Study in Turkey for Pakistani Students 2024

Studying in Turkey in 2024 is the best option for Pakistani students because it is a historically Muslim country with a strategic location in Asia and partly in Europe. It serves as a gateway to Europe. It has a 90 % Muslim community and provides halal food nationwide. Its capital is Ankara, and its largest city is Istanbul. The official language of Turkey is predominantly Turkish, and the official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Over 200 Turkish Universities offer admission in a broad range of programs, such as medicine, Engineering, information technology, and computer sciences.

They also offer a range of partially and fully funded scholarships, which are mostly merit-based and have tough competition. The tuition fee to study in Turkey ranges between 2000 and 7000 USD/Year. Private universities charge more fees than government universities in Turkey. Moreover, study programs in the English language are more expensive than study programs in Turkish. The IELTS requirement for non-Turkish students studying in Turkey is mandatory. You should have an English language proficiency certificate to study in Turkey without IELTS.

However, it is limited to very few universities in Turkey. You can get 24 hours/week part-time working hours while studying in Turkey. Living in Turkey is affordable, with an average monthly expense of 400-650 euros. Turkey requires a bank statement of about 7000 euros for a study visa. Due to Pak-Turk relations, Pakistani students' Visa Acceptance Rate is 95%. 

Benefits of Studying in Turkey for Pakistani Students

Studying in Turkey has various benefits specifically targeted at Pakistani students, such as:

Low Tuition Fees: Annual tuition fees for Pakistani students in public universities in Turkey range from 2000 to 7000 USD per year. Compared to Western countries, this tuition fee is much more affordable.

Cost of living: The cost of most expenses, such as food, accommodation, and transportation, is relatively low compared to almost all of Europe. The average monthly budget stands at €400 - €650.

Quality Education and Global Accreditation: Turkey has quality institutions, including Ankara University, Middle East Technical University (METU), and Istanbul University, which are worldwide recognized for their top-notch education.

English-taught programs: Many Turkish Universities offer programs in English. For this reason, international students such as Pakistani students can easily find places to study without having any problem learning Turkish.

Cultural familiarity: Turkey shares some cultural familiarity with Pakistan, making it relatively easy to settle in. Both countries are primarily Muslim, so the environment regarding food, customs, and religious practices is quite similar.

Strategic location: Turkey is geographically between two continents, Europe and Asia. Thus, Pakistani students easily travel, make contacts, and seek opportunities in Europe or the Middle East for internships or job offers.

Scholarship Opportunities: Many partially and Fully Funded scholarships specifically for international students like Pakistan are available. These scholarships offer a monthly stipend to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and other living costs.

Work While Studying: International students can work part-time for 24 hours a week after passing their first year. So, there is a possibility that you can study and work in Turkey at the same time.

Top Scholarships in Turkey for Pakistani Students 

Turkey offers Government- and university-based scholarships for Pakistani and International students. These scholarships are mostly merit-based and highly competitive. Some of the top scholarships in Turkey for Pakistani students are listed below: 

1. Turkiye Burslari Scholarship 
2. Success and Support Scholarship Programs
3. Turkish Research Scholarships Programs
4. Yunus Emre Turkish Language - Scholarships
5. Graduate Scholarship - Program of the Islamic Development Bank 
6. Kadir Has University - International Scholarships
7. Sabancı University - Scholarships
8. Koç University-Scholarships
9. Istanbul Aydin University - Scholarships
10. Eastern Mediterranean - University Scholarships

1. Turkiye Burslari Scholarship 

It is one of the most famous, fully funded, merit-based scholarships awarded by the Government of Turkey for International students, including Pakistani students. It is available for bachelor's, master's, and PhD doctorates. 

Benefits

• Full tuition fee waivure 
• Monthly stipend of 1000 TRY for bachelors, 1400 TRY for master’s, and 1800 TRY for PhD candidates.
• Accommodation expenses 
• Health insurance
• A 1-year Turkish language course 
• 1 Time Round Trip Flight ticket 

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2. Success and Support Scholarships Program 

It is a merit-based partially funded scholarship for students who are already enrolled in some degree programs at Turkish universities. This scholarship is awarded based on the academic excellence of students studying at Turkish universities. It is also available for Bachelor's, master's, and PhD students. 

Benefits

• A Monthly stipend of 
• 450 TRY for Bachelors 
• 600 TRY for master’s
• 900 TRY PhD students

3. Graduate Scholarship Program by the Islamic Development Bank

This graduate-level scholarship program offers grants to students from Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries to pursue degrees in science and technology.

Benefits

• Tuition Fee Waived off 
• Monthly grants depending on the program chosen 
• Health and travel insurance

4. Yunus Emre Turkish Language - Scholarships

This scholarship is available to students willing to learn the Turkish language and culture. It is available at Yunus Emre Institute for Pakistani and international students.

Benefits

• Tuition fee  waiver for language courses
• Free Accommodation
• Cover Travel expenses

5. University-Specific Scholarships

Apart from the Government, the Universities in Turkey offer scholarships. These scholarships are merit-based and highly competitive. They can be partially or fully funded. A few universities that offer scholarships for Pakistani students are listed below.

1. Koç University - Scholarships

It offers scholarships in programs like law, business, and engineering for undergraduate study in Turkey and master's and PhD studies. Benefits will be partial or fully funded scholarships.

