Joint Scholarship Program in Turkey 2026 | Fully Funded

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Last updated: March 24, 2026

If you are looking for a fully funded scholarship in Turkey for 2026 and at the same time want a strong program supported by the Turkish government and a major international development bank, then the Turkey Joint Scholarship Program 2026 (Turkey Joint Scholarship Program) is one of the most important options you should put on your list.

This type of scholarship is usually known as Joint Scholarship Programs, which are offered in cooperation between the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities and partner organizations such as the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), or other regional organizations such as ASEAN, and others.

In this comprehensive guide, we will focus in particular on the joint scholarship program between Türkiye Scholarships and IsDB, as it is the broadest in terms of the number of targeted countries, while also referring to other joint programs when needed, with care to always direct you to official sources to obtain updated figures and details accurately.

You may also check the Koç University Scholarship in Turkey for International Students

What is the Turkey Joint Scholarship Program 2026?

The concept of Joint Scholarship Programs

Joint programs are a special track within the Turkish government scholarships, Türkiye Scholarships, in which the scholarship is jointly funded between:

The Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities YTB (the body responsible for the Türkiye Scholarships program).
A partner institution such as:
- The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
- Donor institutions or regional organizations such as ASEAN or NAMA Foundation.

These partnerships aim to:

Support students from specific countries or from member countries of the Islamic Development Bank.
Link the scholarship to development goals or specific sectors such as science and technology, health, engineering, agriculture, and others.
Ensure that graduates return to contribute to the development of their countries, especially in the case of the joint IsDB program.

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Why focus on the YTB–IsDB Joint Program for 2026?

The reason why most students mean the Türkiye Scholarships – IsDB Joint Scholarship Program when they talk about the joint scholarship program in Turkey is that it:

Is open to a very large number of countries (member countries of the Islamic Development Bank + Muslim communities in other countries).
Provides full funding covering tuition fees, monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, flight tickets, and a Turkish language course.
Offers opportunities to study at top Turkish universities, including strong research universities.
Is managed through the official Türkiye Scholarships platform, making it part of the well-known Turkish government scholarship system.

However, it is important to note that the 2026 title may depend on the official announcement dates, so you should follow the official program link to confirm the opening of applications each year.

You may also check the Turkey Government Scholarship

Overview of the main joint programs linked to Turkey

Türkiye Scholarships – IsDB Joint Scholarship Program

Targets IsDB countries and Muslim communities.
Covers undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and some short programs.

Türkiye Scholarships – ASEAN Joint Scholarship Programme

Directed at students from ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and others).
Focuses more on master’s programs, research, and language courses.

Joint programs with other institutions

Such as NAMA Foundation, for specific groups and nationalities.

Benefits of the Turkey Joint Scholarship Program 2026 (YTB–IsDB)

Full funding (Fully Funded Scholarship in Turkey)

The program usually offers comprehensive funding that includes:

Full exemption from tuition fees at an accredited Turkish university.
A monthly stipend that varies according to the study level (undergraduate, master’s, PhD), depending on what the official bodies determine each year.
Supported or free student accommodation in university dormitories or through special arrangements.
Full or partial health insurance covering the student inside Turkey.
At least one round-trip flight ticket (from the country of residence to Turkey and back after graduation), according to the program policy.
A preparatory year for Turkish language for students who do not know Turkish, with exemption from language study fees.
Academic and professional activities such as workshops, leadership development programs, and networking activities with students from different countries.

Important note: The exact monthly stipend amount and precise details may change from year to year, so you should always refer to the program’s official website before relying on any figures.

Official recognition and the strength of the degree

Because the program is implemented in cooperation between YTB, the Turkish government, and the Islamic Development Bank, the degree:

Is issued by prestigious Turkish public or private universities.
Has a strong reputation, especially in fields such as engineering, natural sciences, medicine, and social sciences.
Is often linked to development projects in IsDB countries, which increases your opportunities in jobs and international projects after graduation.

3. Diversity of study levels

According to previous program announcements, the Turkey Joint Scholarship Program usually covers the following levels:

Associate Degree in some tracks.
Undergraduate degree.
Master’s degree.
PhD degree.

You may also check the King Saud University Scholarship

Admission requirements for the Turkey Joint Scholarship Program 2026

General conditions (may change from year to year)

Based on previous official announcements of the joint program between Türkiye Scholarships and IsDB, the general conditions usually include the following:

Nationality:
The applicant must be from a member country of the Islamic Development Bank IsDB, or from Muslim communities in other countries included in the program list.

