Fulbright Senior Scholar 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 Senior Scholar Award Program is designed for distinguished scholars who have more than twenty years of experience in their discipline or area of expertise. The aim of the Program is to enable distinguished scholars to actively engage host institutions in Türkiye (Turkey) in a spirit of promoting mutual understanding and sharing knowledge. The Senior Scholar awardee will be expected to make tangible contributions to their host institution and host country.
The Senior Scholar Award distinguishes itself from the U.S. Scholar, All Disciplines Award by its commitment to disseminating the grantee’s expertise beyond the host institution and to community building. The grantee is expected to build long-term sustainable institutional ties between their host and home institutions.
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 will be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary research activities.
Grantees can conduct their projects at public or foundation universities, research centers or at other relevant institutions.
- The program time frame is for a minimum of three months to a maximum of nine months.
- Three-month grants can begin anytime between September 2026 and March 2027.
- 9 month grants must begin in September 2026.
- The end of the grant period cannot be later than June 2027.
Applications are sought in all appropriate disciplines and their relevant sub-fields.
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 $750/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).
An invitation letter is not required at the time of the application; however, the candidates will be required to submit a valid letter if they receive the award.
Turkish language proficiency is not required.
At the time of application for the program, candidates must have twenty or more years of experience in their discipline or area of expertise.
Please contact the Turkish Fulbright Commission for additional information and with questions:
Ms. Leyla Akşin
American Programs Officer
amprog@fulbright.org.tr
Grant Allowance: $4,000/month.
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.
- There will be a travel allowance ($2,000) for round-trip airfare between the United States and the city of assignment for all grantees.
- Settling-in (Relocation) Allowance: $750, one-time payment.
- Excess Baggage Allowance: $250, one-time payment.
Academic Research Support Allowance: $500, one-time payment.
For an academic year award (nine months in length), tuition reimbursement for one accompanying school-age dependent (K-12) up to $20,000.
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 a minimum of nine-month awards will also be entitled to a travel allowance. 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.
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.
The estimated cost of living in Türkiye varies by location. Expenses, especially rents in large metropolitan areas are usually comparable to other major cities in the world. Candidates are strongly encouraged to conduct market research before arriving in Türkiye to understand the expenses associated with accommodation, daily necessities, transportation and for effective budgeting. For statistical information please visit Turkish Statistical Institute.
Housing: Housing may be provided by the host university. Housing fees will be covered up to the housing allowance limits, grantees will be responsible for paying utilities.
If housing is not provided by the host institution, the grantee will receive an allowance of up to $700/month. Please note that the actual amount will vary according to the grantee’s rental agreement.
- Turkish Language Support Allowance: $500.
- Work and/or Residency Permit Application fees for the grantees 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)
A country of rich history, varied cultures, and modern innovation, Türkiye is the crossroads between Europe and Asia. A candidate country for the EU and a NATO member, Türkiye is a founding member of the OECD, with an area size slightly larger than Texas. The country is known for its ancient heritage, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality, offering scholars a dynamic environment for academic collaboration and personal growth. From the ancient wonders of Troy to the bustling streets of Istanbul, Türkiye is a place where tradition and modernity come together. Why not apply for a Fulbright Scholar grant to Türkiye and experience it for yourself?
Higher education in Türkiye has a long-standing history, with institutions dating back to the Ottoman period. Today, with more than 200 universities throughout the country, Türkiye boasts a rapidly growing and diverse higher education system, with a variety of degree options, from undergraduate and graduate programs to specialized programs in arts, sciences, and engineering. Türkiye houses some of the region’s top universities and Turkish universities, both public and private, offer programs in a wide range of disciplines. Türkiye’s universities provide a broad spectrum of academic opportunities. Since 2001 Türkiye has been a participant of the EU Bologna Process, allowing cross-border education/research exchanges between participating countries.
The academic year in Türkiye typically runs from late September to June, with breaks between semesters in January and during the summer months. Most universities operate on a semester system, with courses and exams conducted in both Turkish and English, making it an accessible destination for international scholars.
Türkiye is contending to be a global leader in education, innovation, and scientific research, with a strong focus on sustainability, technology, and engineering. Many Turkish universities are ranked highly in the world for disciplines such as engineering, architecture, business, and the social sciences according to Times WUR. The nation’s strategic location has made it an important hub for international collaboration, offering countless opportunities for interdisciplinary work and research exchanges.
Fulbright scholars in Türkiye will immerse themselves in a country renowned for cultural heritage, as well as a lively, dynamic academic atmosphere. The fusion of Eastern and Western cultures provides a unique opportunity to engage with a blend of traditions, art, and philosophy. Turkish cuisine itself is renowned worldwide, for its mix of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian influences, offering endless opportunities.
Strong Fulbright Türkiye support: Fulbright Türkiye assists grantees with getting visas and permits. The Commission organizes events and activities to help grantees integrate into academic and cultural life. This includes an arrival orientation, mid-year and end-of-the-year meetings, and opportunities to attend professional development seminars, and to network with other scholars and academics across Türkiye. Whether conducting research, collaborating with colleagues, or giving guest lectures, Fulbright Türkiye is there to ensure, to the best of its ability, that scholars have the resources and support to make the most of their time in the country.
Türkiye’s vibrant cultural and historical legacy, combined with its emerging academic profile, makes it a unique and rewarding destination for scholars looking to make an impact. Whether working on cutting-edge research, teaching, or exploring the country's deep cultural history, Türkiye offers a wealth of experiences for American scholars to discover.
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More can be discovered about Fulbright Türkiye through our website which also features an archive of Newsletters, including stories, photos, and testimonials from past scholars. Additional information about Türkiye and Turkish universities can be found here as well as Go Türkiye. TUIK, can also offer an extensive range of statistical information in English across numerous topics.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the Turkish Fulbright Commission’s YouTube channel where they can find videos with former grantee experiences and testimonials.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
PREVIOUS Grantee Videos:
2022-2023 Senior Researcher Grantee Prof. Dong Shik-Kim, University of Toledo, OH / Izmir Institute of Technology
2023-2024 Senior Lecturer Dr. Chris Walsh, University of Boston, MA / Baskent University, Ankara
PREVIOUS GRANTEE TESTIMONIALS:
2024-2025 Senior Scholar: “.... Being here for this time was absolutely essential for me to really understand my object of study... Fulbright has allowed me to do quantic leaps in my research and, therefore, in my academic development... But, the most important effect is personal, of course. Everyone should come to Istanbul. Everyone should have a chance to shed stereotypes, understand a certain joy of life and focus on our shared human condition.”
2024-2025 Senior Researcher: “I am very grateful to have had the chance to get to know Türkiye in a more sustained way than business trips of 5 or 7 days allow… My research has led me in unexpected directions, I have much more work to do on my project, and I am excited to see what emerges from all of this research!”
2024-2025 Senior Lecturer: “I have wanted to be a Fulbright grantee for years, and this semester, despite my occasional griping, has been transformative. I understand my new context so much better having been here, I can better imagine other similar contexts, and I fully expect to continue working with researchers here in the future. I deeply appreciate the hard work and kindness of the Fulbright commission in Türkiye, and I appreciate even more the chance to represent the US in making connections with teachers, students and researchers in Türkiye.”
2024-2025 Senior Lecturer: “I can’t possibly put into words how grateful and happy I am to have had the privilege of living and working in Türkiye through the Fulbright US Scholar Program. This experience has made me a better scholar and a better person. Nine months went by far too quickly, but the friendships I formed and the memories I carry with me are treasures I hope will last a lifetime.”
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
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 institutions and Türkiye when completing their projects.