Deadline: 17-Jun-2026
The TÜBİTAK–French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bosphorus Program funds joint Turkey–France research projects under a bilateral scientific cooperation framework. It supports international academic collaboration across all scientific fields, focusing on travel, dissemination, and scholarship-related costs.
Each project can receive up to 2,000,000 TL, with strict limits on mobility (maximum 60 days per year of scientific visits). Only joint applications between Turkish and French research institutions are eligible.
Overview
The Bosphorus Program is a bilateral research funding initiative between:
- TÜBİTAK (Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye)
- French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Its main goal is to strengthen scientific cooperation between Turkey and France through joint research projects.
The programme promotes:
- International scientific collaboration
- Academic exchange between researchers
- Joint production of scientific knowledge
- Long-term institutional partnerships
Key Objectives of the Programme
The programme is designed to support cross-border scientific development.
Strengthening Bilateral Research Cooperation
The programme encourages:
- Joint Turkey–France research projects
- Academic networking between institutions
- Shared scientific outputs and publications
- Long-term research partnerships
Promoting Scientific and Technological Advancement
It supports:
- Research in all scientific disciplines
- Innovation-driven academic work
- Knowledge exchange between research communities
- Development of collaborative methodologies
Enhancing Academic Mobility
The programme facilitates:
- Researcher exchange visits
- Joint fieldwork and experiments
- Shared laboratory or institutional access
- Training and academic exposure
Funding Structure and Financial Support
The Bosphorus Program provides targeted financial support for mobility and collaboration.
Maximum Funding per Project
- Up to 2,000,000 TL per project
- Covers travel, dissemination, and scholarship-related costs
Excluded Costs
The funding does NOT include:
- Project Incentive Bonuses
- Institutional overhead shares
Mobility Expense Coverage
The sending institution covers:
- International travel costs
- Accommodation expenses
- Daily subsistence allowances
All expenses are calculated according to applicable national regulations.
Scientific Visit Duration Rules
The programme places strict limits on researcher mobility.
Key Rule
- Maximum 60 days per year of scientific visits per project
This includes:
- Visits from Turkey to France
- Visits from France to Turkey
- Combined total duration within a project year
Who Can Apply (Eligibility Criteria)
The programme is strictly limited to joint Turkey–France collaborations.
Eligible Applicants
- Researchers from Turkish universities or research institutions
- Researchers affiliated with French research institutions
- Joint research teams formed across both countries
Mandatory Requirement
- Applications must be submitted jointly
- Single-country applications are not accepted
- Each proposal must include both Turkish and French partners
Eligible Research Areas
The programme is open to all scientific disciplines.
Accepted Fields Include:
- Natural sciences
- Engineering and technology
- Medical and health sciences
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Interdisciplinary research
There are no thematic restrictions, allowing broad scientific collaboration.
Why the Bosphorus Program Matters
The programme plays a key role in strengthening international science cooperation.
Key Benefits
- Enhances Turkey–France scientific relations
- Builds long-term academic partnerships
- Encourages joint publications and research outputs
- Supports knowledge transfer between institutions
- Improves global research competitiveness
Strategic Importance
The programme supports:
- Internationalisation of research
- Cross-border innovation ecosystems
- Capacity building in higher education
- Scientific diplomacy between countries
How the Programme Works (Application and Implementation)
The programme follows a structured bilateral collaboration model.
Step-by-Step Process
- Turkish and French researchers identify a shared research topic
- Joint project proposal is developed collaboratively
- Application is submitted as a coordinated bilateral proposal
- TÜBİTAK evaluates proposals under programme criteria
- Approved projects receive funding for mobility and research activities
- Researchers conduct exchange visits and collaborative work
- Results are shared through publications and dissemination activities
Key Implementation Rules
- Collaboration must be continuous between both sides
- Funding is used primarily for mobility and research support
- Visits must not exceed 60 days per year per project
- Outputs should be jointly produced and shared
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants often face rejection due to avoidable issues.
- Submitting single-country (non-joint) applications
- Exceeding the 60-day annual mobility limit
- Requesting ineligible cost categories (e.g., institutional overheads)
- Weak alignment between Turkish and French research teams
- Lack of clearly defined joint research plan
- Missing coordination between partner institutions
Tips for a Strong Application
- Ensure equal and active participation from both countries
- Define clear shared research objectives
- Plan mobility schedule within 60-day limit
- Focus on publishable and impactful scientific outcomes
- Strengthen institutional collaboration agreements
- Clearly define roles of Turkish and French teams
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Bosphorus Program?
It is a Turkey–France bilateral research funding programme supporting joint scientific projects under TÜBİTAK and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. What is the maximum funding per project?
Each project can receive up to 2,000,000 TL.
3. What costs are covered under this programme?
It covers travel, accommodation, subsistence, dissemination, and scholarship-related expenses.
4. Are single-country applications allowed?
No, only joint applications between Turkish and French institutions are accepted.
5. What is the maximum duration of scientific visits?
Scientific visits cannot exceed 60 days per year per project.
6. Which research fields are eligible?
All scientific fields are eligible, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
7. Who pays for travel expenses?
The sending party covers international travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs according to regulations.
Conclusion
The TÜBİTAK–France Bosphorus Program is a key bilateral funding mechanism that strengthens scientific cooperation between Turkey and France. By supporting joint research across all disciplines, it promotes academic mobility, knowledge exchange, and international scientific advancement.
For more information, visit TÜBİTAK.
