International Programme and Travel Fund

YETUB-UPSF is a strategic support mechanism established to help YETUB full members participate in international conferences, forums, workshops, training programmes, expert exchanges and policy-focused meetings.

Purpose — Why was YETUB-UPSF established?

YETUB-UPSF aims to strengthen YETUB members’ representation of Türkiye in science, diplomacy, public administration, environment, technology and social development.
It supports participation in international conferences, forums, workshops and training programmes.
It aims to bring knowledge, experience and international networks to Türkiye.
It helps develop new partnerships and increase international visibility.
It encourages the adaptation of innovative practices to institutions in Türkiye.

Scope — Which activities does the fund cover?

The fund covers international activities held abroad that align with YETUB’s objectives.
Events organised by international organisations, intergovernmental platforms, or global academic and public policy bodies.
Workshops, seminars, training, expert exchanges and professional development programmes.
Official or thematic roundtables contributing to Türkiye’s strategic interests.
Activities to which members are invited as speakers, panellists, moderators, representatives or official delegates.
Travel, accommodation, registration and participation fees, and other eligible costs.

Principles — How is the fund administered?

Transparency and accountability:
Application, evaluation and reporting processes are standardised.
Equality and access to opportunities:
The fund is open to all full members under objective criteria.
Serving Türkiye’s strategic interests:
International visibility and cooperation capacity are priorities.
Knowledge transfer and impact:
Beneficiaries share their experiences with YETUB and relevant institutions.
Sustainability:
Resources should be used efficiently and deliver lasting benefits.

Eligible Members — Who can apply?

Only YETUB full members may apply. Applicants must hold active membership and have fulfilled their membership obligations.
Membership requirements
Active full membership.
Up-to-date membership fees and obligations.
No ongoing disciplinary proceedings or suspension.
Representation requirements
Capacity for international representation.
At least two years of professional experience.
Ability to correspond and present in a foreign language.
A direct link between the event topic and the applicant’s expertise.

Eligible Activities — Which events have priority?

Programmes of international organisations such as the UN, OECD, Council of Europe, ADB, World Bank, FAO, UNEP, UNESCO and UNDP.
International conferences, symposia and workshops.
Expert exchanges, certified training and technical study visits.
Thematic roundtables and panels.
Applications involving participation as a speaker, panellist, moderator, session chair or official representative.

Ineligible Applications — What is excluded?

Candidate members, guest members and observers.
Members who have breached ethical rules or are subject to ongoing disciplinary proceedings.
Representation for political party or lobbying purposes.
Trade fairs and trips primarily for event tourism.
Individual research trips that are not part of an official programme.
Events attended solely as an audience member with no active representation role.

Schedule — When are applications accepted?

First application period
1 January – 15 February
Second application period
1 July – 15 August
First assignment period
March – June
Second assignment period
September – December
Evaluation period
Completed within 30 days after the application deadline.

Application File — Which documents are required?

A fully completed UPSF Application Form with a handwritten or electronic signature.
A statement of purpose of at least 600 words.
An event invitation, official programme, brochure or web link.
A statement of language proficiency and supporting documents, if available.
An institutional contribution and representation plan describing duties and contacts on behalf of YETUB.
An up-to-date CV of no more than two pages.
An ethics declaration and conflict-of-interest form.

Evaluation Committee — Who reviews applications?

Applications are assessed by the UPSF Evaluation Committee, established according to the principles of transparency, impartiality and merit.
The chair is appointed by the YETUB Board of Directors.
Two regular members and, where necessary, one substitute member take part.
The committee meets within 15 days after the application period closes.
Decisions are made by an absolute majority.
Members with a conflict of interest cannot participate in the assessment.
Application documents and committee deliberations are confidential.

Scoring — How are applications assessed?

UPSF applications are assessed using a 100-point system.
15 points
Length of membership and record of contributions to YETUB
30 points
Alignment of the event with Türkiye’s and YETUB’s strategic priorities
25 points
Quality of the representation plan, contact plan and cooperation proposals
15 points
Foreign language proficiency
15 points
Commitment to reporting and outputs

Results and Appeals — How does the process work?

Results are announced on the website and by email within 30 days after the application period ends.
Reasons for rejected applications are provided in writing.
Applicants may appeal a rejection within 14 days.
Appeals are considered by the YETUB Re-evaluation Committee.
A final decision on the appeal is made within 15 days.