The Turkish Fulbright Commission, in other words, the Commission for Educational Exchange between the United States and Turkey, was established by a binational agreement signed between the United States and Turkey in 1949. The Commission started its activities in accordance with Law No. 5596 enacted by the Turkish Parliament on March 13, 1950.
The Commission supports Turkish and American graduate students, academicians, and secondary school teachers through grants which include travel and living expenses. It also offers educational advising for Turkish students wishing to study in the U.S.A. Our Commission was founded to develop mutual understanding between the Turkish and American people through educational and cultural exchange.
Since the foundation of the Commission in 1949, funding has been provided by the governments of Turkey and the United States. The Turkish Fulbright Commission is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2014. Since its founding, the Commission has supported more than 5.200 Turkish and American scholars. Turkish Fulbrighters return to Turkey upon completion of their studies in the U.S.A. and work to serve their country. American scholars coming to Turkey have made major teaching and research contributions in a variety of disciplines ranging from Science and Engineering to Business, History and Literature. Returning Fulbrighters from both countries often hold important positions in their academic institutions, public service, and in the private sector. Most participants maintain ties with their host country, thereby carrying out the goals of the Fulbright Program.