Universities in Turkey for Pakistani Students: 10 Best Picks

Universities in Turkey for Pakistani Students:

Turkey has quietly become one of the smartest study-abroad choices for Pakistani students. It offers European-standard universities, English-taught programs, low living costs, a welcoming culture, halal food everywhere, and one of the most generous government scholarships in the world, Türkiye Burslari. Its location between Europe and Asia also gives you a unique international experience.

This guide covers the best universities in Turkey for Pakistani students, fees, admission requirements, scholarships, and visa steps for 2027.

Key Takeaways

• Turkish public universities offer low fees and many English-taught programs.
• Türkiye Burslari is the main fully funded route and usually opens in January.
• Living costs are moderate outside Istanbul, especially in Ankara, Konya and Eskişehir.

Why Turkey Is a Great Choice for Pakistani Students

• Affordable tuition. Public universities often charge roughly $600–$3,000 per year for international students. Private universities usually range from $3,000 to $12,000, with frequent 25–75% discounts.
• Cultural comfort. A Muslim-majority country with friendly attitudes toward Pakistanis.
• English programs. Many universities teach fully or partly in English, especially in engineering, business, and medicine.
• A strong scholarship. Türkiye Burslari covers tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, a flight ticket, and health insurance.
• Quality. Several Turkish universities appear in the QS and THE world rankings.

10 Best Universities in Turkey for Pakistani Students

University	City	Type	Known For
Middle East Technical University (METU)	Ankara	Public	Engineering, Computer Science (English)
Boğaziçi University	Istanbul	Public	Business, Engineering, Social Sciences (English)
Istanbul Technical University (ITU)	Istanbul	Public	Engineering, Architecture
Koç University	Istanbul	Private	Business, Medicine, Engineering
Sabancı University	Istanbul	Private	Engineering, Management
Bilkent University	Ankara	Private	Computer Science, Economics
Hacettepe University	Ankara	Public	Medicine, Health Sciences
Ankara University	Ankara	Public	Law, Agriculture, Veterinary Science
Istanbul University	Istanbul	Public	Medicine, Arts, Sciences
Özyeğin University	Istanbul	Private	Business, Hospitality, Engineering

Tip: Private universities such as Koç, Sabancı, and Bilkent offer merit scholarships that can cover 50–100% of tuition, so don’t skip them because of the list price.

Tuition Fees at a Glance

University Type	Bachelor’s (per year)	Master’s (per year)
Public universities	$600 – $3,000	$800 – $3,500
Private universities	$3,000 – $12,000+	$4,000 – $15,000
Medicine (English)	$5,000 – $30,000	—

Fees vary by program and change yearly, so check each university’s international office page.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s:   

• Intermediate (FSc, ICS, or equivalent) or A-Levels with good marks
• Some public universities ask for SAT, the university’s own exam, or a YÖS score
• IELTS, TOEFL, or the university’s English proficiency exam. Some accept an MOI letter
• Passport and IBCC equivalence of intermediate certificates

Master’s and PhD:   

• A 16-year bachelor’s degree (for a master’s) or a master’s degree (for a PhD)
• ALES score for some programs (GRE or GMAT is often accepted instead)
• An English certificate or MOI
• Statement of purpose, CV, and recommendation letters

Many universities also run a preparatory year of English or Turkish for students who don’t meet the language requirements.

Türkiye Burslari: The Best Way to Study in Turkey

Türkiye Burslari is the Turkish government’s fully funded scholarship. It covers:

• Full tuition
• University dormitory accommodation
• A monthly stipend (different for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD)
• A one-time return flight ticket
• Health insurance
• A one-year Turkish language course

Applications usually open in January and close around 20 February. Selection happens in two stages: an online application followed by an interview. Read our complete Türkiye Burslari scholarship guide for tips.

Step-by-Step Admission Process

1. Shortlist universities and check each program’s language and exam requirements.
2. Get IBCC or HEC attestation of your documents.
3. Apply online directly to the university, or through Türkiye Burslari for the scholarship route.
4. Receive your acceptance letter.
5. Apply for a student visa through Turkey’s e-application system and the visa center or embassy in Pakistan.
6. Arrive and apply for a residence permit (ikamet) within the required period after entry.

Living Costs in Turkey

Monthly living costs are around $350–$700, depending on the city:

• Dormitory: $100–$300
• Food: $150–$250
• Transport: $20–$40
• Phone and internet: $15–$25

Istanbul is the most expensive city. Ankara, Konya, Eskişehir, and Erzurum are much cheaper. Note that Turkish prices have risen quickly in recent years because of inflation, so budget with some buffer.

Best Student Cities in Turkey

• Istanbul: the most international city, with the most English programs and internships, but the highest rent.
• Ankara: the capital and home to METU, Bilkent, and Hacettepe. It’s calmer and more affordable than Istanbul.
• Izmir: a coastal city with a relaxed lifestyle and good universities such as Ege and Dokuz Eylül.
• Eskişehir and Konya: true student cities with very low living costs and large international communities.

Choosing a smaller city can cut your monthly budget by 30–40% without a big drop in education quality.

Work and Life After Graduation

• International students can work only with a work permit, and on-campus jobs are limited.
• Graduates can apply for work permits if hired by a Turkish employer.
• A Turkish degree is widely recognized in Pakistan, the Gulf, and Europe, especially from ranked universities.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Learn basic Turkish. Daily life is much easier, and many part-time and internship opportunities require it.
• Check degree recognition with HEC or PMDC for professional programs such as medicine.
• Beware of agents promising guaranteed admission. Apply directly on official university portals whenever possible.

Student Residence Permit After You Arrive

Your student visa is only the first step. After arriving in Turkey you must apply for a student residence permit (ikamet):

• Book an appointment online through the Directorate General of Migration Management (e-ikamet)
• Prepare your passport, student certificate (öğrenci belgesi), photos and address proof
• Get health insurance if your university or scholarship does not cover it
• Attend the appointment and wait for the permit card to arrive by post

Apply as soon as you enroll, as missing the window can lead to fines. Türkiye Burslari students usually get help from their scholarship office, while self-funded students should ask the university’s international office for guidance.

Final Thoughts

Universities in Turkey give Pakistani students a rare mix of quality, affordability, and cultural comfort. Whether you win Türkiye Burslari or pay low fees at a public university, Turkey can be a strong first step toward an international career. Prepare your documents early, apply to a mix of public and private universities, and don’t miss the Türkiye Burslari window. For more rankings, see our guide to the top universities in Turkey for international students and our list of cheapest countries to study abroad for Pakistani students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Turkey good for Pakistani students?

Yes. Turkey offers affordable tuition, English-taught programs, a welcoming culture, and the fully funded Türkiye Burslari scholarship.

Is IELTS required for universities in Turkey?

Not always. Many universities accept an MOI letter or their own English exam, and students can also join a preparatory English year.

How much does it cost to study in Turkey?

Public universities typically charge $600–$3,000 per year, and private universities $3,000–$12,000 or more, plus around $350–$700 per month in living costs.

When does Türkiye Burslari open?

It usually opens in January and closes around 20 February each year.

Can Pakistani students work in Turkey while studying?

Only with a valid work permit, and opportunities are limited. It’s best not to rely on part-time work to cover your costs.

Is Turkish language required for universities in Turkey?

Not for English-taught programs, but you will need basic Turkish for daily life and some internships. Türkiye Burslari students take a one-year Turkish course.

Can Pakistani students get admission in Turkey after FSc?

Yes. Many universities accept FSc/ICS results, sometimes with an SAT score or the university’s own exam.