Turkey Burslari Scholarships

Are you a Pakistani student who wants to pursue higher education overseas and get valuable intellectual and cultural experiences? The Turkish government offers the Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları), a prominent and fully-funded scholarship program each year.

Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) offer a valuable opportunity for academic and cultural enrichment. The Republic of Turkey established this initiative to develop global alliances and cultural interaction by providing fully-funded opportunities for overseas students, many of whom are from Pakistan. It is a very difficult program, but with proper preparation, Pakistani students can considerably improve their chances of success.

Programs Offered

Türkiye Scholarships offer diverse programs:

• Full-Time Degree Programs:
  • Undergraduate, Master's, PhD: Across fields like Engineering, Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy), Social Sciences, Arts, Humanities, and Natural Sciences.
  • Art Scholarships: For performing arts, music, and fine arts.
  • Merit-Based Scholarships: For academically exceptional students.
• Short-Term Programs:
  • Research Scholarship: For researchers and academics (3-12 months).
  • Success Scholarship: Monthly stipend for high-achieving international students already in Turkey (1 year).
  • KATİP Scholarship: For public officials and academicians to learn Turkish (8-10 months).

While many programs are Turkish-taught (with a compulsory one-year Turkish language course), some are in English and may require an internationally recognized English proficiency test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).

Benefits

The Türkiye Scholarships program is well-known for its full coverage, allowing selected students to focus only on their studies without financial concerns. Pakistani recipients can enjoy the following benefits:

• Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Say goodbye to tuition fees! The scholarship covers all of your university tuition costs.
• Monthly Stipend: A large monthly stipend is provided to cover living expenses, allowing you to comfortably meet your daily demands. (Stipend amounts typically vary according to study level: undergraduate, masters, and PhD).
• Free Accommodation: Live comfortably and safely in university dormitories.
• One-Year Free Turkish Language Course: Even if your preferred program is in English, all scholarship recipients must complete a one-year Turkish language course. This not only provides you with useful language skills for everyday life, but it also immerses you in the local culture.
• Round-trip airfare: The scholarship will cover the cost of your first ticket to Turkey and your return journey after graduation.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: You may rest assured that you will have full health insurance coverage throughout your studies in Turkey.
• Cultural and Social Activities: The program frequently includes a variety of cultural and social activities that allow you to learn about Turkey's rich history while also connecting with international students from across the world.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Türkiye Scholarships, Pakistani applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: You must be a citizen of Pakistan. Individuals who hold or have lost their Turkish citizenship are generally ineligible.
• Academic Achievements:
  • Undergraduate (bachelor's): A minimum of 70% on your HSSC/Intermediate or comparable qualification. A minimum of 90% is often required in the health sciences (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy).
  • A bachelor's degree with at least 75% marks is required for a master's degree.
  • PhD: A minimum of 75% in your master's degree.
• Age Limits (As of the Application Deadline):
  • Undergraduate: Under 21 years old.
  • Master's Degree: Under 30 years old.
  • PhD: under 35 years old.
  • Under 50 year olds are eligible for research scholarships.
• Graduation Status: You must have graduated or be on track to graduate by the conclusion of the current academic year (typically before August of the application year).
• Not Currently Enrolled: You must not be enrolled in a degree program at a Turkish university at the same level of education that you are applying for.
• Research and Academics: The scholarship is also available to scholars and researchers.

How to Apply

• Visit Official Website: Go to turkiyeburslari.gov.tr for updated information.
• Create Account: Register on the Türkiye Scholarships Application System (TBBS).
• Complete Online Form: Fill in all personal, academic, and experience details accurately.
• Upload Documents (Crucial): Submit clear copies of:
  • Passport/CNIC
  • Academic transcripts & certificates (Matric/O-Levels to latest degree)
  • Diploma/Graduation certificate
  • Motivation Letter (SOP)
  • Two Recommendation Letters
  • Research Proposal (PhD only)
  • International Exam Results (if applicable, e.g., GRE, SAT)
  • English Proficiency Certificate (if applicable, e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
  • Passport-sized photos
• Select Preferences: Choose your desired universities and programs.
• Review & Submit: Double-check your application before final submission.
• Interview (if shortlisted): Prepare for an online or in-person interview.
• Await Results: Decisions are usually announced in early August.

FAQs

1. Is Türkiye Scholarships an annual program? 

Yes, Türkiye Scholarships runs every year. The application window usually opens in January and closes in February.

2. Do I need an IELTS score to apply? 

Not really. Some English-taught programs might want IELTS or TOEFL scores, but many are in Turkish. Everyone who gets a scholarship, even for English programs, has to take a one-year Turkish language course. So, you don’t need to know Turkish beforehand to apply.

3. Can I apply if I'm still finishing my degree? 

Yes, you can apply if you expect to graduate by the end of the academic year, usually before August.

4. How competitive is the scholarship for Pakistani students? 

It's pretty competitive since a lot of people apply from all over the world. Good grades and a strong motivation letter, along with well-prepared documents, are really important.

5. Can I choose my university and program? 

You can list your top choices, but the scholarship committee decides where you’ll go based on your qualifications and what’s available.

6. What are the typical monthly stipend amounts? 

Stipends can vary: 

• Undergraduate: About 1,000 TL per month 
• Master's: About 1,400 TL per month 
• PhD: About 1,800 TL per month 

7. Is there an application fee? 

No, applying for Türkiye Scholarships is free. Be careful of anyone asking you to pay to apply.

8. What happens after I am selected? 

If you’re selected, you’ll get an official acceptance letter. Türkiye Scholarships will also help you with the visa process and travel arrangements.

9. Can I work part-time while studying in Turkey on this scholarship? 

The rules about working part-time while on a scholarship can differ. It’s a good idea to check the latest info with Turkish authorities or your university when you get there.

10. What is the duration of the scholarship? 

The scholarship typically lasts the same as your degree program: 

• Undergraduate: 4-5 years (plus 1 year of Turkish language) 
• Master’s: 1-2 years (plus 1 year of Turkish language) 
• PhD: 3-4 years (plus 1 year of Turkish language)