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.
To promote regional variety, applications to universities outside of Istanbul are strongly encouraged. More information can be found on the Commission’s website.
Applications are assessed based on academic and professional excellence, as well as the applicant's potential to contribute to the mutual understanding and cultural exchange 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 for testimonials from former grantees and informational videos as well as Turkish Fulbright Website and Newsletter Archives.
Grant Length
Grant Period
- Grants will begin in mid-September and run until mid-June.
- Most Master's Programs in Türkiye are two-year programs. Grantees will have the opportunity to apply for a renewal grant after the first academic year; a renewal grant can be awarded for one additional semester based on academic performance.
Orientation
2025-2026 U.S. Fulbright Türkiye Grantees, Initial Orientation in Ankara
- A series of webinars hosted by the Turkish Fulbright Commission before departure, covering essential administrative and logistical details.
- Grantees are required to attend an Orientation Meeting Program in Ankara 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 political developments in the country, as well as cultural activities.
- A Mid-Year Progress Meeting and Final Evaluation Meetings are organized to reflect on academic and cultural experiences and receive feedback for the Program. The meetings also provide a chance to reconnect.
- Accommodation, meals, and most transport expenses are covered by the Turkish Fulbright Commission for the duration of the events.
Candidate Profile
The program is open to recent graduates, postgraduate candidates, developing professionals and artists from all disciplines.
A successful applicant is expected to engage with local communities, activities and actively participate in cultural exchange opportunities promoting mutual understanding.
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?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
A country of rich culture, and history, Türkiye is the crossroads between Europe and Asia. Candidate country for the EU and a NATO ally, Türkiye is known for its ancient heritage, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality, offering scholars a dynamic environment for academic collaboration and personal growth. From the ancient wonders to the bustling streets of Istanbul, Türkiye is a place where tradition and modernity come together.
As a Fulbright grantee, you will have the chance to:
- Become part of a vibrant academic community with more than 200 universities.
- Engage in a unique culture that provides an opportunity to interact with a blend of traditions, art, and philosophy.
- Experience a country that boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites and over 500 museums.
- Discover natural wonders, and explore diverse and beautiful landscapes.
- Expand your linguistic horizons by learning Turkish, spoken by tens of millions globally and a key member of the Turkic language family.
- Enjoy Turkish cuisine, with its mix of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian influences, renowned worldwide, offering endless opportunities for culinary discovery.
The country offers quality higher education and research opportunities on modern campuses and features a large variety 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.
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.
Quotes from 2024-2025 Turkish Universities Master's Program Award Grantees
"The experience has been transformative. It's been a major step forward for my career goals, which are based in the skills of research, analysis, and writing. The personal relationships have been eye-opening and deep."
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"My Fulbright experience has been incredibly rewarding, both positively challenging and fulfilling. It has been an exciting period of academic and personal growth for me. I’ve built meaningful academic connections that I fully intend to maintain and expand upon after returning to the U.S. As a global health student, I’ve had the invaluable opportunity to grow within a highly relevant and well-structured program that immersed me directly in the community for experience-based learning. On a personal level, living so far from home and adapting to a new academic and cultural environment has strengthened my independence, resilience, and adaptability. This experience has deepened my understanding of global health while expanding my perspective in ways that will continue to shape my future work and personal development."
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
- It is the Awardee's reponsibility to apply for acceptance to Graduate Programs. Awards are contingent on getting acceptance to a full-time Master's Program at a Turkish University. The Fulbright Türkiye Commission does not guarantee placement.
- Candidates are encouraged to apply to several graduate programs in their respective fields.
- Graduate School Application deadlines in Turkish Universities for international students are typically around late spring-early summer.
The Turkish Fulbright Commission reserves the right to interview finalists via an online platform.
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
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 will be required.
- Turkish Language courses may be arranged by the host university.
- Even in situations where Turkish language knowledge is not required, a basic understanding is necessary to navigate everyday situations.
- A Turkish Language Allowance (one-time payment) is available to support an initial introduction to the language.
Fulbright Proposal Types
No
Yes
Affiliation
Applicants are responsible for getting an acceptance from at least one Turkish University for a full-time Master's Program, as their grant is contingent upon enrollment before the start of the grant period. Most Turkish Universities are typically open for applications until late spring-early summer.
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.
Applicants for the Master's Program Award Grant are required to contact universities in the Fulbright Türkiye network, listed in the program announcement. Those wishing to seek acceptance from universities other than the ones listed, must first get the approval of the Turkish Fulbright Commission.
Important: All candidates must submit a letter of acceptance to the Turkish Fulbright Commission for final authorization of their awards. Graduate program grants are contingent upon acceptance to a full-time Master’s program at a Turkish university.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
- Fulbright funding under this award is for one academic year/nine months.
- Tuition waivers are expected from universities that are in the Turkish Fulbright Commission's network.
- If a candidate is accepted to a two-year Master’s program, they are encouraged to explore funding opportunities from their host institutions.
- The grantee will have the opportunity to request the renewal of their 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
- Language training allowance
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
There is a one-time airfare allowance of $2,000.
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.
EU-NATO Seminar hosted by the Fulbright Brussels Commission, 2024.
2023-2024 Grantees at the U.S. Embassy reception hosted by Fulbright Türkiye as part of the in-country orientation.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
The 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 purposes.
For further information regarding the most recent economic situation in Türkiye, applicants are invited to visit the relevant official website.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Applicants are expected to request student accommodation / dormitory rooms from their host university.
Dependents Information
If candidates bring their dependents, the Program will not provide them with any financial or logistical support (visa application and/or permit application, etc.).
Visa Requirements
- Candidates applying to pursue graduate studies in Türkiye must obtain a residency permit.
- Candidates will apply for a residency permit following their arrival in Türkiye.
- Host university is expected to assist with all residency permit applications.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
The Turkish Fulbright Commission Newsletter Archive: https://www.fulbright.org.tr/newsletters
The Turkish Fulbright Commission Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fulbrighturkiye
Turkish Statistical Institute: https://www.tuik.gov.tr/
GoTürkiye: Official Travel Guide of Türkiye: https://goturkiye.com/
Yunus Emre Institute: https://www.yee.org.tr/tr
Turkish and Foreign Languages Application and Research Center (TOMER) : https://tomer.ankara.edu.tr/en/home-page/
Turkish Radio and Television (TRT) World: https://www.trtworld.com/