Higher education opportunities with scholarships in Turkey
There is a government-run specialized institution for religious education called Imam Hatip School in Turkey. It teaches Islamic subjects along with general subjects upto higher secondary level.
Then there are opportunities for higher education and research in theology (Ilahiyat) in various universities of the country. It has various courses including Tafsir, Hadith, Kirat, Fiqh, Tasawuf, Islamic Philosophy, Religious Psychology, Religious Sociology. However, in these cases, a test must be passed to prove proficiency in Arabic. Or Arabic language course up to two semesters is compulsory.
Higher education opportunities with scholarships: In addition to Imam Hatip High School with 100% scholarships, the country’s universities offer undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD opportunities. Every year more than 5000 students from more than 150 countries are going to study in Turkey with various scholarships. There are basically two scholarships offered by the Turkish government: 1. Bursary Scholarships, two. Diyanet Scholarship.
Bursary Scholarship: An international scholarship scheme called Bursary was launched in 1992 with the aim of creating friendly relations with different countries. Every year more than 5000 students from more than 150 countries go to study in Turkey with this scholarship. Special benefits of this scholarship include first-time trip to Turkey and return flight ticket, opportunity to study Turkish language for one year, dormitory accommodation and meals, free health care and monthly stipend. That is 1700 lira for graduation, 2400 lira for postgraduate and 3000 lira for PhD.
You can apply by visiting the link https://tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/. Its application started from January 10, which will end on February 20.
Application Requirements: Applicant age should be below 21 years for Graduate, 30 years for Post Graduate and 35 years for Ph.D. 70 percent marks for undergraduate applications, 75 percent marks for master’s and Ph.D. A minimum GPA of 90 percent is required for applications in Medicine, Dental and Pharmacy subjects.
Diyanet Scholarship: In 1975, the Turkish Diyanet Foundation was established as a social service organization in Turkey. The journey of this project started with the aim of spreading Islamic education, culture and knowledge-research, promoting mutual cooperation and solidarity among Muslim countries. Under this foundation, every year scholarships are given to higher secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate students to study Islamic subjects only. Special benefits include round-trip air ticket to home country once every year. Five hundred lira in higher secondary, one thousand lira in graduation, two thousand five hundred lira in post graduation and four thousand lira in Ph.D.
This scholarship can be applied at https://diyanetburslari.tdv.org link. Its application starts from January 15 and will continue till February 28.
Application Conditions : a. Applicant age should be maximum 16 years for higher secondary, 20 years for graduation and below 30 years for post graduation, b. A minimum score of 70 percent for higher secondary and graduate applications and 75 percent for post graduate and PhD applications, c. Education break not exceeding two years, d. Candidates must be unmarried for higher secondary application.
Necessary documents: a. Scanned copies of all educational certificates and mark sheets, b. Scan copy of passport or national identity card, c. Two letters of recommendation, d. Passport size photograph with white background, e. Any type of Extra Curriculum Certificate.
The number of applicants for this Turkish government scholarship is increasing in all countries including Bangladesh. Association of Bangladeshi Students in Turkey (Abast), an organization of Bangladeshi students studying in Turkey (https://www.facebook.com/groups/turkeyburslaribd/?ref=share), is providing full support to complete the application process perfectly.
