YTB–IsDB Joint Scholarship 2026 in Turkey is a fully funded Türkiye Government scholarship program for international students from IsDB member countries and Muslim communities worldwide to study at top Turkish universities at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels. It combines Türkiye Scholarships (YTB) and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) support to cover almost all study and living costs in Türkiye in 2026.
Basic information about YTB–IsDB Joint Scholarship 2026
- Scholarship name: YTB–Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Joint Scholarship Program 2026 in Türkiye.
- Host country: Turkey (Türkiye), at various public and foundation universities across the country.
- Funded by:
- Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB)
- Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
- Purpose:
- Support high-achieving students from IsDB member countries and Muslim communities
- Contribute to academic, social, cultural, and economic development
- Align education with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Study levels: Associate degree, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.
- Application window: 10 January 2026 – 20 February 2026.
- Application deadline: 20 February 2026 (applications after this date are not accepted).
- Programs & Levels of Study
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
This joint scholarship targets high-achieving students who want to study in development‑oriented fields aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as health, engineering, agriculture, education, and social sciences.
University and institution details
The YTB–IsDB Joint Scholarship does not tie you to a single university; instead, it places successful candidates in partner universities across Türkiye through the Türkiye Scholarships system.
Key institutional details:
- Funding institutions:
- YTB (Türkiye Scholarships) provides admission placement, tuition coverage, stipends, accommodation support, and Turkish language training.
- IsDB co‑funds the program and connects it with IsDB’s development agenda and member countries.
- Study destination: Top public and foundation universities in major Turkish cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Konya, Bursa, and others, depending on program availability and your academic profile.
- Admission: Selected scholarship winners are placed into suitable programs and universities; you do not need a separate university admission letter before applying to the scholarship.
Because this is an official joint program, the academic and administrative procedures follow Türkiye Scholarships’ international standards and IsDB’s scholarship framework.
Study areas and available programs
The YTB–IsDB Joint Scholarship 2026 supports a wide range of study fields, particularly those linked to development and SDGs. While the exact list is provided in the Türkiye Scholarships portal, the main program categories typically include:
- Engineering and technology (civil, mechanical, electrical, computer engineering, information technologies).
- Natural and applied sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences).
- Health and life sciences (medicine, nursing, public health, pharmacy, allied health fields) where available to international students.
- Social sciences and humanities (international relations, sociology, economics, political science, Islamic studies, education).
- Business and management (business administration, finance, economics, development studies).
Applicants must check the eligible fields and country list for the YTB–IsDB joint program inside the Türkiye Scholarships system before final submission.
YTB IsDB Joint Scholarship benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage for the entire study duration.
- Monthly stipend to support your living expenses in Türkiye (amount varies by study level, in line with Türkiye Scholarships standards).
- Free accommodation in university dormitories or support toward housing.
- Public health insurance coverage during the scholarship period.
- One‑year Turkish language course (if you do not already have Turkish proficiency), including scholarship coverage during this preparation year.
- One‑time round‑trip airfare ticket from your home country to Türkiye at the beginning and end of the program.
- Academic and cultural support through orientation, mentoring, and participation in social programs organized by YTB.
Overall, you receive a comprehensive financial and academic package that allows you to focus on your studies and integration into Turkish academic and social life.
Benefits not included
Although the scholarship is very generous, some costs typically remain your responsibility:
- Visa application fees and related costs at embassies or consulates are usually not reimbursed.
- Personal expenses such as clothing, extra travel within or outside Türkiye, mobile phone and internet packages, and leisure activities are not covered.
- Additional course materials (special equipment, some books, software licenses) beyond standard library access may require personal payment depending on the program.
- Costs for family members (spouse, children) are not included; the scholarship is for the student only.
Plan a small personal budget to cover these non‑scholarship expenses during your stay.
Eligibility criteria for the YTB IsDB Joint Scholarship
- Citizenship and background:
- International students from IsDB member countries
- Students from Muslim communities worldwide
- High academic achievers
- Academic performance:
- Strong academic record with grades suitable for competitive admission (e.g., generally above average or equivalent to a good GPA).
- Educational level:
- For bachelor’s: completion of secondary education (or in the final year) with required grades.
- For master’s: bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
- For PhD: a master’s degree and a relevant research background.
- Age conditions (typical for Türkiye Scholarships and IsDB programs):
- Undergraduate applicants usually must be under about 21 years, master’s under about 30, PhD under about 35 at the time of application.
- Language & Study Requirements
- Many programs are taught in Turkish
- Some programs are offered in English or other languages
- English-taught programs may require:
- TOEFL or equivalent
- GRE / GMAT / SAT (if required)
- All students without C1 Turkish proficiency must complete a 1-year Turkish language course
- Health and conduct:
- Medically fit to pursue studies (health certificate may be required).
- No serious disciplinary or criminal record, often supported by a police certificate in some calls.
- Motivation and commitment:
- Clear motivation to contribute to the development of your home country, and commitment to return after graduation as emphasized by IsDB scholarship policy.
- To view the list of eligible fields of study and countries under the Türkiye Scholarships – IsDB Joint Scholarship Program, please click here.
