Türkiye Scholarship committees are visiting over 50 African countries to interview finalists for the 2025 academic year. The program, which offers fully funded higher education in Türkiye, currently supports over 70,000 African students and aims to strengthen Türkiye-Africa ties through education and long-term cooperation.
Türkiye’s prestigious government-funded scholarship program has entered its final phase of candidate selection, with official interview committees currently touring over 50 African countries, including Togo and Benin. These visits mark a pivotal moment in the competitive process to identify successful applicants for the 2025 academic year.
In Togo and Benin, dozens of shortlisted students recently met face-to-face with Türkiye Scholarships representatives. The interviews follow an initial round of global online applications, which drew tens of thousands of hopefuls from across the continent.
A Flagship Program for International Education
Türkiye Scholarships—administered by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB)—is one of the most comprehensive international scholarship initiatives globally. It offers full financial support for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies in Türkiye, covering tuition, accommodation, health insurance, monthly stipends, a one-year Turkish language course, and round-trip airfare.
Since its official relaunch in 2012, the program has gained increasing popularity among African youth, with Türkiye becoming a key destination for higher education that blends academic opportunity with cultural diplomacy.
Application Process and International Collaboration
The multi-stage application process begins with an online submission open annually to students worldwide. Candidates are assessed based on academic records, leadership potential, personal vision, and community service.
Shortlisted applicants are invited to interviews conducted by Türkiye’s scholarship committees across their home countries. These in-person evaluations gauge the applicants’ academic readiness, motivation, and alignment with the scholarship’s goals.
Türkiye Scholarships also provides opportunities for cooperation with other international programs, including joint research, internships, and academic exchanges, allowing students to benefit from both Turkish and global academic ecosystems.
Türkiye: A Top Destination for African Students
According to data from the Federation of International Student Associations (UDEF), Türkiye currently hosts over 70,000 African students, many of whom are Türkiye Scholarship recipients. The country is among the world’s top hosts of international students, with more than 360,000 from over 170 countries enrolled in its universities.
Thousands of African alumni have graduated from Turkish universities over the past decade, many of whom now serve in public institutions, universities, the private sector, and civil society organizations across the continent.
Türkiye’s Vision for Global Education
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has consistently emphasized that Türkiye Scholarships serve as a bridge of friendship and partnership between Türkiye and other nations. In remarks during a previous graduation ceremony for international students, he said, “You are not just students in Türkiye—you are future leaders, peacebuilders, and friends of this country.”
He added, “We believe education is the foundation of strong, just, and lasting cooperation. Türkiye welcomes you as guests, and we see you as lifelong partners in development and understanding.”
A Symbol of Türkiye-Africa Ties
As Türkiye’s scholarship committees complete their interview tours across more than 50 African countries, the initiative continues to symbolize Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Africa’s future through education. The final list of successful candidates is expected in the coming months, paving the way for a new cohort of scholars to begin their academic journeys in Türkiye—equipped to become changemakers both at home and globally.