Study in Turkey from Pakistan

Checked October 9, 2026 against official sources

Turkey (Türkiye) is a popular choice for Pakistani students thanks to close ties between the two countries, affordable living costs and a very large higher education system. Its universities follow the Bologna Process, so degrees use ECTS credits and come with a Diploma Supplement recognised across Europe. Several programmes are taught in English, and the government-funded Türkiye Scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, health insurance and a monthly allowance for selected students.

Work while studyingThe student residence permit does not include work rights: associate and bachelor's students may work after their first year, and master's and PhD students can work, in both cases after obtaining a work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Why Pakistani students choose Turkey

208 universities offering more than 45,000 programmes
Fully part of the Bologna Process, with ECTS credits and a Diploma Supplement for all graduates
Several programmes are taught in English, and universities offer Turkish courses
Türkiye Scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, health insurance, a monthly allowance and one year of Turkish
Associate and bachelor's students gain the right to work after their first year, with a work permit

What it costs

Living costs: Antalya · Istanbul (daily food, transport and rent estimates).

Work out the money to show in PKR → · Tuition is listed on each university page below.

Universities in Turkey

All 3 →

Middle East Technical University (METU / ODTÜ)

Ankara

USD 375 per semester (2026-2027, graduate programmes, for students who starte...

Bilkent University

Ankara

USD 18,400 per year for international students admitted in 2026 on thesis-bas...

Istanbul Technical University (ITU)

Istanbul

TRY 33,300 per year for international-quota graduate students who entered fro...

Scholarships in Turkey

All 3 →

134 days left

Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları)

Türkiye Scholarships is a fully funded government programme for associate, bachelor's, master's a...

Check official site

METU Tuition Discount and Exemption for International Students

METU gives merit-based tuition discounts (50%) or full exemptions (100%) to up to 10% of its inte...

Check official site

Bilkent University Scholarships for International Students

Bilkent offers international undergraduate applicants tuition waivers from 20% to 100%, based on ...

Student visa and English

Several programmes at Turkish universities are taught in English, and each university sets its own language requirements; universities also offer Turkish language preparatory courses.
International students must hold health insurance during their residence, either private insurance or General Health Insurance (GSS) with the Social Security Institution, applied for within three months of university registration and renewed yearly.

Steps to study in Turkey

Search programmes and universities on studyinturkiye.gov.tr, or apply for Türkiye Scholarships if you want a funded place.
Check each university's international student quota and admission exams (such as TR-YÖS, SAT or the university's own YÖS).
Apply directly to the university of your choice with your secondary school or degree documents.
Receive your admission (acceptance) letter.
Apply for a student visa at the nearest Turkish consulate, starting online at konsolosluk.gov.tr as soon as you are admitted.
Travel to Turkey and register at your university.
Apply for a student residence permit via the e-residence system (goc.gov.tr) and submit the documents to your university's international student office; arrange health insurance.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in Turkey in English?

Yes. Study in Türkiye states that several programmes at Turkish universities are taught in English. Each university sets its own language requirements, so check the programme page. Universities also offer Turkish courses, and learning Turkish can widen your programme choice and help in daily life.

Do I need YÖS to study in Turkey?

Many Turkish universities admit international students on the basis of exams they choose, such as TR-YÖS (run by ÖSYM), SAT, IB or their own YÖS. Requirements differ by university, so check the official website of the university you are applying to before you apply.

Can I work while studying in Turkey?

Your student residence permit does not include work rights. Associate and bachelor's students can work after their first year, and master's and PhD students can work, but only after obtaining a work permit from the Ministry of Labour. Compulsory internships in your programme do not need a work permit.

Is there a scholarship for Pakistani students in Turkey?

Yes. Türkiye Scholarships offers full-time bachelor's, master's and PhD places that include tuition, monthly pocket money, accommodation, health insurance, a one-time return flight and one year of Turkish. The Council of Higher Education also gives scholarships to students from partner countries; check studyinturkiye.gov.tr for current calls.

Official study portal

Amounts in PKR use today's exchange rate. Rules change; always confirm on the official pages linked here before you apply.

Welcome!