Study in Turkey

World-class universities, the prestigious Türkiye Bursları full scholarship, and Smartious handles every step — free

Turkey has emerged as one of the most attractive study destinations for African students, particularly through the Türkiye Bursları scholarship — one of the world's most generous and accessible full scholarships. Turkish universities combine European-quality education (Turkey is part of the European Higher Education Area through the Bologna Process) with affordable tuition, strong English-medium programmes, and a strategic geographic location bridging Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Top Turkish universities (METU, Boğaziçi, Bilkent, Sabancı, Koç) rank in the world's top 500 with several specialty programmes reaching higher. For Kenyan students, the Türkiye Bursları scholarship has been particularly impactful — fully funding hundreds of Kenyan students annually. Smartious Study Abroad provides free support for Turkish university applications and Türkiye Bursları scholarship applications.

Why study in Türkiye

Türkiye Bursları — one of the world's best scholarships

Türkiye Bursları is the Turkish government scholarship for international students, covering 100% tuition, monthly living stipend (around $200-450/month), accommodation, Turkish language preparation, health insurance, and round-trip flights. The scholarship is administered transparently and is genuinely accessible to African students — Kenya regularly sees 100+ recipients annually.

High-quality universities at low cost

Top Turkish public universities (METU, Boğaziçi, Bilkent — though Bilkent is private) offer European-quality education at very low cost. Even outside the scholarship, public university tuition is typically $300-2,000/year for international students.

Extensive English-medium programmes

Many Turkish universities offer programmes entirely in English, particularly at the postgraduate level. METU, Boğaziçi, Bilkent and Sabancı operate primarily in English. Turkey accepts students without Turkish language skills, though Türkiye Bursları includes a free year of Turkish language preparation.

Strategic geographic and cultural location

Turkey bridges Europe and Asia. Istanbul is a major global city. Turkey has strong commercial ties with Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and Europe — creating diverse career opportunities. Turkish culture is welcoming to international students.

EU-aligned higher education (Bologna Process)

Turkish degrees are part of the European Higher Education Area through the Bologna Process. Turkish Bachelor's, Master's and PhD degrees are recognised across Europe and globally.

Growing African student community in Turkey

Turkey has actively recruited African students over the past decade — substantial African and Kenyan student communities now exist at major Turkish universities. Active student associations help new arrivals integrate.

Top universities

Academic credentials

Language proficiency

Documents needed

Student visa

Scholarships

Application timeline

After graduation

After completing your Turkish degree, post-study options include: (1) Job-seeking residence permit allowing time to find skilled employment; (2) Work permit through employer sponsorship; (3) Return to Kenya with Turkish qualification + Turkish language + Turkey-Africa network. Turkish citizenship is achievable after 5 years of legal residence in Turkey (with some restrictions). Many Türkiye Bursları graduates return to home countries with valuable Turkish-Africa expertise that's increasingly sought by companies and governments.

How Smartious helps

Frequently asked questions

Is Smartious Study Abroad free for Turkish applications?

Yes — completely free for students.

How competitive is Türkiye Bursları?

Türkiye Bursları is competitive but achievable for strong applicants. Turkey allocates substantial scholarship quotas to African countries — Kenya typically sees 100+ Türkiye Bursları recipients annually across all levels. Strong KCSE grades, well-written motivation letter, clear connection to Turkey or to Türkiye Bursları values, and timely application substantially improve success probability.

What does Türkiye Bursları cover exactly?

Full Türkiye Bursları scholarship covers: (1) 100% tuition at the assigned Turkish university, (2) monthly living stipend ($200 for undergraduate, $300 for Master's, $450 for PhD), (3) university dormitory accommodation, (4) one year of free Turkish language preparation (TÖMER course) if needed, (5) comprehensive health insurance, (6) one-time round-trip flight allowance. Total value over a 4-year Bachelor's programme typically exceeds $35,000.

Can I study in Turkey without Turkish or English skills?

For Türkiye Bursları, you don't need Turkish — the scholarship includes a free 1-year Turkish language preparation year. For English-taught programmes, you need IELTS or TOEFL. For Turkish-taught programmes without Türkiye Bursları, you need Turkish language certification (TÖMER or equivalent).

What KCSE grade do I need for top Turkish universities?

For METU, Boğaziçi, Bilkent and Sabancı: KCSE B+ (Plus) and above with strong subject grades. For other public Turkish universities: KCSE B (Plain) often sufficient. For Türkiye Bursları competitiveness, KCSE B+ and above with strong supporting profile is recommended.

How safe is Turkey for African students?

Turkey is generally safe for international students at major universities. Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities have well-organised international student support. Kenyan and African student communities are active and supportive. Cultural adjustment is generally smooth — Turkey has strong cultural respect for education and family values that resonate with many African students.

Can I work in Turkey while studying?

Yes — international students can work part-time with permission from their university and immigration authorities. Typical hourly wages are lower than Western destinations but reflect Turkey's lower cost of living. Türkiye Bursları students often don't need to work given the comprehensive scholarship coverage.

What languages do I need to know?

For Türkiye Bursları with the language prep year, you don't need Turkish in advance — the scholarship provides 1 year of free language training. For English-taught programmes, IELTS 6.0-6.5 minimum. Many Turkish university students switch between English (in academic contexts) and Turkish (in daily life) throughout their studies. We provide Turkish language preparation through our Languages programme for students wanting head-start.

What are the most popular subjects in Turkey for African students?

Engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, software), Medicine and health sciences, Business and management, Computer Science, Architecture, International Relations. Turkish universities have particular strengths in engineering and medicine — most Türkiye Bursları engineering and medical placements are highly competitive.

How does Türkiye Bursları placement work?

You don't choose your specific university with Türkiye Bursları — the Turkish government places successful scholarship recipients at universities based on programme choice, university preferences (you submit ranked preferences), application strength and university capacity. Successful applicants are usually placed at one of their preferred universities, though placement at top universities (METU, Boğaziçi) is more competitive.

What's the long-term value of a Turkish degree?

Turkish degrees are recognised across Europe (Bologna Process) and globally. For Kenyan graduates returning home, Turkish qualifications combined with Turkish language skills and Turkey-Kenya network are increasingly valuable as Turkish-African trade and investment grow. Several Kenyan Türkiye Bursları graduates have built successful careers in trade, infrastructure, NGOs and academia leveraging their Turkish experience.

Can I stay in Turkey after graduation?

Yes — graduate work permits are available through employer sponsorship. Turkish citizenship is achievable after 5 years of legal residence (subject to language and integration requirements). Many graduates return home with Turkish credentials; others build careers in Turkey or move on to third countries leveraging their Turkish degree.

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