2. Bilkent University - Scholarships

It provides grants and funds for undergraduates and master's students for living expenses and accommodation. 

3. Sabancı University—Scholarships

Sabanci University also provides partially or fully funded scholarships to undergrads and graduate students. 

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Top Universities for Pakistani Students

More than 200 top-class Turkish universities offer admission to various course programs, and most universities are run by the Turkish state. A few of them are listed below:

1. Istanbul University 
2. Ankara University
3. Middle East Technical University-Ankara
4. Istanbul Technical University
5. Koç University
6. Bogazici University-Istanbul
7. Bilkent University-Ankara
8. Anadolu University-Eskisehir
9. Hacettepe University-Ankara
10. Ege University-Izmir

1. Istanbul University 

Istanbul University was established in 1453 by Mehmed II after the conquest of Constantinople. It was reformed in 1846 and originated as the first Ottoman institution of higher education based on European Traditions. It has the privilege of being one of the oldest universities in Turkey. It requires an IELTS score of 6 in speaking. Its tuition fee is 1000-5000 USD per year, and the average acceptance rate is 35%. 

2. Ankara University

It is the first Public university located in the capital city of Ankara. Established in 1946, it is renowned for its quality education in scientific development. It is the world's number 556 top-ranked university, having the highest degree in doctorate. It requires an IELTS score of 5 for admission. The tuition fee for this university is 500-6000 USD per year, and the acceptance rate is 40%. 

3. Middle East Technical University-Ankara

This public technical University in Ankara, the University of Turkey, was founded in 1956. It focuses mainly on social and natural sciences, which have contributed to the development of Turkey's educational structure. It is also among the top-ranked universities in the world and offers an affordable tuition fee of 500-1500 USD per year. An IELTS score of 6.5 is mandatory, but the acceptance rate for international students is very low, just 8 %. 

4. Koç University

Koç University is a private university in Istanbul founded in 1993 and bears the name of its founder, entrepreneur Vehbi Koç. As one of the top universities in Turkey, Koç provides a first-class learning experience with 22 undergraduate, 32 graduate, and 18 PhD programs and teaches about 5,500 students today. It requires an IELTS score of 6.5 and a yearly tuition fee of 500-2000 USD. Its acceptance rate is 15%. 

5. Bilkent University

Bilkent University's name is an acronym of "bilim kente," which in Turkish means "city of learning and science." Bilkent University was Turkey's first private non-profit institution, created in 1984 by Turkish academician İhsan Doğramacı. It has the largest university library in the country. It has a very high tuition fee of 9,000- 15,000 USD per year and an acceptance rate of 29 %. Its minimum IELTS requirement is 6.5 bands. 

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Admission Requirements to Study in Turkey

• National identity card 
• Valid passport
• Attested Academic Transcripts
• Updated CV or resume
• English Proficiency certificates such as IELTS and TOEFL, specified by the University
• University cable Scholarship letter
• 2 Recommendation Letters 
• Statement of purpose 
• Motivational letter
• Receipt of paid Application fee 35-100 USD 
  

VISA Requirements to Study in Turkey 

• Visa Application form
• Receipt of the paid visa of about 60-100 USD 
• Passport having a validity of at least 90 days
• Acceptance letter from Turkish University 
• Medical Insurance 
• Academic Transcripts 
• Passport size pictures
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Bank statement of at least 7000 Euros

Living Costs in Turkey 

The average monthly expense in Turkey for Pakistani students ranges from 400-650 USD per month. The approximate cost breakdown for a few things is as follows:  

• Monthly rent: 190 USD for a 1 Bedroom apartment 
• Utilities: About 65 $ monthly 
• Public transport pass: 37$
• Normal one time Meal: 4.10$ 
• Coffee: 2$ 
• Internet and expenses: 100 $ approx. 

Part-time Working Hours and After Study Work Permit 

Pakistani students studying in Turkey are allowed to work part-time for 24 hours/week, but they have to get a permit from higher authorities first. They can also apply for an after-study work permit upon completing their education in Turkey. This gives students time to look for employment or pursue higher education while residing in Turkey within a year. The average monthly income of part-time students in Turkey is about 500-700 USD. 

Future Opportunities for Students in Turkey

Students can study and thrive in well-developed cities like Ankara and Istanbul. Due to its growing economy and technological development, Turkey offers job markets for graduates. After completing the required stay, you can apply for a permanent residence permit (PRP) in Turkey and enjoy no restrictions like Turkish Citizens. 

FAQs 

Q1) Is Turkey a good place to study?

Answer: Yes, Turkey is one of the best countries in the world to study in due to its quality education system. Top-class universities have minimum average fees relative to European countries.

Q2) Can I get a scholarship to study in Türkiye?

Answer: Of course, the scholarships are offered separately by the government of Turkey and the Universities. They are highly competitive, so you have to be a very strong candidate to get one in Turkey.

Q3) How can I improve my career in Turkey?

Answer: Turkey has well-developed countries with an outstandingly growing economy. As a result, you can find better career perspectives and employment opportunities in Turkey.

Q4) Is it Worth studying in Turkey? 

Answer: If you want to study in Turkey, you will enjoy your education in Turkish culture, architecture, cuisine, and the friendly Turkish community. So it's worth it.