Türkiye Scholarships Merit Scholarship: Fully Funded Opportunity for High-Achieving International Students. The Türkiye Scholarships Merit Scholarship is a special scholarship opportunity offered under the Türkiye Scholarships program for international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. It is designed to reward exceptionally strong students and provide them with additional financial support while they pursue higher education in Türkiye.
Unlike the standard Türkiye Scholarships award, successful Merit Scholarship recipients receive a monthly stipend equal to twice the regular scholarship amount. The program evaluates candidates based on academic performance as well as strong results in recognized academic and language examinations.
Türkiye Scholarships is a government-funded and highly competitive scholarship program that supports international students at Turkish universities. Its broader scholarship programs cover associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD studies, while the Merit Scholarship is specifically aimed at students with exceptional academic profiles. Apply for More Fully Funded Scholarships Here.
Important: The Merit Scholarship should not be confused with the regular Türkiye Scholarships program. The Merit Scholarship has considerably higher academic requirements.
Türkiye Scholarships Merit Scholarship – Quick Summary
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Türkiye Scholarships Merit Scholarship |
| Host Country | Türkiye |
| Eligible Students | International students |
| Study Levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based |
| Main Requirement | Outstanding academic achievement |
| Academic Performance | Generally, 90% GWA for Merit Scholarship evaluation |
| Undergraduate Tests | SAT/IB and other specified qualifications may be considered |
| Graduate Tests | ALES/GRE and language scores may be required |
| Language Tests | TOEFL/IELTS where applicable |
| Stipend | Twice the regular Türkiye Scholarships stipend |
| Tuition Fee | Covered under the full-time scholarship framework |
| Accommodation | Provided under the scholarship |
| Health Insurance | Included |
| Turkish Language Course | One year where applicable |
| Flight Support | One-time flight ticket |
| Application Method | Online |
| Application Fee | Free |
| Official Website | Türkiye Scholarships Official Website |
What Is the Türkiye Scholarships Merit Scholarship?
The Merit Scholarship is intended for international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic success. According to the official Türkiye Scholarships information, candidates can be evaluated for the Merit Scholarship if they have completed their studies with a high grade point average and achieved strong scores in international language-proficiency and academic qualification examinations recognized by the scholarship authority.
The most attractive feature of this scholarship is the enhanced monthly financial support. Merit Scholarship recipients receive a monthly stipend that is twice the regular scholarship amount.
The program therefore provides an excellent opportunity for academically outstanding students who want to study at Turkish universities while receiving substantial financial assistance.
Advantages of the Türkiye Scholarships Merit Scholarship
1. Higher Monthly Stipend
The biggest advantage is the enhanced stipend. Merit Scholarship students receive twice the regular Türkiye Scholarships monthly stipend.
For comparison, the current full-time Türkiye Scholarships page lists regular monthly stipends of:
- Undergraduate: 4,500 TL
- Master’s: 6,500 TL
- PhD: 9,000 TL
Because the Merit Scholarship provides twice the regular amount, the applicable Merit Scholarship stipend should be checked against the official amount in effect for the relevant academic year.
2. Tuition Fee Support
Türkiye Scholarships provides tuition-fee coverage as part of its full-time scholarship package.
This can significantly reduce the financial burden on international students.
3. University Placement
One important feature of Türkiye Scholarships is that the program does not simply provide financial assistance. It also offers university and department placement to successful applicants.
4. Accommodation
Successful full-time scholarship recipients receive accommodation support as part of the scholarship package.
5. Health Insurance
Health insurance is another component of the full-time Türkiye Scholarships package.
6. Turkish Language Education
Students who do not already have the required C1-level Turkish proficiency generally attend a one-year Turkish language course. The official application guidance states that this requirement applies even to students placed in English- or other-language programs unless they already possess the required Turkish proficiency certificate.
7. Flight Ticket
The full-time scholarship package includes a one-time flight ticket at the beginning of education and another at graduation, according to the current official scholarship information.
Eligibility Requirements
The Merit Scholarship has much stricter requirements than the general Türkiye Scholarships minimum eligibility criteria.
The official Merit Scholarship page lists the following criteria for evaluation.
Undergraduate Merit Scholarship
Undergraduate candidates are expected to meet a 90% general weighted average (GWA) requirement and satisfy at least one of the additional qualification routes specified by Türkiye Scholarships.
