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Current U.S. Student

United States citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs are eligible to apply.If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you will apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there. Find the Fulbright Program Adviser on your campus.

U.S. Citizen but not a Student

If you are a U.S. citizen, will hold a bachelor’s degree by the award start date, and do not have a Ph.D. degree, then you are eligible to apply. Non-enrolled applicants should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Candidates with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

The Getting Started page will provide information on eligibility and next steps.

Artist

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program welcomes applications in the creative and performing arts. Arts candidates for the U.S. Student Program should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Artists with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

Creative & Performing Arts projects fall under the Study/Research grant category and are available in all countries where Study/Research grants are offered.

FPA

U.S. Professor/Administrator

If you are a U.S. citizen and a professor or administrator at a U.S. institution and are interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award, you will need to apply through fulbrightscholars.org.

To support your students in applying for a U.S. Student Program award, please connect with the Fulbright Program Adviser at your institution.

Non U.S. Citizens

If you are a non-U.S. citizen interested in applying for a Fulbright Award to the United States, you will need to apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. Find out more information on the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program or Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Turkey (Türkiye)

5 Fulbright/Turkish Universities Master's Program Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
Grant Period
Fall Start
Grant Length
9 Months
Award Type
Study/Research Partnership Award
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 institutions outside 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
9 Months
Grant Period
Fall Start
  • 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
In-Country Orientation
  • A series of informative webinars hosted by the Turkish Fulbright Commission before departure, covering essential administrative and logistical details.
  • Orientation Program in Ankara upon arrival, introducing grantees to Türkiye, Turkish context, easing the adaptation process.
  • Mid-Year Progress and Final Evaluation Meetings to reflect on academic and cultural experiences.
  • Joint events with U.S. Scholar Program grantees, including evaluation gatherings and an end-of-grant Meeting. (Accommodation, meal 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.
  • Enhance your skills in Turkish, designated as a Critical Language by the U.S. Department of State.
  • 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.

Eligibility
Residency in host country NOT permitted in year prior to grant
Dual citizens of this country are eligible
Indicate how many months is considered residency:
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: 

  1. The candidate received a degree from a university in Türkiye.
  2. 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.

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.

Not Required

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
Independent Study/Research:
No
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
Yes
Letter of acceptance required prior to grant start
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 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. 

All candidates will be asked to submit a letter of acceptance to the Turkish Fulbright Commission upon receiving the award.

Important: Only applications to full-time Master's Programs are eligible for the Fulbright Master's Program Grant. 

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition offered at discretion of host university/Award
  • 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, applicants should seek funding 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.

1000 monthly stipend amount in
$ [US Dollar]

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.

1500 in
$ [US Dollar]
  • Excess baggage fees
  • Language training allowance
  • Research/Materials allowance
  • 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.

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
Dependent financial support is NOT available
Housing Arrangements

Applicants are expected to request student accomodation / dormitory room(s) from their host university. 

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 visa application fees.
  • Following arrival to Türkiye, all grantees will have to obtain a residence permit to reside and study legally in Türkiye through their host universities. 
Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.EUR@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
http://fulbright.org.tr
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
American Programs: amprog@fulbright.org.tr
Additional Online Resources
The Turkish Fulbright Commission : https://www.fulbright.org.tr/
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/