Fulbright Scholar Award

All Disciplines

Turkey (Türkiye)

Application Deadline
closed
Award Code
25179-TR
Activity Type
Professional Project
The Professional Project activity type provides professionals and artists in various fields the opportunity to interact with relevant organizations abroad to explore a topic related to their field without answering a defined research question. Professional Projects may include: professional consultations; artist residencies; visits to organizations in the applicant's field; practical experience in day-to-day operations; public lectures; mentoring; arranging exhibitions, performances or musical compilations; preparation of print materials (books, articles, or reviews); exchange of expertise with other professionals; participation in public events; or other appropriate professional activities.
Research
Research includes activities involving scientific research, qualitative research, quantitative research, and practice-based research, including artistic research. Research can take place in locations such as the laboratory, the field, the archives, or an artist residency. It can be experimental, clinical, or applied. It can include examining policies, systems, theories, methods, interactions, and works of art and music, with the objective to evaluate or develop new knowledge or works. Quantifiable (tangible) outcomes can include publications (books, journal articles, scripts, etc.), conference presentations, artistic and musical compositions, exhibitions, performances, films, and patents.
Teaching
Teaching includes classroom teaching, as well as giving guest lectures, workshops, and seminars, and engaging in other related activities. Classroom teaching is typically at the undergraduate and graduate level, and courses may be designed by the scholar or prescribed by the host institution and may be taught or co-taught by the scholar. The teaching load varies by award, as well as the host institution. Scholars may also consult on building research capacity, advise graduate students, and assist with thesis advising.
Teaching/Research
A combination of teaching and research as described above. Refer to the award description for any specifications on percentages of time that should be devoted to teaching vs research.
Degree Requirements
Ph.D. (or other terminal degree) required
Career Profile
Artists
Awards are open to individuals who have more than seven years of experience in an artistic profession.
Mid-Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than seven, and less than 13, years.
Professionals
Awards are open to individuals who have more than seven years of experience in a particular profession.
Senior Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than 13 years.
Community College Faculty
Community College Faculty
Early Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for no more than seven years.

Number of recipients

Up To
8
Award Start Period
September 2026 or February 2027
Award Length
4.5 months or 9 months
Flex Option
No
Multi-Country/Area Award
No
Disciplines
Projects are sought in all disciplines
Scholars selected for this award can choose to
Advise and/or mentor students
Assist in faculty, curriculum, and/or program development
Conduct a research project of the applicant’s choosing
Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses designated by the host institution
Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses of the applicant’s choosing
Conduct a professional and/or artistic project

In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities‎.

Award Activity

Lecture, conduct research, or a combination of teaching and research in any discipline at an appropriate institution. Scholars are expected to collaborate with colleagues at their host institutions in their area of specialization and engage with the host community.  Scholars are highly encouraged to lead and/or participate in workshops, seminars, and other collaborative activities.

Applicants wishing to undertake teaching/research grants should determine percentage of the grant dedicated to each activity with the host institution.

Locations
Location Selection: Applicant may propose an appropriate host
Locations Detail

Grantees can conduct their projects at public or foundation universities, research centers, organizations, or at any other relevant institution. Their institutional affiliations are subject to the approval of the Turkish Fulbright Commission. 

Award Length and Period

4.5 or 9 months

One-semester grants must begin in September 2025 or February 2026; two-semester grants must begin in September 2025.

Areas of Interest

Applications are sought in all disciplines and their relevant sub-fields.

Special Features

Housing may be provided by host institution. Grantees should contact their host institution for housing opportunities. 

If housing is not provided by the host institution, grantees arrange their own housing. The grantee is then entitled to a housing allowance of up to $560/month. For grantees in Istanbul, the housing allowance is up to $585/month. 

Please note that the actual amount will vary according to the grantee’s rental agreement. 

All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).

Citizenship/Residency Requirement
Not applicable – all U.S. citizens are eligible to apply, regardless of dual citizenship or residency.
Invitation Requirement
A letter of invitation is preferred.
Invitation Requirement Additional Information

A letter of invitation is not required at the time of the application; however, candidates will be required to submit a valid letter if they receive the award.

Language Proficiency Requirements
None, English is sufficient. However, feasibility of conducting the project must be demonstrated in the project statement
Additional Language Requirement

Turkish language proficiency commensurate with the project can be helpful, but it is not required.

Additional Qualification Information

If an applicant intends to conduct archival research in Ottoman History and other relevant studies, knowledge of Ottoman Turkish is necessary.

Additional Comments

Candidates should express clear reasoning for pursuing their proposed project in Türkiye. They should have well-developed plans for projects that encourage collaboration and learning with host country partners. Ideally the candidate has plans to contribute academically, socially, and culturally to their host institution while completing their projects.

