If you’re searching for a fully funded scholarship in Turkey without IELTS, the Türkiye Bursları Scholarship 2027 is one of the best opportunities available for international students. Funded by the Turkish government, this prestigious scholarship welcomes applications from students in more than 170 countries who want to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees at top universities across Turkey.
One of the biggest advantages of the Türkiye Bursları Scholarship is that no IELTS or TOEFL score is required for most applicants. You also do not need a university admission letter before applying, and the application process is completely free.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Türkiye Bursları Scholarship 2027, including eligibility requirements, scholarship benefits, required documents, application deadlines, and a step by step guide to submitting a successful application through the official scholarship portal.
What Is Turkiye Burslari
Turkiye Burslari, also called Turkey Scholarships, is the flagship international scholarship program run by YTB, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities. It funds undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and research programs at universities across Turkey.
The numbers are impressive. Every year, the program draws over 165,000 applications from more than 170 countries. Around 5,000 new scholars get selected. One of its biggest strengths is simple: you apply directly to YTB, not to individual universities. YTB then handles your university and department placement, so you do not need a prior admission letter.
Unlike many international scholarships, Turkiye Burslari does not require IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE scores. Most top scholarships filter applicants through language tests, application fees, or a prior university offer. This program removes all three barriers at once. That is exactly why thousands of students search for Turkey scholarships without IELTS every year.
Why Study in Turkey Without IELTS
Turkey has grown into one of the most attractive study destinations for international students. The numbers prove it. Turkey is now home to 207 higher education institutions, including 129 public universities and 73 foundation universities. Meanwhile, the number of international students studying there jumped from 48,000 in 2013 to nearly 340,000 in the 2024 to 2025 academic year.
So why does studying without IELTS matter so much? Many strong students simply cannot access expensive test centers or preparation courses. Turkiye Burslari removes that obstacle completely. Instead of a language test score, it focuses on your academic record and your interview performance.
Fully Funded Benefits of Turkey Scholarships 2027
This is a completely funded package. You will not pay a cent from application to graduation. The scholarship covers tuition in full. It also pays a monthly stipend based on your study level, provides student accommodation, covers health insurance, and funds return flights at the start and end of your studies.
Here is a quick breakdown of what you get:
- Full tuition fee for your entire degree
- Monthly stipend, with higher amounts for master’s and PhD scholars
- Free accommodation in university dormitories
- Complete health insurance coverage
- Round trip air ticket to and from Turkey
- One year of free Turkish language training
Regarding the language course, the program funds a full year at TOMER for scholars placed in a Turkish medium program. However, English medium programs are also available at some top universities if you prefer to study in English.
YOU MAY CHECK OUT:Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS: The Complete 2026 Guide for International Students
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is fairly straightforward compared to most fully funded programs. Still, academic thresholds matter, especially for medical fields. Here is what you need:
- Undergraduate applicants need a minimum of 70 percent in secondary education
- Master’s and PhD applicants need a minimum of 75 percent in prior academic records
- Medical sciences applicants need a minimum of 90 percent
- Applicants must hold citizenship of any country except Turkey
- An age limit applies, and it varies by study level
Certain regions tend to send large numbers of applicants. For instance, students from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nigeria, Sudan, and Ethiopia have formed some of the largest cohorts in recent years. Strong numbers also come from Central Asia, the Balkans, and the Arab world.
Special Scholarship Tracks
Turkiye Burslari is not just one single program. In fact, it runs several specialized tracks under the same umbrella, and you may qualify for more than one depending on your background.
- Success Scholarship for high achieving students with outstanding academic records
- Science Scholarship for STEM disciplines
- Humanitarian Aid Scholarship for students facing difficult circumstances
- Ali Kuscu track for engineering and natural sciences
- Ibn Khaldun track for social sciences
- Ibn Sina track for medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy
Notably, the Success and Science tracks offer doubled stipends for exceptional candidates. So it is worth checking whether your profile fits one of these categories before you submit a general application.
Turkey Scholarships 2027 Application Dates
Here is where you need to pay close attention. As of now, YTB has not officially confirmed the exact 2027 dates. Therefore, you should avoid relying on unofficial websites that publish estimated dates before official confirmation.
That said, the program has followed a consistent pattern for years. Based on this pattern, the 2027 window is expected to open around mid January 2027 and close around 20 February 2027. Scholars typically start their studies in September or October. Always confirm the exact dates on the official portal before you begin.
Once applications open, the process usually moves through these stages:
- Application submission through the online portal
- Document review and shortlisting
- Interviews in your home country or online
- Results announcement
- Placement and visa processing
- Arrival and orientation in Turkey
In the most recent completed cycle, applications opened on January 10 and closed on February 20. Evaluation ran from March to May. Interviews took place in June and July across more than 100 countries. Results were announced in early August, and scholars arrived in Turkey in September. Expect 2027 to follow a similar structure.
Here is an important warning from past applicants: do not wait until the final days to submit your documents. The online portal has crashed frequently near past deadlines. It has also shown confusing field labels and occasionally lost uploaded files. So it is wise to submit your file at least a week before the window closes.
How to Apply for Turkey Scholarships 2027
Applying is completely free, and the entire process happens online. Follow these steps carefully.
- Visit the official Turkiye Burslari portal at turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
- Create your account on the application system at tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
- Fill in your personal, academic, and contact details
- Upload your required documents, including transcripts, diploma, and passport copy
- List up to 12 program and university combinations in order of preference
- Review your application thoroughly before final submission
- Submit before the deadline and save your confirmation details
Regarding step five, YTB places you at one of your listed choices based on your profile, academic record, and interview result. So you do not apply to each university separately.
Before you start, explore available programs through the official study search tool at studyinturkiye.gov.tr. This way, you will already know which universities to shortlist.
Required Documents Checklist
Keep these documents ready before the portal opens, so you are not rushing at the last minute.
- High school diploma or bachelor’s degree certificate, depending on your level
- Academic transcripts with grades or percentages clearly shown
- Valid passport copy
- Passport size photograph
- Letter of intent or motivation letter, if requested
- Relevant certificates, awards, or research publications for graduate applicants
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Competition for this program is genuinely intense. The acceptance rate typically falls between 2 and 5 percent, given the huge volume of applicants. So treat every part of your application as a chance to stand out.
- Choose your 12 preferences strategically, mixing top choices with less competitive ones
- Keep your motivation letter specific to your field and future goals
- Prepare for your interview by researching your field and practicing common questions
- Apply to a few backup scholarships at the same time
- Start learning basic Turkish early, since it helps either way
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IELTS required for Turkey Scholarships 2027? No. Turkiye Burslari does not require IELTS, TOEFL, or any other English test at the time of application.
Is there an application fee? No. The entire application process is completely free.
Can I apply without a university admission letter? Yes. YTB places you at a university based on your preferences and profile. So you do not need to secure admission on your own first.
How many university choices can I list? You can list up to 12 program and university combinations in order of preference.
When should I expect the 2027 application portal to open? Based on previous years, expect the window to open around mid January 2027. However, always confirm exact dates on the official portal, since they have not been formally announced yet.
Final Thoughts
Turkey Scholarships 2027 remain one of the most accessible fully funded opportunities available today. This is especially true for students who cannot afford IELTS fees or expensive test preparation. With full tuition, a monthly stipend, free housing, health insurance, flights, and a free language course, it is easy to see why so many students apply every year.
So start preparing your documents now. Keep checking the official portal for confirmed 2027 dates, and submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last minute portal issues.
Official Application Portal: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr Online Application System: tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr University and Program Search: studyinturkiye.gov.tr