Required documents for the application
Typical documents for the YTB–IsDB Joint Scholarship follow the Türkiye Scholarships and IsDB standards:
- Passport or national ID
- Recent photograph (within 1 year)
- Diploma or temporary graduation certificate
- Academic transcript
- National exam results (if available)
- International exam results (SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.) if required
- Language proficiency certificate (if required)
- PhD applicants only:
- Research proposal
- Previous research work/sample
YTB IsDB Joint Scholarship Application process: step‑by‑step guide
Follow these steps to apply for the YTB–IsDB Joint Scholarship 2026 in Turkey:
- Check eligibility and deadlines
- Confirm you meet citizenship, age, and academic requirements and that your chosen field is eligible for the joint program.
- Note the application period: 10 January – 20 February 2026, and plan to submit early.
- Create an online account
- Visit the official Türkiye Scholarships website and create an applicant account using a valid email address.
- Complete the online application form
- Fill in personal data, educational history, language skills, work experience, and preferences for programs and universities.
- Ensure all information is accurate and consistent with your documents.
- Select the Joint Scholarship Program option
- In the application interface, find the “Joint Scholarship Programs” section.
- Upload required documents
- Upload scanned copies of your passport or ID, transcripts, diplomas, photo, language scores, and other required files in the specified formats.
- Make sure each file is readable and correctly labeled.
- Write and upload your letter of intent and research proposal (if applicable)
- Prepare a strong statement explaining your academic interests, development goals, and why you want to study in Türkiye under this scholarship.
- PhD applicants should also upload their research proposal as required.
- Review and submit the application
- Carefully review all sections of the application and document uploads.
- Submit the application before 20 February 2026; late or incomplete applications are not evaluated.
- Follow evaluation and interview notifications
Tips for a successful YTB–IsDB application
To improve your chances in this competitive Turkish government scholarship:
- Highlight academic excellence: Emphasize high grades, academic awards, and relevant projects in your application and CV.
- Align your goals with SDGs and development: Explain clearly how your chosen field (e.g., renewable energy, public health, education, agriculture) will help address development challenges in your home country.
- Write a strong, original motivation letter: Use clear and authentic language, show understanding of Türkiye, IsDB’s development mission, and how you plan to return and contribute.
- Choose realistic program preferences: Select programs and universities that match your academic background and strengths instead of randomly choosing only the most famous universities.
- Ensure complete, high‑quality documents: Avoid blurry scans, missing pages, or inconsistent information; incomplete applications are often rejected.
- Prepare for potential interviews: Be ready to talk about your academic history, future plans, and reasons for selecting Turkey and this scholarship program.
Monthly living expenses for international students in Türkiye (USD)
While your stipend covers basic living costs, it is helpful to know approximate monthly expenses in Turkey, especially as an international student:
- Accommodation (dormitory or shared flat): roughly 150–250 USD per month in many cities; large cities like Istanbul can be higher.
- Food and groceries: around 120–200 USD per month depending on your lifestyle and whether you cook at home.
- Local transportation: approximately 25–50 USD per month using student transport cards.
- Mobile phone and internet: about 15–30 USD per month.
- Books, stationery, and academic materials: roughly 20–40 USD per month on average.
- Personal and leisure expenses: variable, often 30–80 USD depending on individual choices.
The Türkiye Scholarships stipend is designed to roughly match these typical costs for students, but having some extra personal funds offers more comfort and flexibility.
Why choose the YTB–IsDB Joint Scholarship? (at least 5 reasons)
- Covers full financial support
- Includes university placement
- Offers academic, social, and cultural activities
- Government-funded and highly competitive
- Focuses on building future global leaders
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Is the YTB–IsDB Joint Scholarship 2026 fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers full tuition, monthly stipends, accommodation support, health insurance, Turkish language course, and one‑time round‑trip airfare, making it fully funded.
2. What is the deadline for the 2026 intake?
The application window runs from 10 January 2026 to 20 February 2026, and 20 February 2026 is the last day to submit your online application.
3. Do I need to secure university admission before applying?
No. You apply through the Türkiye Scholarships portal, and if selected, you receive admission placement into suitable Turkish universities through the scholarship system.
4. Who can apply for this scholarship?
High‑achieving students from IsDB member countries and Muslim communities worldwide who meet academic, age, and health criteria, and who are committed to returning to contribute to their home countries after graduation.
5. At which study levels is the scholarship available?
The YTB–IsDB Joint Scholarship is available for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degree programs in eligible fields.
6. Can I apply if I am already on another scholarship?
Previous calls specify that current holders of other scholarships are usually not eligible, so you should not already be funded by another full scholarship when you apply.
7. Is knowledge of Turkish language required?
Not necessarily. The scholarship includes a one‑year Turkish language course for selected candidates who do not already speak Turkish, and some programs are also offered in English with language‑test requirements.
8. How do I apply specifically for the YTB–IsDB joint track and not just general Türkiye Scholarships?
When filling your Türkiye Scholarships application, you must select “Yes” in the “Joint Scholarship Programs” section so that your profile is considered for the YTB–IsDB Joint Scholarship 2026.
Application Details
- Application Period: 10 January – 20 February 2026
- Application Calendar (General Scholarships)
- Application: Jan 10 – Feb 20
- Evaluation: March – April
- Interviews: April – June
- Results: Early August
- Initial procedures: August
- Arrival in Türkiye: September
- Application Method:
- Apply only through the official Türkiye Scholarships website
- Select “Yes” under Joint Scholarship Programs in the application form
Official Link:
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