TÜBİTAK – The Department of Science Fellowships and Grant Programmes (BIDEB) 

Introduction

In Turkey, helping talented people in different sciences is important for the country to grow. The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) is a great part of this. They provide scholarships and fellowships to support genius students who are studying advanced things and doing research.

Moreover, TÜBİTAK scholarships and fellowships are well-known, and many people want to get them. They also offer grants and chances for both Turkish people and students from other countries. 

If you want to know all about TÜBİTAK Scholarships, this article will provide you a comprehensive details about its scholarships, their eligibility criteria, and the application process.

TÜBİTAK Postgraduate Fellowship

TÜBİTAK Fellowship Overview

TÜBİTAK, which is the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, is offering a program where people from other countries can work together. This program is for international PhD students and young researchers who have finished their PhD. Furthermore, they can come to Turkey to do their research. However, the goal of this program is to strengthen Turkey’s collaboration in science and technology with future experts from different countries.

TÜBİTAK Diverse Fellowship/Scholarship Programs

TÜBİTAK offers various scholarship programs designed for different academic interests and levels of education.

BİDEB Scholarships: These scholarships target undergraduates, graduates, and postgraduates, enabling them to pursue research-oriented studies in Turkey.

2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program (LİSE): This program is for high school students. It offers grants for their science projects, helping them learn more and get excited about exploring new things.

2210-A Graduate Scholarship Program: This program helps Turkish people who are studying for a master’s or Ph.D. They can study in Turkey or other countries, and it also encourages them to do advanced research in different subjects.

2232-A International Fellowship for Outstanding Researchers: This program is designed to attract highly qualified researchers worldwide. Additionally, this program invites international scholars to conduct research in Turkey’s leading institutions.

TÜBİTAK Study Subjects: 

Fellowships are granted in areas like Natural Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Medicine, Agriculture, Social Sciences, and Humanities.

a. Agricultural Sciences

b. Structural, Cell. & Molecular Biology

c. Biological Systems & Organisms

d. Medical & Health Sciences, including Neurosciences

e. Chemical Sciences

f. Engineering Sciences

g. Astronomy, Space & Earth Science

h. Mathematical Sciences

i. Physics

j. Computing and Information Technology.

Eligibility criteria for TÜBİTAK Fellowship

  • Must be a permanent resident or national of a developing country in the South.
  • Encouragement for candidates from Science and Technology Lagging countries (STLC) and women to apply, with the list available at TWAS’s STLC countries, list.
  • Eligibility also extends to developing countries not listed.
  • Should not hold any visa for temporary or permanent residency in Turkey or any developed country.
  • Must be employed in a developing country (other than the host country) and have a research assignment there. 
  • A supporting statement from the current employer’s head/director, following TÜBİTAK’s format, is required.
  • Hold a PhD degree in natural or related applied sciences within specified fields.
  • Maximum age limit of 45 years on December 31st of the application year.

Application Requirements:

  • An official Acceptance Letter from a department, institution, or laboratory of a university in Turkey or TÜBİTAK Research Centers and Institutes is necessary.
  • Requests for acceptance should be directed to the chosen host institution(s) in Turkey, not to TÜBİTAK, without which the application won’t be considered.
  • A research proposal form prepared according to TÜBİTAK’s format is mandatory.
  • Evidence of English proficiency, either through standardized tests (TOEFL or IELTS) or a University-issued letter if the medium of education wasn’t English.

Conditions and Restrictions:

  • Commitment not to take other assignments during the fellowship period.
  • Financial responsibility for accompanying family members.
  • Not previously having received a fellowship under this program.
  • Obligation to return to the home country upon completion of the fellowship.

Required Documents

  • Application form
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
  • Research proposal
  • A letter of acceptance from a university or a research institute in Turkey
  • A motivation letter from the scientist in charge/advisor in Turkey
  • Curriculum vitae and list of publications for the scientist in charge/advisor in Turkey,
  • Language certificate
  • BSc, MSc, and PhD transcripts
  • Student certificates for PhD students
  • Permit for leave of absence from the applicant’s institution for the applicants who are currently working,
  • Copy of PhD Diploma for post-doctoral applicants,
  • Copy of birth certificate or passport
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Approval report of the Ethics Committee of the hosting institution.

You can also see

Brief Description of TÜBİTAK Fellowship

Host CountryTurkey
Host InstitutionTÜBITAK – The Department of Science Fellowships and Grant Programmes (BIDEB)
ProgramGraduate Scholarship Programme for International Students (TÜBITAK, Turkey)
CoverageFully Funded
Available DegreesUndergraduate, Graduate, Postgraduate, Ph.D.
Eligible NationsAll nations are eligible.
DeadlineFebruary 26, 2024

Fellowship Coverage

Support Duration and Amount:

  • Maximum support duration: 12 months.
  • Monthly stipend: 2,500 Turkish Liras.
  • Travel costs covered for round trips up to 2,250 TL.
  • Private health insurance premiums cover up to 70 TL per month.

Application Process:

Eligible students can apply by following below-mentioned simple steps to get a chance to study in Turkey:

  1. Go to the official website of TÜBİTAK and download the application form.
  1. Read all instructions carefully and fill out the application form according to the given information.
  1. Attach all documents in the required file format and submit them with the application.
  1. Once your application is approved, you will be notified via email about your fellowship details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1: Who is eligible to apply for the TÜBİTAK Fellowship Program?

Ans: Citizens of developing countries, particularly those from Science and Technology Lagging Countries (STLC), are eligible. Furthermore, applicants should hold a Ph.D. in natural or applied sciences and should be employed in a developing country other than Turkey.

Q.2: What is the duration of the TÜBİTAK Fellowship?

Ans: The maximum duration of support provided by the TÜBİTAK Fellowship Program is 12 months.

Q.3: What does the TÜBİTAK Fellowship cover?

Ans: Students of the fellowship get a monthly stipend, travel cost coverage for a round trip, and contributions towards private health insurance premiums.

Q.4: Can previous recipients apply for the TÜBİTAK Fellowship again?

Ans: No, individuals who have previously received a fellowship under this program are not eligible to apply again.