online through the official Türkiye Scholarships Application System (TBBS).
Here is the step-by-step strategy for Turkmen applicants:
1. Document Preparation and Translation
You will need your passport, biometric photo, diploma, and transcripts. All Turkmen educational documents must be officially translated into Turkish or English and notarized. Do not wait until the last minute, as translation services in Ashgabat can be busy during the application window.
2. The “4-4-4” University Selection Strategy
You are allowed to choose up to 12 universities and programs. Do not just pick the top universities in Istanbul and Ankara, as they are the most competitive. We recommend the “4-4-4 strategy”:
- 4 Dream Universities: Top-tier institutions like Koç, METU, or Boğaziçi.
- 4 Target Universities: Mid-tier universities in major cities.
- 4 Safety Universities: High-quality state universities in smaller, less competitive cities (e.g., Eskişehir, Bursa, or Antalya).
Remember to check our list of Turkish Universities Recognized in Turkmenistan to ensure your choices will be valid when you return home.
3. Writing the Letter of Intent
This is the most critical part of your application. The committee wants to know why you chose Turkey and how your education will benefit Turkmenistan upon your return.
As a Turkmen applicant, you have a unique advantage. Highlight the cultural and linguistic ties between the two nations. Explain how you plan to use your Turkish education to strengthen bilateral relations or contribute to Turkmenistan’s development.
The Interview Stage
If your online application is successful, you will be invited for an interview. For Turkmen students, this usually takes place at the Turkish Embassy in Ashgabat or online.
The interview panel will assess your academic potential, your motivation, and your Turkish language skills (though knowing Turkish is not strictly required). Because Turkmen and Turkish are both Oghuz languages, you can easily impress the panel by showing that you have already started learning basic Turkish. For more on this linguistic advantage, read our guide on TÖMER Courses for Turkmen Speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IELTS or TOEFL required for Turkiye Burslari?
It depends on the program you choose. If you apply for an English-taught program, you must provide an internationally recognized language certificate like TOEFL or IELTS. Turkish-taught programs do not require these.
What is the acceptance rate for Turkiye Burslari?
Globally, the acceptance rate is very low, usually around 2% to 5%, as they receive over 165,000 applications for roughly 5,000 seats. However, with the new quota increases for Turkmenistan, your chances are better than ever.
Do I need the YÖS exam to apply for the scholarship?
No, the TR-YÖS exam is not mandatory for the scholarship application itself. However, having a high YÖS score can significantly boost your profile. Learn more in our YÖS and TR-YÖS Exam Guide.
When is the deadline for Turkiye Burslari 2026 applications?
The exact dates vary slightly each year, but the application window typically runs from January 10 to February 20.
