Turkey (Türkiye)
7 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodSeptember StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The U.S. Student Study/Research Program offers recent graduates, postgraduate candidates, developing professionals and artists an opportunity to conduct career-launching studies and research in Türkiye.
Following the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all applications will be evaluated without prejudice toward individuals with disabilities.
All applications will be evaluated by a committee of scholars, not only for their academic and professional excellence, but also for their potential to increase mutual understanding between the United States and Türkiye.
Prospective candidates are also encouraged to visit the Turkish Fulbright Commission's YouTube channel where they can find videos with former grantee testimonials and other informational videos.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grants will begin in mid-September and run through mid-June. A series of webinar sessions are organized by the Turkish Fulbright Commission prior to grantee arrival, covering various administrative and logistical topics.
Orientation
An Orientation Meeting Program in Ankara is held for grantees in September before the academic year starts in Türkiye. The Orientation Meeting consists of a variety of activities including sessions on Turkish history, culture, and recent political developments in the country, as well as cultural activities.
A Mid-Year Progress Meeting is organized to evaluate the grantees' progress in their research projects and receive feedback for the Program.
The Final Evaluation Meeting is held towards the end of the academic year to allow grantees to share their academic and cultural experiences in Türkiye and to evaluate their overall Fulbright experience.
All the meetings are held jointly with U.S. Scholar Program Grantees, providing a supportive and collaborative environment in which grantees with a variety of backgrounds and experiences can learn from one another. The costs of attending these mandatory meetings are covered by the Turkish Fulbright Commission.
Candidate Profile
Applicants with bachelor or master degree levels from all disciplines are eligible to apply. Bachelor’s Degree should be completed before the grant period start date.
Applicants who already hold a Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) are not eligible for the U.S. Study/Research Program. Those applicants should examine other opportunities through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.
Applicants who are interested in applying for a grant in Türkiye are welcome to contact the Turkish Fulbright Commission for further information.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Türkiye, a transcontinental country with a rich historical and cultural heritage, is a geopolitically significant regional power and among the 20 largest economies in the world. Türkiye is a NATO ally, a founding member of the OECD and one of the most important strategic partners of the European Union.
One of the earliest permanently settled regions in the world, Türkiye, positioned uniquely across both Europe and Asia, has been home to many civilizations. Türkiye is celebrated for its rich cultural legacy, with a plethora of historical sites, a significant number of which have earned prestigious placement on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are more than 500 museums presenting more than 3 million pieces, and numerous historical sites in Türkiye, located in different cities around the country. In this context, Türkiye presents a splendid opportunity for embarking on a historical voyage, appealing not only to scholars, researchers and students but to all those fascinated by delving into the depths of human history. In addition, Türkiye is popular for its diverse natural attractions and delectable cuisine, further enhancing its allure.
Turkish is designated as a 'Critical Language' by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Being a Fulbright grantee in Türkiye presents an unparalleled opportunity to deepen the understanding of Turkish language and culture. Not only will Fulbright grantees have a chance to enhance their language skills, but they will also gain invaluable insights into Türkiye's pivotal role as a key player in its region.
The country offers quality higher education and research opportunities on modern campuses. With more than 200 universities, throughout the country, Türkiye features a large diversity of programs. Fulbright grantees are welcome to study and research in all of them! The academic year in Türkiye consists of two semesters: usually from September to January and from February to June. For further information about the Turkish education system please visit the website of the Turkish Fulbright Commission. A list of universities in Türkiye can be obtained from this website.
Eligibility
12 Months
Candidates with dual U.S.-Turkish citizenship are eligible to apply. However, dual citizens are not eligible if either of the following applies:
- The candidate received a degree from a university in Türkiye.
- The candidate resided in Türkiye for more than a consecutive year within the past five years.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Special Application Instructions
The Turkish Fulbright Commission reserves the right to interview finalists via an online platform or by telephone.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Turkish language proficiency commensurate with the project is strongly recommended. If an applicant intends to conduct archival research in Ottoman History or other relevant studies, knowledge of Ottoman Turkish is necessary.
Those who wish to attend lectures and/or make use of library facilities should have some degree of proficiency in Turkish. The medium of instruction at most universities is Turkish; however, some private and state universities offer classes in English.
Grantees are eligible to receive a Turkish Language Allowance for use towards an initial introduction to Turkish language; this allowance can only be used during their grant period.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Letter recommended but not required at deadline
This is an independent independent study program. Nonetheless, all grantees are expected to be affiliated with an institution in Türkiye. Applicants are highly encouraged to arrange their own affiliation and provide in their application file an invitation letter from the host institution at which they wish to conduct their Study/Research projects.
Applicants without formal affiliation should state their preference for placement at a particular institution. All applicants should provide reasoning for this preference, but final determinations regarding candidate affiliations are done by the Turkish Fulbright Commission. Candidates are welcome to contact the Turkish Fulbright Commission for assistance in arranging host institution affiliations.
The Turkish Fulbright Commission is committed to increasing the geographical diversity of its placements, by accepting grantees with affiliations from a spectrum of Turkish universities. Therefore, candidates are encouraged to apply with affiliations from less commonly-preferred universities.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Applicants proposing research projects are not charged affiliation fees.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
Stipend amounts will vary depending on location.
Final stipend amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Turkish Fulbright Commission reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards, and allowances.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Excess baggage fees
- Housing allowance (separate from living stipend)
- Language training allowance
- Registration/Permitting fees
- Research/Materials allowance
This amount does not include permit fees, which are paid by the Commission and are subject to change each year.
Final allowances will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Turkish Fulbright Commission reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards, and allowances.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Mid-year seminar
Depending on the timing during the academic year and grantees' research area and responsibilities, they may have the opportunity to participate in events hosted by other Fulbright Commissions in Europe. In such cases, the Turkish Fulbright Commission provides financial support.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Estimated cost of living in Türkiye varies by location. Expenses, specifically rents in large metropolitan areas especially in Istanbul are usually comparable to other major cities in the world. Candidates are strongly encouraged to conduct market research before arriving in Türkiye to understand the expenses associated with accommodation, daily necessities, transportation and for effective budgeting.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Grantees are responsible for making their own housing arrangements.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Dependents
Candidates may bring their dependents, but the Program does not provide them with any financial or logistical support (visa application, permit application, etc.).
Visa Requirements
Grantees are responsible for acquiring necessary visas and permits from a Turkish Embassy/Consulate in the United States prior to their arrival in Türkiye. A work permit exemption is necessary to research and reside legally in Türkiye. Grantees are responsible for applying and providing all the necessary documentation for the permits.
Grantees are required to pay their own visa application fees. Permit application fees will be covered by the Turkish Fulbright Commission. In addition, costs associated with acquiring any official documentation required for the permit application, are also covered by the Turkish Fulbright Commission.
Research Permission (Araştırma İzni): In addition to acquiring the appropriate visa, depending on the nature of the research project, some grantees may be expected to obtain research permission from the relevant ministries, research centers, museums or libraries. Grantees are responsible for obtaining research permission (if necessary) for their research projects; however, the Turkish Fulbright Commission can provide guidance.