Turkey (Türkiye)
5 Fulbright/Turkish Universities Master's Program Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Fulbright Graduate Degree Grants
- Yes
Award Profile
The Fulbright/Turkish Universities Master’s Program Award offers recent graduates, postgraduate candidates, developing professionals and artists an opportunity to pursue a full-time Master’s degree program at leading state and foundation universities in Türkiye. Applications from all disciplines are eligible.
The Turkish Fulbright Commission has protocols with nine universities, however acceptances from other universities will also be considered. Special emphasis is given to diversity, therefore applications to locations/universities outside of Istanbul are strongly encouraged. For further information check the Commission’s website.
All applications will be evaluated by a committee of scholars, both for their academic and professional excellence, as well as their potential to increase mutual understanding between the United States and Türkiye.
Following the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all applications will be evaluated without prejudice toward individuals with disabilities.
Prospective candidates are 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 until 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 Initial Orientation Meeting Program in Ankara is held for grantees in September, around the beginning of the academic year in Türkiye. The Orientation Meeting consists of a variety of activities including sessions on Turkish history, culture, as well as cultural activities.
A Mid-Year Progress Meeting is organized to evaluate the grantees' course performance and provide constructive feedback for the remainder of their grant period.
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 and U.S. Student 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
The program is open to recent graduates, postgraduate candidates, developing professionals and artists from all disciplines.
Candidates who are interested in applying for the Fulbright/Turkish Universities Master’s Program Award 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, students and researchers 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 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. 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.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the Turkish Fulbright Commission’s YouTube channel where they can find videos with former grantee experiences and testimonials.
Candidates who are interested in applying for a grant in Türkiye are welcome to contact American Programs at the Turkish Fulbright Commission, at amprog@fulbright.org.tr for further information.
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
The medium of instruction at some universities is English. However, if a candidate receives an acceptance from a university with Turkish medium of instruction, proficiency in Turkish language is required.
Turkish Language courses may be arranged by the host university.
Fulbright Proposal Types
No
Yes
Affiliation
Letter of acceptance required prior to grant start
Applicants are responsible for arranging their own affiliation and must apply for admission according to the relevant university’s admissions procedures. Applicants are not expected to have a letter of admission/affiliation at time of application to the grant, but awards are conditional upon acceptance before grant start date.
Applicants will complete two applications, the Fulbright application and the university’s application (according to the university’s admissions procedures). Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their university applications as early as possible. The Fulbright Program does not cover the application fee for the university. Candidates are welcome to contact the Turkish Fulbright Commission for assistance in arranging host institution affiliations.
Candidates who wish to apply for the grant may directly contact the universities stated in the program announcement or, with prior approval of the Turkish Fulbright Commission, other universities.
Candidates without a formal acceptance letter from the university will be asked to provide the Turkish Fulbright Commission with a letter of acceptance upon receiving the award.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Fulbright funding under this award is for one academic year/nine months. If a candidate is accepted to a two-year Master’s program, applicants should seek funding from their host institutions. The grantee will have the opportunity to request the renewal of Fulbright grant for another semester, provided course work continues and conditional on academic performance.
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.
Final grant 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
- Settling in allowance
Final grant 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.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Mid-year seminar
Depending on the timing during the academic year and the teaching and research responsibilities of the grantee, grantees may have the opportunity to attend conferences, seminars, or other events organized by other Fulbright Commissions.
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 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
Universities may provide student accommadation.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Dependents Information
Candidates may bring their dependents, but the Program does not provide them with any financial or logistical support (visa application and/or permit application, etc.).
Visa Requirements
Candidates applying to pursue graduate studies must obtain the necessary visa from a Turkish Embassy/Consulate in the United States. Grantees are required to pay their own student visa application fees. Following arrival to Türkiye, all grantees will have to obtain a residence permit to reside and study legally in Türkiye.