Age Limits:

Undergraduate applicants must not exceed a certain age limit (such as the early twenties).
Master’s applicants must not exceed a certain age limit (often around 30 years old).
PhD applicants must not exceed a higher age limit (a certain age in the mid-thirties).

Academic level and background:

The applicant must have successfully completed the previous stage of education (high school for bachelor’s, bachelor’s for master’s, master’s for PhD).
Have a good academic average or higher (the required percentage may vary according to the program and degree).

Commitment to return and serve the community:
In IsDB programs, there is after graduation a moral and financial commitment to contribute to the development of your country. Sometimes there is also a commitment to repay part of the financial support in the form of a contribution to a local education fund after obtaining employment, according to the policy of the Islamic Development Bank.

Reminder: All these conditions must be confirmed through the official links each year, because changes are possible.

Available majors in the Turkey Joint Scholarship Program

Focus on science and development fields

According to the official documents of the joint program between Türkiye Scholarships and IsDB, the available majors focus heavily on fields that support economic, social, and technological development in member countries, such as:

Engineering in its various branches:

Civil Engineering
Architecture
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Communication Engineering
Computer Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Renewable Energy Engineering

Health and medical sciences (depending on Turkish regulations and university program availability):

Medicine
Nursing
Health Sciences
Pharmacy (in some tracks)

Natural and applied sciences:

Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Materials Science
Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science

Agriculture and natural resources:

Agricultural Engineering
Food Sciences
Water Resources Management
Environment and Sustainability
Forestry Sciences

Economics, finance, and development:

Economics
Islamic Economics
Finance
Business Administration
Public Administration
Public Policy
International Development

Development-related social sciences:

International Relations
Development Studies
Sociology
Law (in some programs)
Educational Administration
Education Policy

You may also check the University of Padua Scholarships in Italy

How to confirm exactly which majors are available for you

To make sure which majors are open for your country and your study level in the 2026 cycle, follow these steps:

Visit the Türkiye Scholarships – IsDB Joint Scholarship Program page.
Download or open the Department & Countries List file when available (often in PDF format as in previous cycles).
Review the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) scholarship page to ensure that the major is aligned with development priorities.

Funding in detail – What does the joint scholarship in Turkey cover?

Although the exact figures and monthly allowance values differ from one year to another, the general funding rules of the Turkey Joint Scholarship Program often include:

Tuition fees:
Full coverage of tuition fees at the Turkish university to which the student is admitted throughout the normal duration of the program, provided the student maintains academic success.

Monthly Stipend:
A monthly living allowance, which differs depending on the level (undergraduate – master’s – PhD) and according to program regulations each year.

Accommodation Support

Either free accommodation in public student dormitories or partially supported housing.
In some cases, the student may receive a housing allowance if university housing is unavailable.

Round-trip Flight Ticket

Usually includes one ticket from the country of residence to Turkey at the beginning of the study, and a return ticket after the end of the program, according to Türkiye Scholarships policy.

Health Insurance:
Health coverage for the student throughout the scholarship period according to the Turkish health system or according to a special policy of the program.

Turkish Language Course:
A preparatory year to learn Turkish for students who will study in Turkish, with a level certificate awarded at the end.

Additional academic and professional programs:
Seminars, conferences, training programs, and career guidance sessions that help you build a strong CV.

Student obligations after graduation (especially in the IsDB track)

One of the main differences between ordinary Turkish government scholarships and the joint program with the Islamic Development Bank is the development commitment after graduation.

Graduates are expected to return to their countries or to another country where they can serve development goals related to IsDB.

In some tracks, the graduate is required to repay a percentage of the monthly stipend received (such as 50% of the total amount received) in the form of contributions to a local education fund after obtaining a job, in easy installments, in order to recycle the scholarship for the benefit of new generations.

This clause should not be understood as a “traditional debt,” but rather as a participatory development mechanism. However, it is essential to read all the details in the official admission conditions before applying.

