You want a fully funded route to study in a top Turkish university without worrying about tuition, housing, or flights. The YTB IsDB Joint Scholarship is built exactly for you. It targets talented students from IsDB member countries and Muslim communities worldwide and brings them to Turkey on a life-changing scholarship.
This is a true zero-cost package: no application fee, full tuition covered, a monthly stipend, on-campus housing or housing support, health insurance, language training, and round-trip airfare. If you are aiming for undergraduate, master, or PhD studies in the 2026/2027 academic year, this is one of the strongest opportunities you can apply for right now.
Competition is real, but the pathway is clear. Read this guide fully, prepare the right documents, and apply smart. Foreigners welcome. Apply now.
Why the YTB IsDB Joint Scholarship stands out
- Fully funded – tuition, stipend, flights, housing support, and health insurance covered
- No application fee – submit your application online for free
- Multiple levels – open for Undergraduate, Master, and PhD candidates
- Top Turkish universities – study in globally ranked public and foundation institutions
- Language flexibility – programs in Turkish and English, with a funded Turkish language year if needed
- Visa support – official award letters to secure your Turkish student visa
- Strong network – backed by Türkiye Scholarships (YTB) and the Islamic Development Bank
What the scholarship covers
The YTB IsDB Joint Scholarship is designed to remove financial barriers so you can focus on your studies and research.
- University placement in a suitable Turkish program and institution
- Full tuition fees paid for the entire approved duration of study
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses throughout your studies
- Accommodation – on-campus housing or housing allowance/support
- Public health insurance for the full scholarship period
- One-time round-trip airfare – arrival to Turkey at the start of studies and return after graduation
- Turkish language course – typically a 1-year preparatory program where required
- Academic guidance – mentoring and support services during your program
Note: Specific stipend amounts and housing arrangements are determined by the program and host university. Always check the official portal for the latest package details for the 2026/2027 intake.
Who can apply
This scholarship targets high-performing students from IsDB member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries. You must meet academic and admission standards for your chosen degree level and program in Turkey.
| Criterion | What you need |
|---|---|
| Citizenship/Background | Citizen of an IsDB member country or from a recognized Muslim community in a non-member country |
| Academic Level | Applying for Undergraduate, Master, or PhD programs in Turkey |
| Academic Record | Strong grades that meet competitive admission standards for your level and field |
| Language | English or Turkish proficiency as required by your program. Many winners study Turkish in the funded preparatory year |
| Health | Medically fit to pursue studies; you may be asked for a health certificate |
| Status | Not holding Turkish citizenship and generally not enrolled in a Turkish university at the same degree level |
| Conduct | No disciplinary or criminal records that would affect study or visa eligibility |
| Age Limits | Age caps are set per level and may be updated each cycle. Check the official portal for current limits for 2026/2027 |
Programs and fields of study
You can choose from a wide range of programs offered across Turkish universities. Popular and eligible fields typically include:
- Engineering and Technology – Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Software, AI
- Computer Science and IT – Data Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems
- Health and Medical Sciences – Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health
- Natural Sciences – Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Earth Sciences
- Social Sciences – International Relations, Sociology, Psychology, Political Science
- Business and Economics – Management, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Economics
- Agriculture and Environmental Studies – Agronomy, Food Tech, Environmental Engineering
- Architecture and Design – Architecture, Urban Planning, Industrial Design
- Law and Islamic Studies
- Education, Humanities, History, Languages, Media and Communication
Would You Like To Apply For This Connection?
Enter Your Email Address HERE & You Will Receive a Notification About Your Application Immediately.Program availability depends on the host university. During application, you will see only the options open to international scholarship candidates for the 2026/2027 cycle.
Scholarship duration
- Undergraduate: Standard program length in Turkey, typically 4 years, with an additional funded Turkish language year if needed
- Master: Typically 2 years of coursework and thesis, plus language preparation where required
- PhD: Typically 4 years for coursework and research, plus language preparation where required
The exact duration aligns with the official length of your degree at the host university. Extensions are subject to academic progress rules.
