Turkey (Türkiye) is still a top choice for Muslim international students in 2026. It has a mix of world-class academic standards and a rich Islamic history. There are several fully funded programmes for the 2026/2027 school year that are specifically for students who want both religious and non-religious education.
1. Scholarships from the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV)
This programme is the best choice for Muslim students who want to study Islamic theology and religion. Its goal is to prepare future imams, scholars, and teachers for the Muslim Ummah.
- The Prize: 100% Paid for.
- Benefits include free housing, full tuition, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and round-trip plane tickets.
- Extras: Turkish language classes and special summer and winter Islamic camps are also available.
- * The International Anatolian Imam Hatip School (High School) is one of the available programmes.
- International Undergraduate Theology Programme (Bachelor’s Degree).
- International Graduate Theology Programme (Master’s and PhD).
- 2026/2027 Time frame:
- The last day to apply is February 28, 2026 (for the start in September 2026).
- Next Cycle (2027): Applications usually open in January of that year.
- Selection Criteria: During the interview process, candidates are tested on their understanding of the Qur’an (recitation/tajwid) and their basic religious knowledge (faith, Sira, and ethics).
2. Türkiye Bursları (Scholarships from the Government)
This program is a general scholarship that anyone can apply for, but Muslim students from Africa and Asia really like it because of the cultural environment and the way the university placement system works.
- The award includes full tuition, housing, health insurance, a one-year Turkish language course, and monthly payments.
- Undergraduate: 4,500 TL a month.
- Master’s: 6,500 TL a month.
- 9,000 TL per month for a PhD.
- 2026/2027 Status: The main application window for 2026 closed in February 2026.
- 2027 Intake: The portal for the 2027–2028 school year will be open from January 10 to February 20, 2027.
- For a bachelor’s degree, you need 70% or higher; for a graduate degree, you need 75% or higher; and for health sciences (medicine/dentistry), you need 90% or higher.
3. The YTB and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) give out a joint scholarship.
This is a high-level partnership just for students from IsDB member countries, like Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Egypt.
- The award is a one-of-a-kind mix of a grant (for master’s and PhD degrees) and an interest-free loan (Qard Hasan) for bachelor’s degrees.
- The main focus is on science, technology, and innovation for development.
- Timeline for 2026/2027: Applications usually close in late February, following the Türkiye Bursları schedule.
- Next Cycle: Monitor the IsDB Scholarship Portal for the January 2027 call.
4. How to avoid taking the IELTS for Turkey in 2026
When it comes to English tests, Turkey is one of the most flexible places to go:
- If you choose a course taught in Turkish, you don’t need to take IELTS or TOEFL. All winners of the scholarship get a free one-year Turkish language course to help them get ready.
- Medium of Instruction (MOI): If your previous degree was in English, many Turkish universities (like Istanbul University and Ankara University) will accept a MOI letter for English-taught programs.
- Some private and foundation universities in Turkey now accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) as a $59 alternative for 2026/2027.
5. Important Timeline for 2026 and 2027
- The Türkiye Bursları 2027 portal opens on January 10, 2027.
- The Türkiye Diyanet (TDV) portal opens for religious studies in January and February 2027.
- March to May 2026: People who applied in the current cycle will undergo interviews during this period.
- September 2026: The start of the current school year in Turkey.
Final Thoughts
The Türkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV) scholarship gives Muslim students the most immersive religious experience and pays for everything. The YTB-IsDB Joint Programme is the best way to meet other professionals in the Islamic world if you are studying STEM or social science. Put a lot of emphasis on your community service and Islamic values in your application. Turkish committees search for candidates who are dedicated to helping their local communities.