These include:
SAT
For undergraduate candidates, the official Merit Scholarship criteria list:
- SAT 1400, including 680/800 in Mathematics, for engineering departments
- SAT 1350 for other departments
International Baccalaureate
Candidates may qualify through the International Baccalaureate with a minimum score of 33, with at least one Higher Level subject relevant to the applied program.
National Examination Ranking
Candidates who rank among the top 10 in their national examinations may satisfy the specified academic qualification route.
International Science Olympiads
Gold, silver, or bronze medal holders in recognized international science Olympiads may also qualify under the specified criteria.
In addition to the 90% GWA, undergraduate applicants must meet at least one of these additional qualification conditions.
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Master’s Merit Scholarship Requirements
For master’s applicants, the official Merit Scholarship criteria include:
- 90% general weighted average
- Appropriate academic qualification examination score
- Required foreign-language proficiency score
Accepted academic qualification routes listed by Türkiye Scholarships include ALES or GRE, depending on the field.
For example, the listed criteria include:
- ALES Quantitative 80 for engineering
- ALES Quantitative 75 for science
- ALES Equal Weight 75 for other fields
GRE alternatives are also specified for different fields.
For language proficiency, the Merit Scholarship criteria list:
- TOEFL iBT 90, or
- IELTS 7.0
where applicable.
PhD Merit Scholarship Requirements
PhD applicants are also expected to demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.
The official Merit Scholarship criteria specify:
- 90% general weighted average
- Appropriate ALES or GRE score
- Required foreign-language proficiency
The listed examination requirements include:
- ALES Quantitative 85 for engineering
- ALES Quantitative 75 for science
- ALES Equal Weight 75 for other fields
GRE alternatives are also provided for relevant fields.
The listed language requirement includes:
- TOEFL iBT 90, or
- IELTS 7.0
where applicable.
General Türkiye Scholarships Eligibility
Students should also understand the general Türkiye Scholarships eligibility rules.
The official program currently states minimum academic achievement requirements of:
- 70% for associate and bachelor’s applicants
- 75% for graduate applicants
- 90% for applicants to Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy
Age requirements currently listed by Türkiye Scholarships include:
- Under 21 for associate and bachelor’s programs
- Under 30 for master’s programs
- Under 35 for PhD programs
The program is open to citizens of all countries, subject to the stated eligibility rules. Turkish citizens and people who have lost Turkish citizenship are among those listed as ineligible, as are students already enrolled in Turkish universities at the same level for which they are applying.
However, meeting the general Türkiye Scholarships requirements does not automatically make a student eligible for the Merit Scholarship. The Merit Scholarship has additional and considerably higher academic requirements.
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Required Documents
Applicants should prepare their documents before beginning the online application.
The official Türkiye Scholarships application guidance lists the following documents:
1. Identity Document
A valid passport, national identity card, or other accepted identity document should be uploaded.
2. Recent Photograph
Applicants must provide a photograph taken within the last year.
3. Diploma or Temporary Graduation Certificate
Students who have already graduated should provide their diploma. Students who have not yet received their final diploma may generally provide an appropriate temporary graduation document.
4. Academic Transcript
The transcript should demonstrate the applicant’s academic performance.
5. National Examination Results
If applicable, national examination results should be uploaded.
6. International Examination Results
Depending on the program, candidates may need to submit results such as:
- SAT
- GRE
- GMAT
- Other accepted examinations
7. Language Proficiency Certificate
Where required by the selected university or program, applicants may need an internationally recognized language certificate such as TOEFL or another accepted examination.
8. Research Proposal for PhD Applicants
PhD applicants must provide a research topic proposal and a written example of previous research work according to the official application requirements.
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Application Process
The Türkiye Scholarships application is completed online through the official application system, and the application itself is free of charge.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before creating an application, carefully review the Merit Scholarship criteria for your degree level.
Pay particular attention to:
- Academic average
- SAT, IB, ALES or GRE requirements
- Language test requirements
- Age requirements
- Graduation status
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Scan your passport or identity document, photograph, diploma, transcript, and examination certificates.
Make sure the information on your application matches your official documents.
Step 3: Create an Online Account
Use the official Türkiye Scholarships application system to create your account.
Avoid unofficial websites or individuals who claim that they can guarantee a scholarship.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Enter your personal, academic, and educational information carefully.
