Bilateral agreement scholarships are an undiscovered but very valuable opportunity for international students who want to study in Turkey. Thanks to these scholarships, you can be exempt from university fees and sometimes you can even stay in a state dormitory.
What are bilateral agreements and who can benefit from them
The number of countries with which Turkey has signed bilateral education agreements exceeds 100. These agreements can be valid both at the university level and for short-term exchange programs. Here are some of the regions included in this list:
- Balkan Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia
- Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan
- Africa: Niger, Sudan, Morocco
- Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh
Students from these countries find not only academic development but also the opportunity to build a social network. Especially participating in international student communities and networks in Turkey accelerates social cohesion and increases career opportunities.
For more information check out The official website of the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Turkey.
Countries with which Turkey has Bilateral Agreements
The number of countries with which Turkey has signed bilateral education agreements exceeds 100. These agreements can be valid both at the university level and for short-term exchange programs. Here are some of the regions included in this list:
- Balkan Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia
- Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan
- Africa: Niger, Sudan, Morocco
- Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh
The conditions under which countries can benefit from these agreements vary in detail. For example, in some countries scholarships are only available at the undergraduate level, while in others they include a master’s degree or a PhD.
The number of students studying in Turkey under these agreements is increasing every year. In fact, according to YÖK reports, the number of students benefiting from these scholarships increased by 15% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
This shows that more students are coming to Turkey not only through classical means but also through bilateral protocols.
Scholarship Types and Application Process
Bilateral agreement scholarships usually offer the following benefits:
- Education fee exemption
- Accommodation in state dormitory
- Monthly scholarship of a certain amount (valid in some countries)
- Turkish preparatory education
The application process usually proceeds as follows:
- Application to the competent authority of the home country: The Ministry of National Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Turkish Embassy are usually involved.
- A candidate list is forwarded to Turkey: This list is forwarded to the competent authorities in Turkey.
- Accepted candidates are informed: Afterwards, students learn the universities where they are placed and the registration process begins.
Application periods vary by country, but are usually held in the spring. Sometimes this process can be confusing because there is no centralized online application system.
Application documents also include a photocopy of passport, education certificates, medical report and knowledge of Turkish (if applicable).
Application Requirements and Required Documents
There are a few basic requirements when applying for bilateral scholarships. First, the applicant must be a citizen of a country that has a bilateral education agreement with Turkey. This is the most basic prerequisite for the scholarship. Apart from that, the application documents usually vary by country, but in most cases the following documents are required:
- Copy of current passport
- High school diploma or university transcript
- Health report
- Motivational letter
- Letters of reference
- (If available) Turkish Proficiency Certificate
In some countries, official translations of these documents may also be required. A friend of mine applied from Indonesia and had to translate her diplomas into both English and Turkish. Also be careful: Some applications are made to the education authorities in your home country, not directly to Turkey. So the system can be a bit complicated.
Preparing the documents correctly and submitting the application on time significantly increases the chances of acceptance. Because bilateral agreement scholarships are usually given with limited quotas and do not accept mistakes.
Experiences of those who studied in Turkey with these scholarships
There are many students studying in Turkey under bilateral scholarships and their experiences are generally very positive. In particular, advantages such as dormitory accommodation and exemption from tuition fees ease the financial burden.
I had a friend from Morocco, her name was Amina. During her Turkish preparatory education, she stayed in a state dormitory and never paid rent. “If I had not received this scholarship, it would have been impossible for me to study in Turkey,” she said. Many students like him gain not only academically but also culturally thanks to bilateral agreement scholarships.
But some students lack information at the beginning of the process. They may not be clear at first which city they will study in, how much the scholarship amount is or how their health insurance will work. Therefore, it is important to receive support even after winning the scholarship.
Remember this: Bilateral scholarships are not only a financial support, but also an opportunity for cultural exchange. Students coming to Turkey learn Turkish, explore different cities and participate in many cultural activities. This experience is not just an education, it is life itself.
Now is the Time to Take Steps
Now you know: Turkey Scholarships are not the only option to study in Turkey. Bilateral scholarships can also open new doors for you. And since these scholarships are less well-known, the competition is relatively low. But time is of the essence. It is necessary to take action without missing the application deadlines.
If you still have questions or don’t know where to start, contact RoadToStudy. Remember, every great journey begins with a small step.