Türkiye Burslari vs private scholarships is one of the first choices international students face when they plan a degree in Turkey. Türkiye Burslari is the fully funded government scholarship: it pays for almost everything, but very few applicants win it. Private university scholarships are partial tuition discounts: they cover less, but most students with good grades can get one. This guide compares the two side by side and explains why most students should apply for both.
The short answer
Apply to Türkiye Burslari if you meet its age and grade limits, and at the same time apply to one or two private universities as a safe option. Türkiye Burslari opens once a year and selects only a small share of applicants. A private university offer, usually with a discount, can come within days or weeks, so you will not lose a year if the government scholarship does not work out.
Türkiye Burslari vs private scholarships: side by side
| Topic | Türkiye Burslari | Private university scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| Who gives it | The Turkish government (YTB) | Each private (foundation) university |
| What it covers | Tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, a one-year Turkish course and a flight ticket at the start and end of your studies | A discount on tuition only; you pay housing and living costs yourself |
| Who chooses your university | You list preferences; the scholarship places you | You choose the university and the program |
| When to apply | Once a year (the 2026 call ran from 10 January to 20 February 2026) | Most of the year, for the fall and spring intakes |
| Age limits | Bachelor’s under 21, master’s under 30, PhD under 35 | Usually none |
| Minimum grades | 70% for bachelor’s (90% for medicine, dentistry and pharmacy), 75% for master’s and PhD | Set by each university; better grades usually mean a bigger discount |
| Selection | Document review, a test for bachelor’s candidates, and an interview | Grades, sometimes an exam score such as the SAT, or early payment |
| Language of study | Many programs are in Turkish, after the one-year language course | Many programs are taught in English |
| How fast you get an answer | Months after the deadline | Often within days to a few weeks |
| Your chances | Low: it is very competitive | High, if you meet the admission requirements |
Türkiye Burslari: pros and cons
Pros: it is fully funded, it includes a monthly stipend and housing, and it covers bachelor’s, master’s and PhD study.
Cons: the age and grade limits are strict, applications open only once a year, you cannot be sure which university or city you will be placed in, and the result comes late. If you are not selected, you have to wait for the next call.
Private university scholarships: pros and cons
Pros: you choose the university, the program and the city, many programs are taught in English, there is no age limit, and you get an answer quickly. Discounts can be given for good grades, exam scores, early payment or having a sibling at the same university.
Cons: the discount covers tuition only, rules change every academic year, and you still need a budget for housing and living costs. Read our guide to the cost of studying in Turkey to plan the full amount.
Can you apply for both?
Yes, and for most students it is the smartest plan. A simple timeline looks like this:
- November–December: prepare your documents (diploma or expected grades, transcript, passport, letter of intent and recommendation letters).
- January–February: submit your Türkiye Burslari application on the official portal before the deadline.
- At the same time: apply to one or two private universities and ask for the scholarship or discount you qualify for.
- Before you pay a deposit: ask the private university about its refund policy, in case you are later selected for Türkiye Burslari.
Which one is right for you?
- You are under the age limit, your grades are high and you are happy to study in Turkish: apply to Türkiye Burslari, with a private university as your backup.
- You want to study in English, in Istanbul, or in a specific program: a private university scholarship gives you that choice.
- You are over the age limit or your grades are below the minimum: focus on private university scholarships.
- You want to start this spring or next fall without waiting: private universities are the faster route.
See also our guide to private universities in Istanbul and the full Türkiye Burslari 2027 and Turkey scholarships guide.
How Lord Agency can help
We help students apply to private universities in Turkey and North Cyprus, check which discounts they qualify for, and plan applications so a Türkiye Burslari application and a private university offer can run side by side. Fill in the free consultation form with your grades and budget, and an advisor will send you a shortlist.
Frequently asked questions
Is Türkiye Burslari better than a private university scholarship?
It covers more, but it is much harder to get and you have less control over where you study. A private university scholarship covers less, but you choose the university and the program and you know the result quickly.
Can I accept a private university offer and still apply for Türkiye Burslari?
Yes. Many students do both. Check the refund policy before you pay a deposit, because rules differ between universities.
Do private universities in Turkey give full scholarships?
Full scholarships at private universities are rare. Most international students receive a partial discount on tuition, based on grades, exam scores or early payment.
When does the next Türkiye Burslari call open?
The call usually opens in January. The 2026 call ran from 10 January to 20 February 2026. Check the official Türkiye Scholarships website for the next dates, because they can change.
Does Türkiye Burslari let me study in English?
Some programs are taught in English, but many are in Turkish. The scholarship includes a one-year Turkish language course for this reason.
Official source: Türkiye Scholarships (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr).
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