You may also check the King Saud University PhD Scholarship in Saudi Arabia

How to apply for the Turkey Joint Scholarship Program 2026

1. Preparation before the application opens

Before the application form opens on the Türkiye Scholarships website, make sure you prepare the following:

A valid passport or a recognized national ID card.
Graduation certificates (high school / bachelor’s / master’s depending on the level you are applying for).
Transcripts translated and certified where required.
An updated academic CV.
Recommendation Letters from professors or supervisors.
A Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter explaining:
- Why did you choose this major?
- How will this scholarship help you serve your country?
- What are your future plans after graduation?
Language certificates (if available), such as IELTS, TOEFL, or others, or whatever the program requires.

2. Create an account on the Türkiye Scholarships platform

Enter the official website.
Create a new account using an active email address.
Activate the account through the email message.

3. Fill out the application form and choose the “joint program”

When applications open:

Log in to your account.
Fill in your personal data accurately (name, country, date of birth, marital status, etc.).
Enter your academic information in detail.

When you reach the section called Joint Scholarship Programs:

Choose “Yes” or its equivalent to indicate your desire to apply for the joint program (such as Türkiye Scholarships – IsDB Joint Scholarship Program), as stated in previous years’ announcements.
Choose your preferred majors and universities from the options available to you according to your country and study level.
Upload all required documents in clear formats (PDF / JPG) and with good quality.

4. Review and submit the application

Review all fields to ensure there are no mistakes.
Make sure the motivation letter and recommendation letters represent you honestly and professionally.
Submit the application well before the deadline, and do not wait until the last day.

5. Evaluation stages and interview

After the application period closes, applications usually go through the following stages:

Initial screening to make sure the basic requirements are met.
Academic evaluation of your grades and academic background.
An interview (online or in person) with a specialized committee in your country or a neighboring country, where questions are asked about your goals, motivations, and future plans.
Notification of the final result through email and your platform account.

Practical tips to increase your chances of acceptance in the joint scholarship program in Turkey

Because competition is strong for fully funded scholarships in Turkey, content that offers practical advice helps attract visitors and increases the time they stay on your page. Here are some tips you can highlight in your article:

Research the development priorities in your country

Link your future major to your country’s development needs, especially in fields such as renewable energy, health, food security, infrastructure, education, and digital transformation. This aligns with IsDB goals and shows awareness.

Focus on the Motivation Letter

Use clear and direct language.
Mention real stories from your experience (projects, initiatives, volunteer work).
Explain how you will use what you learn in Turkey to serve your community when you return.

Submit the cleanest academic profile possible

Try to keep your academic record as free from failure as possible.
If there were periods of weak performance, explain them in the motivation letter in a logical and responsible way.

Improve your English or Turkish

Even if there is no mandatory language test for some programs, a good level of English or Turkish gives a positive impression and increases your chances in the interview.

Pay attention to activities outside the classroom

Prestigious scholarship programs prefer students who participated in:

Volunteer activities
Student clubs
Youth initiatives or community projects

Avoid exaggeration or unrealistic promises

Do not write phrases such as “I guarantee I will change the whole world” without a clear plan; focusing on practical steps and realistic projects is more convincing.

Check your email regularly

You may receive interview invitations or requests to complete documents within limited timeframes, so do not neglect your email.

You may also check the University of Milan Excellence Scholarship in Italy

Frequently asked questions about the Turkey Joint Scholarship Program 2026

1. What is the difference between the regular Türkiye Scholarships and the joint IsDB program?

Regular Türkiye Scholarships:

Open to most countries around the world.
Fully funded by the Turkish government.

Türkiye Scholarships – IsDB Joint Scholarship:

Primarily directed at IsDB member countries and Muslim communities.
Jointly funded by YTB and IsDB, with a development commitment after graduation.

2. Are there application fees for the joint program?

According to the information published by Türkiye Scholarships, there are usually no application fees imposed on students when applying through the official platform.

Beware of any unofficial party requesting fees in exchange for “guaranteeing admission” or “speeding up the process.”

3. Does the scholarship cover family members (spouse and children)?

The scholarship is usually intended for the student only and does not cover family members or companions.

The student may bring their family at their own expense in accordance with Turkish residence laws, but this is outside the scholarship’s scope.

4. Can I work while studying in Turkey?

Turkish laws allow, in some cases, part-time work for international students, but under specific conditions and in compliance with residence and work regulations.

The scholarship itself is not considered an employment contract, but rather educational support.

5. Can I apply for more than one scholarship program at the same time?

In principle, you may apply for other scholarship programs, but:

You cannot benefit from two full government fundings at the same time.
If you are accepted for more than one scholarship, you must choose one and commit to it.

Official scholarship links