The KATIP Turkish Language Program is a fully funded 8-month fellowship in Ankara, Turkiye, run by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) for foreign public officials, diplomats, academicians, and researchers. It covers Turkish language education from A1 to B2 level, a monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, accommodation, and cultural trips. It is not a general student scholarship: applicants must be working professionals or researchers, under 40, with English proficiency, and must not be Turkish citizens or residents of Turkiye. Applications for the 2026-2027 cycle closed on June 1, 2026, and the dates for the next cycle have not been announced yet.

Key Details of the KATIP Turkish Language Program

  • Program Name: KATIP – Turkish Language Program for Public Officials and Academicians
  • Host Country: Turkiye
  • Location: Ankara
  • Duration: 8 months (Turkish language training from A1 to B2 level)
  • Organized by: Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), Republic of Turkiye
  • Funding: Fully funded – monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, accommodation, tuition, and cultural trips
  • Who Can Apply: Foreign public officials, diplomats, academicians, and researchers (not undergraduate or general graduate students)
  • Deadline: To be announced (applications for the next cycle have not opened yet)

About the KATIP Turkish Language Program

KATIP stands for the Turkish Language Program for Public Officials and Academicians. It is organized by YTB, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, a government institution of the Republic of Turkiye. The program invites foreign public officials, diplomats, academicians, and researchers to learn Turkish and get closely familiar with Turkiye over an intensive 8-month stay in Ankara.

The goal of the program is to build lasting communication networks between Turkiye and participating countries. Beyond daily Turkish classes, participants attend seminars led by eminent professors, join cultural trips across Turkiye, take part in workshops on classical Turkish arts and traditional sports, and visit public institutions, think tanks, media organizations, and universities. Short-term internship opportunities and joint events encourage institutional cooperation between countries.

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Since its launch, the program has hosted more than 212 participants from over 85 countries and 135 institutions. Language instruction starts at the A1 beginner level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), and participants who complete the program successfully receive a B2 level Turkish language certificate. Attendance of at least 80 percent is mandatory for classes, seminars, and events.

Benefits of the KATIP Turkish Language Program

  • Full coverage of Turkish language education costs (A1 to B2 level)
  • Monthly stipend for the entire 8-month program
  • Round-trip international airfare to and from Turkiye
  • Free accommodation in Ankara
  • Residence permit fee covered
  • All cultural trips, workshops, and institutional visits included
  • Seminars with expert professors on Turkish politics, history, and culture
  • B2 level Turkish language certificate upon successful completion

Note: health insurance is covered by the participants themselves, according to the official program guide. Financial support is reduced by 20 percent for participants who fail the level exams, and support is canceled if a participant continues to be absent or unsuccessful.

Eligibility Criteria for the KATIP Turkish Language Program

  • Public officials: must have worked at a relevant institution for at least 3 years, preferably holding a Master or PhD degree. Preference goes to officials with career-related motivation to learn Turkish who are expected to be involved in policy planning.
  • Academicians and researchers: must be employed at a university, research center, or science academy, and must have completed or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree. Preference is given to those working on topics related to Turkiye.
  • Age: must be under 40 years of age.
  • Language: must have English proficiency in speaking and listening (the language of communication for seminars and activities). No prior Turkish knowledge is required; the course starts at beginner level.
  • Nationality and residence: must not be a Turkish citizen and must not be residing in Turkiye at the time of application.
  • Other scholarships: must not have benefited from, or be currently benefiting from, any other Turkiye Scholarships program.
  • Technical specialists who would use Turkish only for limited services such as secretarial work, interpretation, or language instruction are not eligible.
  • Spouses and family members are not permitted to accompany participants.
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How to Apply for the KATIP Turkish Language Program

  1. Create an account with a valid email address at the official Turkiye Scholarships application system (TBBS) at tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr.
  2. After registration, fill in your personal information, educational background, and work experience in the relevant sections of the left sidebar.
  3. Go to the home page of the application system, open the KATIP program application, and upload all required documents to finalize your application.
  4. Upload the required documents: passport or ID, photograph, transcript, diploma, letter of intent, a document proving your employment, a document from your workplace confirming permission to participate, and letters of recommendation from your workplace.
  5. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an online interview conducted by committees of academicians and experts.
  6. All candidates are informed of the results by email and through the application system. Successful applicants receive acceptance letters and complete the necessary visa and travel procedures before the program starts in Turkiye.

APPLY NOW FOR THE KATIP TURKISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the KATIP Turkish Language Program?

KATIP is open to foreign public officials, diplomats, academicians, and researchers. Public officials need at least 3 years of work experience at a relevant institution, while researchers should be employed at a university or research center with a completed or ongoing doctorate. It is not open to undergraduate students or the general public.

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Is the KATIP program fully funded?

Yes. The scholarship covers Turkish language tuition, a monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, accommodation, the residence fee, and all cultural trips and activities during the program. Health insurance is the only major cost participants cover themselves.

What is the deadline for the KATIP Turkish Language Program?

The 2026-2027 cycle closed on June 1, 2026. YTB has not yet announced the application dates for the next cycle. Check the official program page at katip.ytb.gov.tr and the TBBS application portal regularly for the new call.

Do I need to know Turkish before applying?

No. The program accepts candidates with no Turkish knowledge and starts instruction at the A1 beginner level, building up to B2 over 8 months. However, you must be proficient in English, since seminars and co-curricular activities are conducted in English.

Can my family accompany me during the program?

No. Spouses and family members are not permitted to accompany participants during the 8-month program in Ankara.

Who organizes KATIP?

KATIP is organized by YTB, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, a government institution of the Republic of Turkiye. Applications and registration are handled through the official Turkiye Scholarships application system (TBBS).

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