TÜBİTAK Scholarship for International Students
TÜBİTAK Scholarships are a great opportunity for foreign students who want to study for their master’s and doctoral degrees in Turkey. The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) is one of the largest organizations funding projects in the field of science, technology and innovation. Although it often appears to be open only to Turkish researchers, there are actually many programs for foreign students.
How International Students Benefit From This Support
Foreign students can especially benefit from the following programs:
- 2216-A Graduate Scholarship Program for Foreign Students
- 2232 International Leading Researchers Program
- Additional support for students participating in TÜBİTAK-funded research projects
Most of the Tübitak scholarships require you to be enrolled in a Turkish university. In other words, you must first be accepted to the university and then apply for a scholarship.
Turkey Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) Which Departments Receive Scholarships
If you are a foreign student and wondering which departments you can get a scholarship for in Turkey, the answer is quite broad: TÜBİTAK is not limited to engineering or sciences, many fields from social sciences to architecture are supported.
Priority Areas and Supported Disciplines
Each year, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) announces the supported areas with a priority list. As of 2025, the main departments supported are:
| Field | Sample Departments |
|---|---|
| Engineering and Natural Sciences | Electrical-Electronics, Computer Science, Biotechnology |
| Health Sciences | Molecular Biology, Pharmacy, Genetics |
| Basic Sciences | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Social Sciences | Psychology, Economics, International Relations |
| Agricultural and Environmental Sciences | Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering |
| Artificial Intelligence and Data Science | Machine Learning, Data Analytics |
Undergraduate, Master’s and Doctorate Levels
TÜBİTAK scholarships offer intensive support especially for master’s and doctoral students. At the undergraduate level, internships and summer research programs are mostly supported. To summarize:
- Undergraduate: Internship and project-based scholarships
- Master’s: Monthly stipend + research support
- Doctoral: Long-term fellowship + overseas conference funding
If you have post-graduate academic goals, it certainly makes sense to consider these grants.
TÜBİTAK Scholarships are given to which students
If you are a foreign student who wants to study in Turkey and you are asking “Will TÜBİTAK give me a scholarship?”, the answer is: Yes, if you meet certain conditions! But these scholarships are not given randomly, they are given to students selected according to certain criteria.
Foreign Students Registered at Universities in Turkey
The first requirement to apply for TÜBİTAK scholarships is usually to be enrolled in a university in Turkey. So if you have not yet applied to university, you should first understand Advantages and Opportunities of Undergraduate Education in Turkey and choose the appropriate department.
The following student profiles are eligible for TÜBİTAK scholarships:
- Foreign nationals admitted to a master’s or doctoral program in Turkey
- Foreign research assistants involved in a research project
- International students involved in scientific projects in Turkey
Success, Project Participation and Other Criteria
TÜBİTAK scholarships are based entirely on merit and research potential. Applicants are generally expected to meet the following criteria:
- GPA (minimum 3.00/4.00 recommended)
- Language proficiency (valid exam results for English or Turkish programs)
- Academic reference letter
- Research proposal or motivation letter
- If included in the scope of the project, executive approval
Don’t let this scare you. In fact, the system is quite transparent and document-driven. The earlier you plan, the luckier you are.
TÜBİTAK Supports and Scholarship Opportunities for Researchers
TÜBİTAK scholarships are not only for students, but also offer scholarships and project support to foreign nationals in the status of researchers. Especially foreign researchers working at a university in Turkey or involved in a research project can benefit from these opportunities.
Can Research Assistants Get Scholarships?
Yes, foreign academics in the position of research assistant can apply for special programs of TÜBİTAK such as 2232. For example:
- 2232 International Leading Researchers Program: A support program that includes a comprehensive salary + research budget, designed to attract foreign academics who are experts in their field to Turkey.
Foreign research assistants participating in TÜBİTAK-supported projects at universities can also receive scholarships. At this point, it is important whether the project you are assigned to is supported by TÜBİTAK or not.
What are the 2216-A and 2232 Programs
Here is a brief comparison of two important programs:
| Program | For Whom? | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 2216-A | Foreign students doing master’s/doctorate in Turkey | Monthly scholarship, transportation support, health insurance |
| 2232 | Professional researchers (post-doc or higher) | Research budget, high salary, relocation assistance |
For more details, you can check TÜBİTAK’s international programs page.
How to Apply to TÜBİTAK (Step-by-Step Guide)
Although the application process may seem a bit technical, it can actually be easily managed with careful planning. Here are the general steps for 2025:
Application Process and Required Documents
The following is a general list of documents that may be required when applying for TÜBİTAK scholarships:
- Copy of passport
- Student certificate (from university in Turkey)
- Transcript (undergraduate/graduate transcript)
- Letter of intent and research proposal
- Letters of academic reference
- Foreign language certificate (TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent)
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) may request extra documents for some programs, so you should carefully read the guidelines of the program you are applying for.
Online Application System Login
TÜBİTAK applications are usually made through BIDEB Application and Monitoring System. After logging in to this platform for the first time, you must create a user profile and select the program you want to apply for.
Tip: Be careful to upload documents in PDF format. The system does not accept some file types and may error during installation.
Tips to Know Before Making an Application
Yes, the application process may look easy on paper, but there is competition. You are competing against hundreds of qualified candidates. The following tips can make your job easier.
Common Mistakes
- Applying with incomplete documents
- Not stating clear objectives in the letter of intent
- Failure to document language proficiency
- Miss application deadlines for programs
- Exit without saving in the online system
Suggestions for a Successful Project Proposal
- Highlight the project’s contribution to Turkey
- Connect with your academic background
- Set clear and measurable goals
- Emphasize originality and innovation
- Use simple but effective language
If you are applying for the first time, you can definitely get support from your advisor or Points to Consider When Applying for a Scholarship in Turkey. This kind of guidance significantly increases the chances of winning a scholarship.
Realize Your Dream with a Scholarship: Now is the Time to Apply!
Now you know almost everything about TÜBİTAK scholarships. But knowledge is not enough. The most important step: start.
Why You Should Take Action Today
Because scholarship places are limited and competition is high. If you are late, you may have to wait a year. Moreover, TÜBİTAK is not only a financial support but also an academic springboard.
Now is the time. Don’t postpone your dream, take the first step today!