Candidates who do not have an affiliation will be assisted by the Turkish Fulbright Commission to arrange one.

You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.

Award Allowances

Senior Lecturers:

Maintenance Allowance: $2,240 (Other Cities); $2,340 (Istanbul)

Housing Allowance: $560 (Other Cities); $585 (Istanbul)

Subsistence Allowance: $840 (Other Cities); $875 (Istanbul)

Senior Researchers, Professionals, Artists:

Maintenance Allowance: $1,680 (Other Cities); $1.755 (Istanbul)

Housing Allowance: $560 (Other Cities); $585 (Istanbul)

Subsistence Allowance: $840 (Other Cities); $875 (Istanbul)

Estimated Travel and Relocation Allowance for Grantee

There will be a travel allowance (TBA) for round-trip airfare between the United States and city of assignment for all grantees on a 4.5 month grant or a nine-month grant.

Dependents: Grantees may bring their dependents with them, but there are special criteria to be recognized as official dependents during their stay in the county. One official dependent of grantees with nine-month awards, will also be entitled to a travel allowance. However, official dependents must be in country for at least 80 percent of the grant period in order to qualify for the travel benefit. Grants for less than a full academic year (nine-months) include travel allowance for the grantee only. In those cases, dependent airfare will not be covered.  

Grantees receive $750 as a one-time Settling-in (Relocation) Allowance.

Excess Baggage Allowance (one time) up to $250.

 

Estimated Book and Research Allowance

Books and Incidentals Allowance up to $500 (one time).  

Do you offer additional dependent benefits
Yes

For an academic year award (nine months in length), tuition reimbursement for one accompanying school-age dependent (K-12) up to $20,000.

Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.

Special Award Benefits

Housing: Housing may be provided by the host institution, but in these cases the grantee will be responsible for utilities which can be paid from their grant benefits. 

If housing is not provided by the host institution, the grantee will receive an allowance of up to $560/month. Grantees based in Istanbul will receive an allowance of up to $585/month. Please note that the actual amount will vary according to the grantee’s rental agreement.

Turkish Language Course Allowance up to $500.   

Work and Residency Permit application fees are covered by the Turkish Fulbright Commission.

The costs associated with acquiring any official documentation required for the residency or work permit application, including valid health insurance in Türkiye (if required for application), are also covered by the Turkish Fulbright Commission.   

Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.

Turkey (Türkiye)

What is life like for Fulbrighters in your country?

Türkiye, a transcontinental country with a rich historical and cultural heritage, is a geopolitically significant regional power and among the 20 largest economies in the world. Türkiye is a NATO ally and a founding member of the OECD.

One of the earliest permanently settled regions in the world, Türkiye has been home to many civilizations. Türkiye is popular for its diverse natural attractions as well.  

The country offers quality higher education and research opportunities on modern campuses. With more than 200 universities, throughout the country, Türkiye features a large diversity of programs. Fulbright scholars are welcome to teach and research in all of them!  

The academic year in Türkiye consists of two semesters: usually from September to January and from February to June. For further information about the Turkish education system please visit the website of the Turkish Fulbright Commission. A list of universities in Türkiye can be obtained from this website.

All applications will be evaluated by a committee of scholars, not only for their academic and professional excellence but also for their potential to increase mutual understanding between the United States and Türkiye.  

An Orientation Program Meeting in Ankara is held for grantees in September before the academic year starts in Türkiye. The Orientation Meeting consists of a variety of activities including lectures on Turkish culture, recent political developments in the country, as well as cultural activities. In addition, a Mid-Year Meeting is organized providing the necessary platform to discuss grantees' progress with their Fulbright projects. The End of Year Meeting is held towards the end of the academic year to allow grantees to share their academic and cultural experiences in Türkiye and to evaluate their overall Fulbright experience. 

Depending on the timing during the academic year and the teaching and research responsibilities of the grantee, grantees may have the opportunity to attend conferences, seminars, or other events organized by other Fulbright Commissions.

Türkiye participates in the Inter-Country Travel Grant Program, supported by various Fulbright Commissions in Europe and enabling U.S Fulbright Scholars in Türkiye to create connections with other fellow scholars and institutions in Europe.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the Turkish Fulbright Commission’s YouTube channel where they can find videos with former grantee experiences and testimonials.

Candidates who are interested in applying for a grant in Türkiye are welcome to contact American Programs at the Turkish Fulbright Commission, at amprog@fulbright.org.tr for further information.

Previous Fulbright Recipients

2022-2023 Senior Researcher Grantee Prof. Dong Shik-Kim, University of Toledo, OH / Izmir Institute of Technology 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlh1-UEOqMY

Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.