Türkiye Bursları, also written as Turkiye Burslari, is the Turkish government’s scholarship programme, funding undergraduate, Master’s, and doctoral study for international students, including Nigerians, at universities across Turkey. It is one of the more accessible fully funded options for Nigerian students, with a straightforward online application and a generous benefits package.
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Who is eligible
- Open to students of all nationalities, with no restriction excluding Nigerian applicants.
- Age limits apply by study level: generally under 21 for undergraduate applicants, under 30 for Master’s applicants, and under 35 for doctoral applicants, though always confirm the exact current limits on the official site, since these can be adjusted between cycles.
- Academic excellence is assessed based on your transcripts and results from your most recent level of study.
- Language proficiency matters depending on your chosen programme, since some are taught in Turkish and others in English.
- Some specific programmes, particularly at Master’s and PhD level, may also require standardised test scores such as the GRE, depending on the field and university.
What the scholarship covers
Türkiye Bursları has historically covered the main costs of studying in Turkey, which is a large part of why it attracts so many Nigerian applicants each cycle:
- Full tuition fees at your host university.
- Accommodation.
- Health insurance.
- A monthly stipend to cover living costs.
Exact stipend amounts and specific coverage terms vary by study level and can be adjusted between cycles, so confirm the current figures directly on the official Criteria and Scholarship Programs section of the Türkiye Bursları site before making financial plans around it.
How to apply, step by step
- Create an account on the official application portal at tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr.
- Complete the application form with accurate personal, educational, and programme preference information. Discrepancies between your form and your actual documents can lead to disqualification, so double check every entry before moving forward.
- Upload required documents, including your academic transcripts, a passport copy, a CV, and a motivation letter. Some programmes, particularly at postgraduate level, may also require recommendation letters or a research proposal, so confirm your specific programme’s exact document list.
- Select up to twelve programmes and universities you are interested in, ranked according to your genuine preference, since Türkiye Bursları allows you to list multiple choices in a single application rather than applying separately to each university.
- Review everything carefully and submit. You will receive a confirmation email with an application reference number, which you should keep safe for any future correspondence or status check.
Checking the application calendar
Because exact opening and closing dates shift between cycles, always confirm the current timeline through the official Application Calendar at turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/calendar rather than relying on a date you saw somewhere else, since this programme’s precise deadlines are refreshed each year on the official site itself.
Choosing your programmes wisely
With up to twelve choices allowed in a single application, resist the temptation to simply list every option you can think of. Think carefully about which universities and programmes genuinely match your academic background, your career goals, and the language of instruction you are realistically prepared for. A well considered list of six focused choices is generally a stronger strategy than a scattered list of twelve chosen without real thought.
Documents to prepare in advance
- Academic transcripts and certificates for your most recent level of study, properly translated if not in English or Turkish where required.
- A valid passport.
- A recent CV or academic resume.
- A motivation letter, explaining your specific reasons for choosing Turkey and your chosen field.
- Recommendation letters, particularly for postgraduate applicants.
- Any required standardised test scores for your specific chosen programme and level.
What happens after you apply
Türkiye Bursları runs its own review and selection process after the application window closes, and shortlisted candidates are typically invited for further steps, including interviews for some programmes, before final placement and university matching takes place. Keep your application reference number accessible and monitor your registered email for any official communication throughout this period.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the age limit for your intended study level, which is strictly enforced.
- Submitting inconsistent personal details between your form and your supporting documents.
- Listing twelve programmes without genuine research into each one’s language of instruction, location, or fit for your academic background.
- Waiting until close to the deadline shown on the official calendar to start gathering documents, when translation and certification can take time.
Conclusion
Türkiye Bursları offers Nigerian students a genuinely accessible route into fully funded study in Turkey, as long as you respect the age limits, prepare your documents properly, and choose your programmes with real intention rather than simply maximising your twelve available slots. Create your account at tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr, confirm the current deadline at turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/calendar, and submit a focused, accurate, and complete application well ahead of the stated closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about this guide
1Is there an age limit for Türkiye Bursları?
Yes, age limits apply by study level, generally under 21 for undergraduate, under 30 for Master’s, and under 35 for doctoral applicants, though you should confirm the exact current limits on the official site.
2How many programmes can I apply to in one application?
Up to twelve universities and programmes can be selected and ranked within a single application.
3Does the scholarship cover accommodation and health insurance?
Yes, in addition to tuition and a monthly stipend, Türkiye Bursları has historically covered accommodation and health insurance for scholarship holders.
4Do I need to speak Turkish to apply?
Not necessarily, since some programmes are taught in English, though your chosen programme’s specific language of instruction determines what proficiency you need.
5Where do I check the current application deadline?
The official Application Calendar at https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/calendar, since exact dates are updated there each cycle.
6Can I change my selected universities after submitting my application?
Most application systems of this kind lock your choices once submitted, so review your ranked list of programmes carefully before final submission rather than planning to edit it afterward.
7Does Türkiye Bursları require a visa application separately from the scholarship application?
Yes, successful candidates still need to handle their own student visa application to Turkey separately, so factor this additional process and timeline into your planning once you are placed.
8Is there an interview stage for every programme level?
Not necessarily for every programme, since interview requirements can vary by field and university, so confirm whether your specific chosen programmes include an interview stage once you are shortlisted.
9Can I reapply if I am unsuccessful in one cycle?
Generally yes, many applicants apply in more than one cycle before being selected, so confirm the current reapplication policy on the official site rather than assuming one unsuccessful attempt ends your eligibility permanently.
10Will I need to retake my SSCE results if they are older than a few years?
No, your existing WAEC, NECO, or equivalent results remain valid for this purpose, so there is no need to retake an exam simply because some time has passed since you wrote it.
11Can I apply while I am still in my final year and awaiting my degree result?
Some programmes accept applicants awaiting final results, provided you can show strong academic standing to date, so confirm your specific programme’s stance on this directly rather than assuming you must wait a full year after graduation.
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