Türkiye offers PhD study with the government's Türkiye Bursları scholarship and research funding from TÜBİTAK.
PhD opportunities in Türkiye
Why do a PhD in Türkiye?
- Türkiye Bursları covers tuition, stipend and housing
- Many English-taught programmes
- Bridge between Europe and Asia
Universities in Türkiye
Well-known research universities and institutes for PhD study in Türkiye include:
- Middle East Technical University (METU)
- Boğaziçi University
- Istanbul Technical University
- Bilkent University
- Koç University
Choose a university by your supervisor and research group, not the overall ranking — fit with the group decides most PhD outcomes.
PhD structure
PhD programmes include coursework, a qualifying exam, a thesis proposal and a defence.
Fees and funding
Fees: Public universities charge modest fees for internationals; scholarships cover them.
Main funded routes: Türkiye Scholarships and university-specific PhD funding.
Official starting points: Türkiye Scholarships
See PhD funding by country to compare routes across 46 countries, or estimate your budget with the study cost calculator.
Applying for a PhD in Türkiye
Apply to Türkiye Bursları (usually January–February) or directly to universities.
Language: Turkish course included for Türkiye Bursları scholars.
Your application checklist
- CV with research experience and any publications
- Research proposal or statement written for the project or supervisor — see our research proposal guide
- Master's (and undergraduate) transcripts and degree certificates; for Pakistanis, HEC-attested copies
- Two or three academic references — see our recommendation letter guide
- English test score or proof of English-medium study, if required
- Interview preparation — see our interview guide
Student visas and work
Visa: Students apply for a student visa and residence permit.
Working during your PhD: Work requires a permit.
After your PhD
Work permits are required to stay.
Open PhD opportunities in Türkiye
METU PhD Positions in Medical Robotics — Ankara, Türkiye (international applicants)
Middle East Technical University (METU) — Medical Robotic Systems Lab
Türkiye
- Fully funded
- Open to all nationalities
- Study level: PhD
Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Graduate Scholarships — North Cyprus
Eastern Mediterranean University
Türkiye
- Partially funded, Tuition waiver
- Open to all nationalities
- Study level: Master's, PhD
- 3–4 semesters (master's), up to 10 (PhD)
Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Burslari)
Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB)
Türkiye
- Fully funded, Stipend
- Open to all nationalities
- Study level: Undergraduate, Master's, PhD
- Length of the degree program plus a Turkish language year
This guide gives an overview for international applicants. Rules on fees, funding and visas change — always confirm the details on the university, funder and embassy websites before you apply.
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