Are there local Turkish scholarships available for studying in Germany?

Yes, there are local foundations and institutions in Turkey that support education in Germany. TEV is the most well-known, but other options are available too.

#1. Türk Eğitim Vakfı (TEV)

#TEV Overseas Scholarship Program

• Goal: For top-performing students in Turkey pursuing master's or PhD degrees abroad.
• Monthly Stipend: 1,000-1,500 € (for Germany)
• Duration: 2 years for master's, 3-4 years for PhD.
• Coverage: Full tuition fees + living expenses + health insurance + travel costs.

#Application Requirements

✅ GPA: A Turkish GPA of 3.5/4.0 or higher (90+/100). ✅ Age: Must have completed a bachelor's degree; under 30 is preferred. ✅ Language Proficiency: High proficiency in English or German (e.g., TOEFL 100+, TestDaF 5). ✅ Community Involvement: Participation in sports, arts, or volunteer work. ✅ Leadership Qualities: Experience as a club president or active participation in associations. ✅ Return Commitment: A commitment to work in Turkey for at least 5 years after graduation.

#Application Process

• Visit tev.org.tr and navigate to the "Yurt Dışı Burs Programı" (Overseas Scholarship Program) section.
• Application Deadline: January (annually).
• The process involves application submission, pre-selection, interviews, and a final evaluation.
• Decision: Takes 3-4 months.

#TEV Advantages

✅ All expenses covered (tuition + living + health insurance + travel). ✅ Access to a network of Turkish students in Germany. ✅ Mentorship support. ✅ Job placement assistance upon returning to Turkey.

#Disadvantages

❌ Highly competitive (only 10-20 students accepted annually). ❌ Mandatory return to Turkey (for at least 5 years). ❌ No political affiliation is expected (TEV is independent), but a contribution to Turkey is implied.

#2. Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu (TÜBİTAK)

#TÜBİTAK 2214-A — Overseas PhD Research Scholarship

• Goal: For PhD students in Turkey to conduct research in Germany for 6-12 months.
• Monthly Stipend: 2,500 USD (~2,300 €).
• Coverage: Living expenses + insurance + research costs + travel.
• Requirement: Must be an active PhD student in Turkey.

#TÜBİTAK 2213 — Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Program

• Goal: For students who have completed a master's degree in Turkey and wish to pursue a PhD in Germany.
• Monthly Stipend: 2,500 USD.
• Duration: Full PhD program (3-5 years).
• Requirement: Return to Turkey and pursue an academic career.

#TÜBİTAK 2228 — Overseas Master's Scholarship

• Goal: For master's studies in Germany.
• Monthly Stipend: 1,000-1,500 USD.
• Duration: 1-2 years.

#3. Vehbi Koç Vakfı

#Vehbi Koç Foundation Overseas Scholarship Program

• Goal: For master's or PhD studies abroad.
• Monthly Stipend: 1000-1500 €.
• Requirement: Must have studied in Turkey and intend to return.

#4. Sabancı Vakfı

#Sabancı Foundation Overseas Scholarship Program

• Goal: For master's studies abroad, across various fields.
• Monthly Stipend: 1,000-1,500 €.
• Requirement: Sabancı University graduates are preferred, but anyone can apply.

#5. Other Turkish Scholarship Foundations

#Eczacıbaşı Vakfı

• Master's/PhD scholarships, especially in environmental and health fields.

#Kafkas Vakfı

• Overseas education support program.

#TRNC + Turkey Scholarships (YÖK Quota)

• "Overseas Education Scholarships" from YÖK (Council of Higher Education) — limited availability.

#Şişli Sosyal Yardımlaşma ve Dayanışma Vakfı

• Local-level assistance.

#Can You Combine TEV and DAAD Scholarships?

#Rule

⚠️ One-way rule: You can only receive one scholarship (e.g., TEV, DAAD, or KAS). ⚠️ Dual scholarships are prohibited — foundations communicate with each other.

#Strategy

✅ Prioritize applying for TEV (if you have a strong academic record in Turkey and aim to study in Germany). ✅ If TEV rejects your application, then apply for DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) next. ✅ If you receive a TEV scholarship, withdraw your DAAD application.

#Scholarship Comparison

#Practical Strategy

#For Master's After Your Bachelor's Degree

1. Apply for TEV (if you have a strong academic record in Turkey).
2. Apply for DAAD (in parallel — if TEV rejects your application).
3. Apply for KAS (if you have political engagement or activity).

#For PhD in Turkey + Research in Germany

1. TÜBİTAK 2214-A is the most comprehensive option (2,300 €/month for 6-12 months).
2. The DAAD Sandwich Programme is an alternative.

#For a PhD in Germany

1. TÜBİTAK 2213 (if you aim for an academic career in Turkey).
2. DAAD PhD (if you prefer flexibility).
3. A Max Planck / Helmholtz position (these often offer the highest salaries).

#Useful Links for Studying in Germany from Turkey

✅ DAAD Information Center Istanbul — ic.daad.de/istanbul ✅ TEV Overseas Scholarships — tev.org.tr/yurt-disi ✅ TÜBİTAK BİDEB — tubitak.gov.tr/bideb ✅ YÖK Scholarships — yokegitim.gov.tr

Related: DAAD Application Process | PhD Scholarships in Germany.