Study in Turkey from Pakistan: Your One-Stop Guide to Visa Process, Charges, and Scholarship Program (2025)
Are you a Pakistani student who wants to study abroad? You have come to the right place! Turkey, with its rich history, low cost of living, and now more and more world-renowned universities providing English-taught programs, has become one of the most popular destinations for Pakistani students. This complete guide will take you through everything you must know for studying in Turkey in 2025, from enrolling in the study abroad and visa program to discovering the costs and learning what scholarships are offered.
Target Audience Purpose: Informational/Research. Students are proactively looking for comprehensive, trustworthy information on the entire process of studying in Turkey, financial implications, and accessible funding, to make an informed choice regarding their future studies. This blog has been designed to directly address all their critical concerns.
Why Study in Turkey?
Let's first find out why Turkey is such a great option for Pakistani students:
Quality Education: Turkish universities are rapidly becoming international leaders, with most institutions offering high-quality education, state-of-the-art facilities, and diverse academic programs in various disciplines.
Low Tuition Fees: As compared to Western countries, Turkey's tuition is highly affordable, making quality education available to a wider population.
Lower Living Expenses: The overall cost of living in Turkey, such as accommodation, food, and transport, is relatively low compared to many European and North American nations.
Cultural Affinity: Pakistan and Turkey have a strong historical and cultural affinity, and hence Pakistani students feel a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Programs Taught in English: Increasing numbers of universities today offer programs taught in English, which remove the language barrier between the majority of foreign students.
Scholarship Schemes: Turkish government and other institutions of higher education provide extremely lucrative scholarship schemes specifically for international students, and Pakistani students are not left behind either.
Strategic Location & Travelling Opportunities: Geographically positioned on the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey has a blend of cultures and convenient access to other continents.
Post-Study Opportunities: International students can pursue getting part-time jobs while studying and may even be in a position to apply for work permits once they graduate.
Study Abroad and Visa Process for Pakistani Students in Turkey (2025)
Starting your study abroad experience to Turkey involves some very important steps. Below is the step-by-step study abroad and visa process:
Step 1: Research and University Selection
Find Your Program: Start by searching for universities and programs that suit your academic profile, career aspirations, and interests. International students in Turkey should choose engineering, business, medicine, IT, and social sciences as the best options.
Verify Admission Criteria: The specific requirements will depend on each university and program. Typically, you would need a Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) for undergraduate study or a Bachelor's degree for master's level studies. Minimum GPA/marks differ.
Language Proficiency: Even though most universities provide English-taught degrees, they may demand proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS). Most universities, however, admit students without any IELTS if they have studied previously in English. For degrees taught in Turkish, a TOMER certificate (proof of Turkish language proficiency) might be demanded.
Entrance Exams: As per the university and program, you may be required to take entrance exams such as SAT, GMAT, or GRE.
Step 2: Application Submission
Collect Documents: Get all the documents prepared carefully. They typically include:
Academic certificates and transcripts (Matric and FSc for bachelors, Bachelor's degree for masters), attested properly.
Copy of valid passport.
Motivation Letter/Statement of Purpose (SOP) describing how you want to study in Turkey and at the selected university.
Letters of Recommendation (especially for postgraduate studies).
Language proficiency test scores where required.
CV/Resume.
Passport photos.
Online Application: All Turkish universities have online application websites. Fill out the application form diligently and attach all required documents.
Application Fees: You will need to pay an application fee, which costs from $35-$100 USD.
Step 3: University Acceptance Letter
Your application will be processed and accepted, and the university will send you an official Acceptance Letter (or Offer Letter). Your letter is required in your visa application.
Step 4: Application of Turkey Student Visa from Pakistan
This is an important stage of your visa and international study journey. You will need to apply for a Turkey student visa at the Consulate in Karachi/Lahore or the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad.
Appointment Booking: Book an appointment in advance as the processing period may vary. It is recommended to apply 2-3 months prior to your program start date.
Documents Required for Visa
Valid Passport: Must have at least six months validity from the date of intended stay.
University Acceptance Letter: Original and its photocopy.
Completed Visa Application Form: Completely filled and signed.
Recent Passport-Size Photos: Typically two to four biometric photographs.
Proof of Financial Means: You must have this. You must show you have enough money to cover your tuition and living costs. It is estimated at $5,000 to $8,000 USD per year, depending on the city. This might be a bank statement (kept for a minimum of three months before applying), a sponsor letter with an accompanying bank statement of the sponsor, or a letter awarding a scholarship. Steer clear of huge unexpected deposits.
Travel Insurance: For the whole duration of your stay in Turkey.
Proof of Accommodation: An acceptance letter from the university dormitory, a rental contract, or a host family.
Flight Reservation/Itinerary: A booking confirmation flight reservation.
Previous Education Certificates/Diplomas: Originals as well as photocopies.
Visa Fee Payment Receipt: The visa fee is around PKR 7,500 to PKR 15,000 (can be different).
Visa Interview: Prepare yourself for a brief interview with a consular officer at the embassy/consulate. They will inquire about your study plans and intentions in Turkey. Answer confidently and honestly.
Processing Time: The processing time for Turkey student visa from Pakistan will usually take 3 to 8 weeks.
