Turkey’s Growing Appeal for International Students
In recent years, Turkey has become one of the most attractive study destinations for students across the globe, including a significant number from Pakistan. According to the Council of Higher Education, Turkey hosts over 260,000 international students, a figure that has been growing steadily due to the country’s expanding educational opportunities, affordable living costs, and rich cultural heritage.
Turkey offers a unique bridge between Europe and Asia, combining modern facilities with a rich historical backdrop. But what exactly makes Turkey such a magnet for international students? Let’s explore.
High-Quality Education With Global Recognition
Turkey boasts 209 universities, including several that rank in the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education Rankings. Renowned universities like Koç University, Sabancı University, Bilkent University, and Middle East Technical University (METU) offer competitive programs, particularly in engineering, medicine, business, and social sciences.
Many of these programs are taught in English, making them accessible to international students. You can explore top-ranked Turkish institutions on the QS Rankings page.
Affordable Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
One of the biggest advantages of studying in Turkey is affordability. Public universities offer extremely low tuition fees compared to Europe or North America — often between $500–$2,000 per year for international students. Private universities may be pricier but often provide generous scholarships (more on that below).
The cost of living is also budget-friendly. According to Numbeo, students can live comfortably on $300–$600 per month, covering accommodation, food, transport, and other essentials.
Scholarship Opportunities
Turkey actively encourages international students through its extensive Türkiye Scholarships (also called Türkiye Bursları). This government-funded program provides:
Full tuition fee coverage
Monthly stipend (~1000-1600 TRY depending on level)
Accommodation
Health insurance
One-time airfare
Explore and apply at the official Türkiye Scholarships site.
Additionally, many universities, such as Koç University and Sabancı University, offer internal merit scholarships that international students can secure automatically or through separate applications.
Cultural and Geographic Diversity
Turkey offers an unmatched cultural mix. Living here means experiencing a blend of East and West, with opportunities to visit UNESCO heritage sites, sample rich cuisines, and participate in vibrant cultural festivals.
Its location is also ideal for travel. With Turkey’s proximity to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, students can easily explore other countries during breaks. The country’s student-friendly visa policies also facilitate short-term travel within the Schengen area for students holding certain visas.
Programs Taught in English
Many Turkish universities offer programs in English to cater to international students. Fields such as engineering, international relations, medicine, and business administration are commonly available in English, reducing the language barrier significantly.
For instance, Bilkent University and Boğaziçi University provide a wide array of English-taught programs.
Safe, Welcoming, and Student-Friendly
Turkey is considered a safe country for international students. University campuses are generally secure, and students report positive experiences integrating into local communities. Organizations such as Pakistani Student Associations in Turkey help newcomers settle in and feel at home.
Moreover, student discounts on transport, museums, and cultural sites make exploring Turkey affordable.
Work Opportunities for International Students
While Turkey does not automatically grant work rights with a student visa, graduate students and PhD candidates can apply for work permits. Many universities also offer internships, research assistantships, and on-campus jobs that help students gain valuable experience.
For details, check out the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for updated regulations.
Turkey’s Vision 2025: Becoming an International Education Hub
Turkey’s government aims to attract 500,000 international students by 2025. This vision is backed by investments in higher education infrastructure, more scholarships, and improved services for foreign students.
New programs, international collaborations, and research partnerships make Turkey a dynamic environment for academic and personal growth.
Turkey offers a unique, affordable, and enriching educational experience for international students. With globally ranked universities, a rich culture, and strong support through scholarships like Türkiye Bursları, it’s easy to see why more Pakistani and other international students are choosing Turkey for their higher studies.
Start your journey today: Explore Türkiye Scholarships or apply directly to top universities like Koç University or Sabancı University.