The Turkish government scholarship, officially Türkiye Burslari, is one of the most generous international scholarships available to Pakistani students and remains significantly underutilised. Here is exactly how to apply.
What the Scholarship Covers
Türkiye Burslari is a full scholarship. It covers: 100% tuition fees at a Turkish university, free on-campus accommodation (or a monthly accommodation allowance), a monthly stipend of 700 to 1,400 Turkish Lira depending on study level (undergraduate, master's, or PhD), a Turkish language course in your first year, health insurance, and a one-time flight ticket to Turkey at the start of your programme and back to Pakistan upon completion.
Eligibility for Pakistani Students
Undergraduate applicants must be between 18 and 21 years old at the time of application and must not currently be enrolled at a Turkish university. Postgraduate applicants must be under 30 for Master's programmes and under 35 for PhD programmes. Academic requirements vary by programme but a strong CGPA is important, a minimum of 70% for undergraduate and 75% for postgraduate is the general guideline, though competitive applicants score significantly higher.
The Application Process
Applications are submitted through the official Türkiye Burslari portal at turkiyeburslari.gov.tr. The application window typically opens in January and closes in February of each year. You can apply to up to 12 universities and 3 programmes of study. The application requires: your academic transcripts, an internationally recognised language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or for Turkish-medium programmes, a Turkish proficiency certificate), a statement of purpose, and a copy of your passport.
The Interview
Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview, typically held at the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad in April. The interview is in English (or Turkish if you are applying to a Turkish-medium programme). Questions focus on your motivation, your academic background, your knowledge of Turkey, and your future plans. Pakistani students who succeed in the interview consistently report that demonstrating genuine knowledge of Turkey, its culture, history, and development, makes a significant difference.
Popular Programmes Among Pakistanis
Engineering (particularly at Middle East Technical University and Istanbul Technical University), Medicine (at state universities in Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir), Computer Science, Business Administration, and International Relations are the most popular choices among Pakistani Türkiye Burslari recipients. Success rates are higher in less competitive fields.
Life in Turkey on the Scholarship
Turkey has a significant Pakistani student community, particularly in Ankara and Istanbul. The Turkish language course in year one is mandatory and serves as both a practical tool and a cultural bridge. Most Pakistani scholarship holders report that the first year is the most challenging, primarily due to language and cultural adjustment, but that the experience is transformative.
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