The Turkish government scholarship program as a soft power tool

Abstract

ABSTRACTTurkish policy makers assume a soft power dimension in foreign policy. A number of soft power tools and instruments have been adopted, including state-sponsored educational scholarship programs targeted at international students. This study examines the role of the Turkish government scholarship program (Türkiye Bursları) in generating and disseminating Turkey’s soft power. Through the use of a mixed methods research approach, the study identifies both the importance of the program and the challenges confronting it. By the means of providing higher education scholarships, Turkish government made some progress in publicizing and diffusing its culture and making itself more attractive to international players. There is also the need for reforms to enhance the competitiveness of Türkiye Bursları in relation to other scholarship programs across the globe.