You should provide accurate information because inconsistencies between your application and supporting documents can create problems during evaluation.
Step 5: Select Your Programs
Search the available universities and departments through the Türkiye Scholarships system.
The available programs can depend on your educational background and eligibility.
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload all required documents in the requested format.
Check every document before submitting the application.
Step 7: Submit the Application
Review your entire application and submit it before the official deadline.
Türkiye Scholarships states that applications are received online and free of charge.
Türkiye Scholarships Application Deadline
For the 2026 Türkiye Scholarships main application cycle, applications were scheduled from 10 January to 20 February 2026.
The main Türkiye Scholarships application period generally takes place early in the year. However, applicants planning for 2027–2028 should not assume that the dates will be identical. Always check the official Türkiye Scholarships announcements when the new application cycle is released.
Other Türkiye Scholarships programs, including some short-term and research programs, can have different application periods.
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How to Increase Your Chances of Selection
The Merit Scholarship is intended for exceptional students, so applicants should focus on building a strong academic profile.
Maintain Excellent Grades
A strong academic record is one of the most important elements of the Merit Scholarship.
Prepare for Required Examinations
If your program requires SAT, GRE, ALES, or another examination, prepare well in advance.
Obtain Strong Language Scores
Where an English-language program requires a language test, a competitive score can strengthen your academic profile.
Choose Programs Carefully
Select programs that match your previous education, qualifications, and career objectives.
Provide Accurate Information
Never exaggerate grades, achievements or qualifications. All information should be supported by genuine documentation.
Prepare Early
Do not wait until the application deadline to collect documents or take required examinations.
Is Türkiye Scholarships Merit Scholarship Fully Funded?
The Merit Scholarship is part of the Türkiye Scholarships framework, which provides a comprehensive package including university placement, tuition support, accommodation, health insurance, Turkish language education, and flight support. The special Merit Scholarship feature is the higher monthly stipend, which is twice the regular scholarship amount.
Students should nevertheless review the specific award terms applicable to their admission year, as scholarship benefits and amounts may be updated by the program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the Türkiye Scholarships Merit Scholarship?
International students with outstanding academic records can be evaluated for the Merit Scholarship. The program has specific requirements for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD applicants.
2. What GPA is required for the Merit Scholarship?
The official Merit Scholarship criteria currently specify a 90% general weighted average for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD Merit Scholarship candidates, together with additional qualification requirements.
3. Is the Merit Scholarship better than the regular Türkiye Scholarship?
The Merit Scholarship provides the same broad scholarship framework while offering a monthly stipend twice the regular scholarship amount, making it particularly attractive to high-achieving students.
4. Do I need IELTS for the Merit Scholarship?
A language examination may be required depending on the degree, university,y and program. The Merit Scholarship criteria list TOEFL and IELTS thresholds for relevant candidates. Applicants should check the requirements associated with their selected program.
5. Is the application free?
Yes. Türkiye Scholarships states that applications are submitted online and are free of charge.
6. Can undergraduate students apply?
Yes. Undergraduate students can be evaluated under the Merit Scholarship criteria, but they must meet the higher academic and qualification requirements specified for undergraduate Merit Scholarship candidates.
7. Can master’s and PhD students apply?
Yes. Türkiye Scholarships provides Merit Scholarship criteria for both master’s and PhD candidates. These include a 90% GWA and specified academic and language examination requirements.
8. Does the scholarship include accommodation?
Yes. Accommodation is included in the full-time Türkiye Scholarships package.
9. Does Türkiye Scholarships provide health insurance?
Yes. Health insurance is included in the full-time scholarship benefits.
10. Where can I apply?
Applications should be made through the official Türkiye Scholarships online system. The official website is:
Türkiye Scholarships Official Website
Final Thoughts
The Türkiye Scholarships Merit Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students with exceptional academic records who want to study in Türkiye. Its most important distinction is the enhanced monthly stipend—twice the regular Türkiye Scholarships amount—combined with the broader benefits available through the full-time scholarship framework.
However, this is a highly competitive opportunity. A student should not rely only on meeting the minimum academic requirements. Strong examination results, appropriate language qualifications, accurate documentation and a carefully prepared application can all contribute to a competitive profile.
Students interested in applying for the intake should monitor the official Türkiye Scholarships website for the announcement of the next application period and updated Merit Scholarship requirements.
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