Türkiye Burslari Scholarship 2026 — Full Guide for Pakistani Students

What is the Türkiye Scholarship?

The Türkiye Scholarship (Türkiye Burslari) is a fully-funded government scholarship program offered by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB). It is one of the most generous scholarship programs in the world — covering not just tuition but also accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, and Turkish language courses.

Pakistani students are among the largest and most successful applicants for the Türkiye Scholarship each year. With Turkey's rapidly developing university sector and shared Muslim cultural values, Turkey has become an increasingly attractive study destination for Pakistani students seeking full funding.

What Does the Türkiye Scholarship Cover?

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Monthly Stipend

Bachelor's: USD 300/month
Master's: USD 400/month
PhD: USD 500/month

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Tuition Fees

100% tuition waiver at assigned Turkish university

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Accommodation

Free accommodation in government student dormitories

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Language Course

1-year free Turkish language course before starting your degree

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Travel Allowance

Return flight ticket once per year

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Health Insurance

Full health insurance coverage for the duration of studies

Top Turkish Universities Under the Scholarship

Once selected for Türkiye Burslari, you will be placed at a Turkish university by YTB based on your program preference and academic profile. Top universities Pakistani students are frequently placed at include:

Middle East Technical University (METU): Top 400 QS — Engineering, Architecture, Computer Science
Boğaziçi University: Top 500 QS — Business, Engineering, Sciences
Istanbul Technical University (ITU): Top 500 QS — Engineering, Architecture
Ankara University: Medicine, Law, Social Sciences
Sabancı University: Top 500 QS — Engineering, Management
Istanbul University: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy

Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Students

Age: Maximum 21 years for Bachelor's, 30 for Master's, 35 for PhD
Academic: Minimum 70% marks for Bachelor's, 75% for Master's/PhD
Currently enrolled: Students already studying in Turkey are NOT eligible
Pakistani citizenship: Must be a Pakistani national (dual nationals may not be eligible)
Health: Good general health required

Application Process — How to Apply

Step 1 — Online Application (January–February): Apply at turkiyeburslari.gov.tr. Create an account, fill your academic details, upload documents, and select up to 12 programs.

Step 2 — Document Upload: Academic transcripts, IELTS/language certificates, passport, photograph, reference letters, motivation letter (HS Global writes this for you).

Step 3 — Shortlisting (March–April): YTB reviews all applications and shortlists candidates for interview.

Step 4 — Interview (April–May): Online or in-person interview at the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad. HS Global conducts mock interviews to prepare you.

Step 5 — Results (June–July): Scholarship results announced. Successful candidates receive placement at a Turkish university.

Step 6 — Arrival (September–October): Arrive in Turkey, attend Turkish language course for 1 year, then start your degree program.

Tips to Win the Türkiye Scholarship

Competition is intense — thousands of Pakistani students apply each year but only a fraction are selected. Here's what makes successful applications stand out:

Strong motivation letter: This is the most important document. Your letter should explain why you specifically want to study in Turkey, your career goals, and how the scholarship will help Pakistan. HS Global writes compelling, personalised motivation letters.
High grades: Academic excellence (85%+) significantly increases your chances for competitive programs like medicine and engineering.
Community involvement: Volunteer work, leadership positions, and extracurricular achievements are valued.
Research your programs: Know the specific universities and programs you're applying to. During interview, show genuine knowledge of Turkish education.
Apply early: The online portal can become slow near the deadline. HS Global helps you prepare and submit 2 weeks before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know Turkish before applying?

No — the scholarship includes a free 1-year Turkish language course at the start of your program. For English-medium programs (available at METU, Boğaziçi, ITU, Sabancı), you don't need Turkish for your degree either. However, learning basic Turkish helps enormously with daily life.

Is a Turkish degree recognised in Pakistan?

Yes — degrees from accredited Turkish universities are recognised by HEC Pakistan. Top universities like METU, Boğaziçi, and Istanbul Technical University are particularly well-regarded globally and in Pakistan. Medical degrees from Turkish universities may require specific PMC verification — HS Global confirms this for each case.

What if I don't get the Türkiye Scholarship?

If you're not selected for Türkiye Burslari, you can still apply directly to Turkish universities — fees are extremely low (USD 800–3,000/year) even without the scholarship. HS Global helps you apply directly to METU, Boğaziçi, and other top Turkish universities as a self-funded student as well.