Türkiye Burslari — Turkish Government Scholarship
One of the most generous government scholarship programmes open to Pakistani students. Fully funded, includes a paid Turkish language preparation year, and covers undergraduate, master's, and PhD levels. Competition is high — Pakistani acceptance rates are meaningful but selective.
What the scholarship covers
Programmes and eligibility by level
Undergraduate
Duration: 4–6 years (including 1-year Turkish language prep)
Requirements: FSc/A-Level equivalent, minimum 70% score, under 21 years old
Master's
Duration: 2–3 years (including language prep if needed)
Requirements: Bachelor's degree, minimum 70% CGPA, under 30 years old
PhD
Duration: 4–5 years
Requirements: Master's degree, minimum 75% CGPA or equivalent, under 35 years old
Research
Duration: 1–2 years
Requirements: Specific research purpose, under 50 years old
The Turkish language requirement
Most programmes at Turkish state universities are taught in Turkish. The scholarship includes a full year of Turkish language preparation (TÖMER course) before your degree begins — this is fully funded and counts toward your scholarship period.
Some universities (particularly Istanbul and Ankara) offer English-medium master's programmes. If you prefer to study in English, filter for these when selecting programmes. You will still benefit from knowing Turkish for daily life, but coursework is in English.
Students who invest in Turkish before arriving — even basic conversational Turkish — have a significantly easier first year. The TÖMER course moves quickly and assumes you are motivated to learn.
How to apply
- 1
Register on the Türkiye Burslari portal
Applications are submitted through the official Türkiye Burslari website (turkiyeburslari.gov.tr). Create an account and start the application during the open window — typically January to February each year.
- 2
Select your programme and universities
You can select multiple programmes and universities in order of preference. Research which Turkish universities are strong in your field. Some competitive programmes (medicine, engineering) are harder to get into regardless of scholarship award.
- 3
Complete the application form
Full academic history, personal statement (motivation letter), proposed area of study, and referee information. The motivation letter is taken seriously — a generic one is a weak application.
- 4
Submit supporting documents
Academic transcripts and certificates, IELTS/TOEFL (for English-medium programmes — not all require it), Turkish language certificate (if held), national ID/passport, and a recent photograph.
- 5
Interview (if shortlisted)
Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview — in-person at the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad or online depending on the year. Interviews assess language skills, academic background, and motivation.
- 6
Results and placement
Results are announced May–June. If selected, you receive a placement letter and begin the visa and travel process. The Turkish language preparation year begins in September or October.
Competition and Pakistani acceptance rates
Türkiye Burslari is competitive globally — over 150 countries apply each year. Pakistani students have historically had a meaningful acceptance rate, particularly at undergraduate level. The acceptance rate varies by field: humanities and social sciences are more accessible than medicine and engineering.
The motivation letter is the differentiating factor for similarly-qualified applicants. Generic letters about "passion for learning" are weak. Specific letters connecting your background, your chosen field, and your interest in Turkey are significantly stronger.
Applying in your final year of FSc or equivalency, with strong marks, a specific programme in mind, and a genuine motivation letter, gives you a realistic chance. Multiple applications over years improve your odds — some applicants succeed on the second or third year of applying.
Life in Turkey for Pakistani students
There is a growing Pakistani student community in Turkey — primarily in Istanbul, Ankara, and Bursa. Cultural adjustment is relatively smooth compared to China or Eastern Europe — Muslim-majority country, halal food widely available, culturally familiar aspects.
The stipend covers basic costs in most Turkish cities, though Istanbul is expensive and the accommodation allowance may not cover a private room in central areas. Many students supplement with part-time work — permitted for international students with a work permit after year one.
Turkish-Pakistani relations are historically warm — Pakistani students report generally positive reception. Learning Turkish opens additional doors for post-study work if you want to stay.