US Fulbright Logo

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)

7 Open Study/Research Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
Grant Period
September Start
Grant Length
9 Months
Award Type
Open Study/Research Award
Award Profile

The U.S. Student Study/Research Program offers recent graduates, postgraduate candidates, developing professionals, and artists an opportunity to conduct career-launching studies and research in Türkiye.

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. 

Prospective candidates are encouraged to explore past grantee testimonials and informational videos available on the Turkish Fulbright Commission's YouTube Channel, Turkish Fulbright Website, and Newsletter Archives.

Following the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all applications will be evaluated without prejudice toward individuals with disabilities. 

Grant Length
9 Months
Grant Period
September Start

Grants will begin in mid-September and run through mid-June. A series of webinar sessions are organized by the Turkish Fulbright Commission prior to the grantee's arrival, covering various administrative and logistical details. 

Orientation
In-Country Orientation
  • An Orientation Meeting Program in Ankara is held for grantees in September before the academic year starts in Türkiye. The Orientation Meeting consists of a variety of activities including sessions on Turkish history, culture, and recent political developments in the country, as well as cultural activities.
  • A Mid-Year Progress Meeting and Final Evaluation Meetings are organized to evaluate the grantees' progress in their research projects and receive feedback for the Program, providing a platform to reflect on grant experiences. 
  • Accommodation, meals, and most transport expenses are covered by the Turkish Fulbright Commission for the duration of the events.
Candidate Profile

Applicants with bachelor's or master's degree levels from all disciplines are eligible to apply. Bachelor’s Degree should be completed before the grant period start date.

Applicants who already hold a Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) are not eligible for the U.S. Study/Research Program. Those applicants should examine other opportunities through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a grant in Türkiye are welcome to contact the Turkish Fulbright Commission for further information.

A successful applicant should be committed to engaging with local communities and actively participating in cultural exchange opportunities.

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.

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 has resided in Türkiye for more than one 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
  • Turkish language knowledge is not required however a basic understanding is necessary to navigate everyday situations.
  • Turkish language proficiency commensurate with the project is strongly recommended.  
  • Ottoman Turkish proficiency is necessary for those conducting archival research in Ottoman Studies
  • Turkish language proficiency is recommended for access to local university resources.
  • A Turkish Language Allowance (one-time payment) is available to support an initial introduction to the language.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Independent Study/Research:
Yes
Letter recommended but not required at deadline
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
No
Affiliation

Affiliation: Strongly recommended but not mandatory at the time of application. Applicants must secure an affiliation with a Turkish institution by the time of selection.


Placement: Grantees will be placed in their preferred institutions however, the Turkish Fulbright Commission reserves the right to make the final decision regarding candidate affiliations/placements. The Turkish Fulbright Commission supports diverse geographic placements and can assist with finding appropriate affiliations. 

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition not covered in grant benefits

Applicants proposing research projects are not charged affiliation fees.  

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.

1350-1400 monthly stipend amount in
$ [US Dollar]

Stipend amounts will vary depending on location. Housing allowance is a monthly payment of up to $350.

Final stipend 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.

up to 1,500 in
$ [US Dollar]
  • Excess baggage fees
  • Housing allowance (separate from living stipend)
  • Language training allowance
  • Registration/Permitting fees
  • Research/Materials allowance
  • Settling in allowance

One-time airfare allowance of $2,000 is included.

Final allowances 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 grantees' research area and responsibilities, they may have the opportunity to participate in events hosted by other Fulbright Commissions in Europe. In such cases, the Turkish Fulbright Commission provides financial support.

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

Grantees are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. 

Dependents

Candidates may bring their dependents, but the Program does not provide them with any financial or logistical support (visa application, permit application, etc.). 

Visa Requirements

Visa Requirements: Grantees must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye through a Turkish Embassy/Consulate in the U.S. before departure. Visa fees are not covered by the Commission. 


Permit Requirements: Permits are required for all stays beyond 3 months for legal residency. A permit will also allow teaching and researching activities for Fulbright Grantees in Türkiye. Application for a permit is the grantee’s responsibility, the Turkish Commission will provide support.


Permit Fees: Covered by the Turkish Fulbright Commission.


Research Permission: Some research projects may require special permissions from Turkish government authorities; the Turkish Commission can provide guidance.

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/