Türkiye Scholarships and YKS: Who Can Apply and Which Route Fits You

Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) is a Turkish government scholarship for international students. That is why many Arab families ask about it alongside YKS. It can cover tuition, housing and a monthly stipend, so it is very attractive. However, it has its own rules, its own dates and its own selection, and it does not use YKS. In this guide, we first explain who can apply, what the scholarship covers and how selection works. Most importantly, we then explain how it fits with YKS for students at Turkish high schools.

What are Türkiye Scholarships?

YTB, a Turkish government body, runs the program for students from other countries. In 2026, for example, the call covered associate, bachelor’s, master’s and PhD levels. Students apply online on the official Türkiye Scholarships site, and then a committee selects the scholars. This guide focuses on the undergraduate level, because that is where YKS also plays a role.

Who can apply for Türkiye Scholarships?

First, the official programs page says that citizens of all countries can apply. However, it excludes three groups:

• Turkish citizens, which in our reading also covers dual nationals who hold Turkish citizenship.
• People who have lost Turkish citizenship, so Mavi Kart holders are also excluded, as we read the rule.
• Students already enrolled at that level, for example a bachelor’s student at a Turkish university who wants a bachelor’s scholarship.

Graduates can apply, and so can students who will graduate by the end of the current school year. In addition, you must be under 21 for associate and bachelor’s programs. You also need an average of at least 70%, or 90% for medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. Our guide on studying pharmacy in Turkey also explains that path through YKS.

What the scholarship covers

According to the full-time programs page, Türkiye Scholarships cover tuition, accommodation and health insurance. They also pay a monthly stipend, which was 6,500 TL for undergraduates in 2026. In addition, the scholarship includes a flight ticket and a one-year Turkish course. Scholars without C1 Turkish must attend this course and then reach the C1 level.

There is also a Merit Scholarship (Başarı Bursu), which pays twice the regular stipend. For undergraduates, however, it asks for a 90% average plus one more strong result. For example, an SAT score of 1400 counts for engineering, or 1350 for other fields. An IB score of 33 or more, a top-10 national exam rank or a recognised olympiad medal also counts.

How selection works

Instead of YKS, the scholarship runs its own selection, as the evaluation page explains:

1. First, a preliminary check of grades, age and documents.
2. Then a review by an expert committee.
3. Next, a quantitative test for undergraduates, with 30 questions in 60 minutes.
4. Later, an interview of 15 to 30 minutes.
5. Finally, a decision by the committee.

However, the selection page does not mention YKS or YÖS. Also, the application asks for national exam results only “if any”. It asks for SAT or international exams only when a program requires them. So, in our reading, Türkiye Scholarships do not require YKS. A YKS score also does not replace the scholarship’s own test and interview.

Dates: the yearly calendar

For example, the 2026 call ran from 10 January to 20 February 2026 for all levels. In a usual year, evaluation then follows in March and April, while interviews run from April to June. Then results come out in early August, and students arrive in September, according to the official calendar. However, no 2027 call has appeared yet. We expect the window around 10 January – 20 February 2027, but check the site before you plan.

Türkiye Scholarships or YKS: which route fits you?

This is, above all, the key question for students who live in Türkiye. Since 2026, under YÖK rules, foreigners who enrolled in or graduated from a Turkish high school enter university only through YKS. There are a few exceptions, such as embassy schools. So for these students, YKS is the main route to university.

Can they also apply for Türkiye Scholarships? The official pages we read neither allow nor exclude students who live in Türkiye or study at Turkish high schools. Therefore, check with YTB before you plan on it. If YTB confirms that you are eligible, you can then apply for both. In this case, prepare for YKS as your main plan, and treat the scholarship as an extra chance.

On the other hand, students who finished all of secondary school abroad face a different picture. They usually apply through the international quota with exams such as TR-YÖS or SAT. They can also apply for Türkiye Scholarships if they meet its rules.

A simple plan for students at Turkish high schools

1. First, make YKS your main plan. Start preparing early, because the exam decides your placement.
2. Then check your eligibility with YTB. Ask before January, since the call usually opens on 10 January.
3. Next, prepare documents early. If YTB confirms you can apply, then gather your grades and papers before the window opens.
4. Finally, keep your average high. A strong average helps in both routes, because the OBP adds points in YKS and the scholarship asks for 70% or 90%.

How ILEAP Academy helps

ILEAP Academy is one of the first Arabic centers in Istanbul specialised in YKS. Whatever happens with a scholarship application, a strong YKS result still keeps your main door open. We start with a level test and explain topics in Arabic. Then we train the Turkish of the exam and run timed practice exams with clear net reports. We have three centers in Istanbul, and the same program also runs online. Discover ILEAP Academy to book a level test, and also read our complete YKS exam guide for the full picture.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need YKS to apply for Türkiye Scholarships?

No. That is because the scholarship has its own test and interview, and its selection page does not mention YKS. However, since 2026 students from Turkish high schools enter university through YKS. So ask YTB how both routes apply to you.

Can I apply for Türkiye Scholarships if I live in Türkiye?

We could not confirm this on the official pages. So check with YTB before you plan on it, and keep YKS as your main plan.

How old can I be for Türkiye Scholarships?

Generally, you must be under 21 for associate and bachelor’s programs. You also need an average of at least 70%, or 90% for medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.