Step 5: Residence Permit in Turkey
When you enter Turkey on your student visa, you must have your residence permit (İkamet İzni) from the Provincial Directorate of Migration Administration within a month of arrival. It permits you to reside in the country beyond the first 90 days permitted by the visa. You will require your passport, student visa, proof of your university place, photos, and health insurance.
Cost of Studying in Turkey (2025)
The investment in funds is important to be aware of. The approximate cost breakdown is as follows:
Tuition Fees:
Public Universities: Typically much cheaper.
Turkish-taught programs: $300 - $800 USD per year.
English-taught programs: $1,000 - $2,000 USD per year.
Private Universities: Have very nice facilities and tend to have more English-taught courses, but at a price.
Fees: $3,000 - $20,000 USD annually, variable by program and university (for instance, Medicine may be higher, as much as $59,000 USD at some private universities).
Living Expenses (Estimated Monthly Expenses):
Accommodation: $150 - $500 USD (university residence is most likely to be lowest cost, private apartments vary by city and amenities).
Food: $100 - $300 USD (can be less if you bring your own food to eat).
Transport: $20 - $50 USD (public transport is student-priced, with discounts).
Health Insurance: Part of some scholarships, else you will have to make arrangements (approximately $50-$100 per month if not covered).
Miscellaneous (Books, Social Life, Personal Expenses): $50 - $200 USD.
Total estimated monthly cost of living: $300 - $600 USD, with Istanbul being slightly more costly overall compared to other cities like Ankara or Izmir.
Scholarship Opportunities for Pakistani Students in Turkey (2025)
Turkey has various scholarship schemes that can cut your expenses by half. The most prominent among them are mentioned below:
Türkiye Bursları Scholarship (Turkey Government Scholarship):
It is the most prestigious and highly competitive one. It is fully funded for bachelor, master, and PhD programs.
Coverage: Comprises complete tuition fees, accommodation in university dormitories for free, a considerable monthly stipend (e.g., undergraduate: 1000 TL, Master's: 1400 TL, PhD: 1800 TL), health insurance, one-time round-trip airfare, and one-year Turkish language course.
Eligibility: Differing by level (e.g., for undergraduates, usually below 21 years old with at least 70% in high school; for master's, below 30 years old with at least 75% in undergraduate studies).
Application: Applications are typically available from January to February each year via the official website: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr. The application itself is free.
University-Specific Scholarships:
A number of top Turkish universities also offer their own merit scholarships for students to attract great international students, including Pakistanis. These might be partial or full tuition waivers, and some may come with living stipends or housing.
Examples:
Koç University Scholarship: Provides merit undergraduate scholarships (25% to 100% tuition) and full graduate scholarships (stipend, accommodation, tuition, health insurance).
Sabancı University Scholarship: Evaluates all candidates automatically for scholarship at admission time and provides full remission of tuition, stipends, and other benefits for graduate studies.
Bilkent University Scholarship: Provides partial or full remission of tuition for undergraduate students and full graduate scholarships (including stipends).
Kadir Has University Scholarships: Provides scholarships for free education, particularly in Istanbul, normally without the need to submit IELTS.
Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Scholarship:
For pupils from member countries of OIC, such as Pakistan, to do higher studies in any discipline of their choice.
Turkish Diyanet Foundation Scholarships:
Majorly for students of Islamic courses.
Scholarship Application Tips:
Good Academic Record: Maintain good grades ongoing.
Strong Motivation Letter: List your professional and academic objectives and why you must be granted the scholarship.
Recommendation Letters: Obtain good recommendations from teachers or employers.
Extracurricular Activities: Mention extracurricular activities or excellence, if any.
Apply Early: Avoid being late and apply early.
Key Points for Pakistani Students
Cultural Adjustment: Although Turkey is welcoming, there are going to be some cultural differences. Pick up some basic Turkish words and phrases so that your experience will be much better.
Weather: The weather in Turkey is varied. Look up the climate of your destination city to plan your packing list in advance.
Part-Time Job: Part-time work for international students is typically permitted (e.g., a maximum of 24 hours per week for postgraduate students) upon obtaining a work permit.
Healthcare: Make sure that you are well covered with health insurance. This is provided by the Türkiye Bursları scholarship.
Reach Pakistani Student Communities: Turkish universities have very active Pakistani student communities who can provide support and advice.
Locating Proper Study Abroad Consultants in Pakistan
Managing the intricacies of overseas education and the visa process can be tricky. There are some good education consultants in Pakistan who are experts in helping students study in Turkey. These consultants can help with:
University and course selection.
- Document preparation and attestation.
- Submission of the application.
- Scholarship counseling.
- Visa submission and interview preparation.
- Pre-departure guidance.
- Some good-reputed consultants are:
- Paragon Overseas Education
- AINit
- 7 Sky Consultants
- Off Campus Consulting
- Crossroad Consultants
- Shaheen Advisors
- FES Higher Education Consultants
- While hiring a consultant, ensure that they have a good reputation, good reviews, and transparent processes.
Conclusion:
Overseas study in Turkey is a rewarding and affordable option for studying abroad by Pakistani students. With a clear idea of the study abroad and visa process, financial projections, and proactive pursuit of the various scholarship schemes for 2025 available for you, you can make your dream a reality of studying abroad. Begin today, prepare yourself well with your documents, and get ready for the wonderful academic and cultural adventure ahead in Turkey!