Fulbright Scholar Postdoctoral Award
Turkey (Türkiye)
Number of recipients
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.
The Fulbright Scholar Postdoctoral Program is designed for young scholars with the objective of enabling them to conduct research in Türkiye, allowing them to take advantage of the expertise of senior faculty members in their own fields and to promote scientific interaction between Türkiye and the Unites States.
Grantees can conduct their research projects at public or foundation universities, research centers, organizations, or at any other relevant institutions. Their institutional affiliations are subject to the approval of the Turkish Fulbright Commission.
4.5 or 9 months
One-semester grants must begin in September 2025 or February 2026; two-semester grants must begin in September 2025.
Applications are sought in all appropriate disciplines and their relevant sub-fields.
Housing may be provided by the host institution. Grantees should contact their host institution for housing opportunities. Grantees will be responsible for utilities which can be paid from their grant benefits.
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).
A letter of invitation is not required at the time of the application; however, the candidates will be required to submit a valid letter when they receive the award.
Turkish language proficiency commensurate with the project can be helpful, but it is not required.
Postdoctoral awards are open to scholars who will have received a doctoral degree (Ph.D., J.D, M.D., Ed.D., etc.) within five years of the fellowship start date. Degree conferment before the start of the award is mandatory. Institutional affiliation in the U.S. is not required.
Please contact the Turkish Fulbright Commission for additional information and with questions:
Ms. Leyla AKŞIN
American Programs Officer
For grantees who will be based outside of Istanbul; $1,425 monthly base stipend and $450 monthly subsistence allowance. For grantees who will be based in Istanbul; $1,500 monthly base stipend and $500 monthly subsistence allowance.
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 or a 9 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 up to $250.
Books and Incidentals Allowance up to $500.
Housing: Housing may be provided by the host institution, 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. However, 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.
Residency or Work 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)
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.
2022-2023 Senior Researcher Grantee Prof. Dong Shik-Kim, University of Toledo, OH / Izmir Institute of Technology
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
A letter of invitation is preferred, but not required. Candidates who do not have an affiliation will be assisted by the Turkish Fulbright Commission to arrange for one.
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 complete their projects.