Required documents
Prepare clear, readable scans in PDF or JPEG as specified on the portal. Missing or low-quality uploads can delay or reject your application.
- Valid passport or national ID
- Recent passport-style photo
- Academic transcripts – all years completed to date
- Diploma or provisional graduation letter for the last completed level
- Two academic reference letters or recommendation forms
- Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter tailored to your field
- CV or academic resume
- Research proposal or study plan for Master/PhD applicants
- Language scores if available – TOEFL, IELTS, or Turkish language certificates according to program needs
- Standardized test scores if requested by your chosen program – GRE/GMAT/SAT where applicable
- Proof of residency and civil status as required
- Proof of belonging to a Muslim community if applying from a non-member country, where applicable
Tip: Use consistent naming for files, translate documents to English or Turkish if required, and have official stamps where applicable.
How to apply step by step
- Visit the official Türkiye Scholarships portal and create your account: https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
- Complete your profile accurately – personal info, education history, test scores, and preferred language of instruction
- Select the YTB IsDB Joint Scholarship option when available for the 2026/2027 cycle
- Choose eligible programs and universities that match your background and language readiness
- Upload all required documents in the specified format and order. There is no application fee
- Submit your application and track status through your dashboard
- Prepare for interviews if shortlisted – interviews are usually online and focus on motivation, academic fit, and future plans
- Watch for results in your portal, then accept your award within the given window
- Use your scholarship award letter to apply for a Turkish student visa at the nearest Turkish mission
- Arrange travel after receiving your entry documents and pre-departure instructions
Selection process and what to expect
- Eligibility check: Your profile and documents are screened for completeness and basic criteria
- Academic evaluation: Reviewers assess grades, program fit, references, and motivation
- Shortlist & interview: Selected applicants are invited to a structured interview
- Final placement: Successful candidates receive placement at a suitable university and program
- Award & onboarding: Accept your offer, receive visa support documents, and prepare for arrival
Deadline for 2026/2027
Visit the official website for the current deadline. Application windows typically fall within the same period each year, but exact dates can change. Do not wait until the last week – submit early to avoid technical issues.
Important tips to strengthen your application
- Target the right programs: Apply to fields that match your academic record and language readiness
- Show community impact: The IsDB mission values development outcomes. Explain how your studies will benefit your country or community
- Polish your statement: Be clear about your goals, why Turkey, and why this field
- Line up referees early: Choose academic referees who know your work and can speak to your strengths
- Prepare for an interview: Practice concise answers about your background, projects, and future plans
- Check document rules: Translations, stamps, and file sizes matter. Follow the portal instructions closely
FAQs
Is there an application fee?
No. Applications for the YTB IsDB Joint Scholarship are submitted online with no fee.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
It depends on your chosen program. English-taught programs may ask for proof of English. If you plan to study in Turkish, a funded language year is typically provided, and you will take proficiency tests after the course.
Can I apply if I do not have a passport yet?
Yes, you can often apply with a national ID and add your passport later. However, you will need a valid passport for university admission and visa processing, so start the process as early as possible.
Can I apply if I am already studying in Turkey?
Generally, applicants already enrolled at the same degree level in Turkey are not eligible. Moving to a higher level may be possible if you meet all criteria. Check the current rules on the official portal.
Which countries are eligible?
Candidates from all IsDB member countries may apply. In addition, strong applicants from recognized Muslim communities in non-member countries are eligible.
What if I want an English-taught program?
Many Turkish universities offer English-taught degrees. Filter for English during application and upload valid English proficiency scores if required by the program.
Official links
- Türkiye Scholarships (YTB) Portal: https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
- Islamic Development Bank Scholarships: https://www.isdb.org/scholarships
Final call to action
This is your chance to study in Turkey on a fully funded package with no application fee. Get your documents ready, choose the right programs, and submit a competitive application for the 2026/2027 intake. Do not miss it – apply now on the official portal.







