Why Pakistani Students Choose Turkey
Turkey has emerged as one of the top study destinations for Pakistani students, and for good reason: affordable tuition, generous government scholarships, a culturally familiar Muslim-majority environment, and an increasingly internationally respected higher education system.
For students who want a European-quality education with Schengen proximity, Islamic culture, and the chance for a full Türkiye Burslari scholarship, Turkey is hard to beat.
1. Bogazici University (Istanbul)
QS Ranking: Top 600 globally | Language: Primarily English
Bogazici is the most prestigious public university in Turkey and is consistently ranked #1 in Turkey. Founded as Robert College in 1863 on the Bosphorus, it has a strong tradition of English-medium teaching. Popular among Pakistani students for its engineering, computer science, economics, and international relations programs.
- Strong research culture
- Excellent campus overlooking the Bosphorus
- Very competitive for Türkiye Burslari placement
2. Middle East Technical University — METU (Ankara)
QS Ranking: Top 400 globally | Language: English (primary)
METU is the premier engineering and technology university in Turkey, with instruction conducted almost entirely in English. It is particularly strong in engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical), computer science, and architecture. Pakistani students with strong STEM backgrounds consistently rank METU as their first choice.
3. Istanbul Technical University (ITU)
QS Ranking: Top 500 globally | Language: Turkish/English mix
Founded in 1773, ITU is one of the world's oldest technical universities. It is excellent for engineering, mining, naval architecture, and urban planning. Located in Istanbul's vibrant city center.
4. Hacettepe University (Ankara)
Specialty: Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing
Hacettepe is the top university in Turkey for health sciences. Pakistani students who want to study medicine, pharmacy, or dentistry in Turkey often aim for Hacettepe. Its teaching hospital is one of the largest and most modern in the region.
5. Ankara University
Specialty: Law, Social Sciences, Political Science, Veterinary Medicine
One of Turkey's oldest and most established public universities. Strong in law, political science, agriculture, and veterinary sciences. Students on Türkiye Burslari frequently land here for social sciences.
6. Istanbul University
Founded: 1453 | Specialty: Law, Medicine, Letters, Engineering
The oldest university in Turkey, located in the historic heart of Istanbul. Istanbul University is famous for its Faculty of Law and Faculty of Medicine, both highly regarded in the region. A culturally rich campus in the heart of one of the world's most vibrant cities.
7. Sabanci University (Istanbul)
Language: English | Type: Private, research-oriented
Sabanci is a leading private research university and consistently produces world-class research in engineering, management, and arts & social sciences. It's more expensive than public universities unless you have a scholarship. The Sabanci scholarship for international students is competitive but generous.
8. Bilkent University (Ankara)
Language: English | Type: Private, non-profit
Turkey's first private university, Bilkent is internationally recognised for its English-taught programmes in engineering, business, music, and fine arts. It offers its own scholarships independent of Türkiye Burslari.
9. Koç University (Istanbul)
Language: English | Type: Private, research-intensive
Koç is among Turkey's most prestigious private universities, strong in business, law, medicine, and engineering. Koç University International Scholarships cover tuition for outstanding international applicants.
10. Gazi University (Ankara)
Specialty: Education, Engineering, Architecture, Health Sciences
A large public university in Ankara that is particularly popular for its teacher training, pharmacy, and engineering programmes. Accessible for students with moderate academic scores and Türkiye Burslari recipients.
How to Choose the Right Turkish University
- Match your intended programme to the university's known strengths
- Consider language: METU and Bogazici are English-friendly; others require Turkish (covered by the 1-year language course with TB scholarship)
- If applying for Türkiye Burslari, your preference order matters — put your ideal university first
- Consider city: Istanbul is more expensive and lively; Ankara is more affordable and structured
How IGC Helps You Get Into Top Turkish Universities
- University and programme matching based on your profile
- Türkiye Burslari application support
- Direct application to Turkish universities
- Motivation letter writing in alignment with Turkish admission expectations
- Turkish student visa support
- Pre-departure briefing on life in Turkey
Book your free Turkey counseling session with IGC today.
Expert guidance for Pakistani students navigating university admissions, scholarships, and visa applications across Australia, UK, Italy, Germany, and Turkey.
