For many African students, studying abroad is a dream that depends entirely on securing financial aid. If you are looking for a fully funded opportunity, the Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) is one of the most comprehensive and generous government-funded scholarship programs in the world.
Every year, the Turkish government awards thousands of scholarships to international students, and African students make up a significant and growing portion of the recipients .
However, because the scholarship is so generous, it is also incredibly competitive. In this 2026 guide, we will break down exactly what the Türkiye Scholarships cover, the eligibility requirements for African students, and expert tips on how to make your application stand out.
What Does the Türkiye Scholarship Cover?
Unlike many scholarships that only cover tuition, the Türkiye Bursları is a “fully funded” program. If you win, almost all your expenses are covered for the duration of your degree. The scholarship includes:
- Full University Tuition: You pay absolutely nothing to the university.
- Monthly Stipend: You receive a monthly allowance for living expenses. As of recent updates, this is approximately $150-$250 for Bachelor’s, $300 for Master’s, and $400 for PhD students .
- Free Accommodation: You are placed in a state-run university dormitory for free.
- Health Insurance: Full public health insurance coverage during your stay in Turkey.
- Flight Tickets: A free round-trip flight ticket (one to arrive in Turkey at the start of your studies, and one to return home after graduation).
- One-Year Turkish Language Course: Even if your university program is in English, you will receive one year of free intensive Turkish language training to help you integrate into society.
Eligibility Requirements for African Students
The scholarship is merit-based, meaning it is awarded to students with strong academic records and leadership potential.
Age Limits
- Bachelor’s Degree: Must be under 21 years old.
- Master’s Degree: Must be under 30 years old.
- PhD Degree: Must be under 35 years old.
Academic Requirements (Minimum Grades)
- For Undergraduate Programs: Minimum 70% average on your high school certificate (e.g., WAEC, KCSE, Thanaweya Amma) .
- For Master’s and PhD Programs: Minimum 75% average on your previous degree.
- For Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy: Minimum 90% average on your high school certificate .
The Reality: Acceptance Rates and Competition
It is crucial to be realistic about your chances. The Türkiye Bursları is highly competitive. Every year, over 165,000 students apply globally, and only about 5,000 scholarships are awarded. This puts the acceptance rate at roughly 2% to 5% .
Because of this intense competition, you should never rely solely on this scholarship. We strongly advise African students to apply for the scholarship, but also secure a backup admission at an affordable private university.
Read our guide on [The Most Affordable Private Universities in Turkey for African Students] to explore low-cost backup options.
How to Apply for the Türkiye Scholarships (2026)
The application process is completely free and is done entirely online through the official Türkiye Bursları portal.
Application Timeline
Applications typically open once a year. For the 2026 academic year, applications are expected to be open between January 10th and February 20th, 2026 .
Required Documents
You will need to upload scanned copies of the following documents:
- A valid passport or national ID card.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- National exam scores (if any).
- Diploma or temporary certificate of graduation.
- Academic transcripts.
- International exam scores (GRE, GMAT, SAT, etc.) if required by the specific university you choose.
- Language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS) if you choose an English-taught program.
- A well-written Letter of Intent (Motivation Letter).
Expert Tips to Win the Scholarship
Since you are competing against thousands of top students, having good grades is not enough. Here is how to make your application stand out:
1. Nail the Letter of Intent
This is the most important part of your application. The committee wants to know why you want to study in Turkey and how your education will benefit your home country in Africa. Be specific. Do not just say “I want to be an engineer.” Say “I want to study civil engineering in Turkey to learn modern infrastructure techniques that I can bring back to solve housing issues in Nairobi.”
2. Choose Your Universities Wisely
During the application, you will be asked to select up to 12 university preferences. Do not just choose the top universities in Istanbul (like Boğaziçi or ITU). Everyone applies to those. Include high-quality universities in smaller cities like Eskişehir, Trabzon, or Kayseri to increase your chances of placement.
3. Highlight Extracurriculars and Leadership
The Turkish government is looking for future leaders and cultural ambassadors. Upload certificates from volunteering, community service, sports, or leadership roles you held in high school or university.
4. Apply for Turkish-Taught Programs
While you can apply for English-taught programs, there is significantly less competition for Turkish-taught programs. Since the scholarship includes a free year of Turkish language learning anyway, applying for a Turkish-taught degree can drastically improve your chances of winning.
Need a Backup Plan?
If you do not win the fully funded Türkiye Scholarship, your dream of studying in Turkey is not over.
At StudySehir, we help African students secure partial merit scholarships (up to 75% off tuition) at top private universities. These partial scholarships are much easier to get and still make studying in Turkey highly affordable.
