Last updated: 11 November 2026
Quick answer: Türkiye Bursları (Türkiye Scholarships) is the Turkish government’s fully funded scholarship for bachelor’s, master’s and PhD study. It covers tuition, a monthly stipend (4,500 TL for bachelor’s, 6,500 TL for master’s, 9,000 TL for PhD in the 2026 round), a dormitory place, health insurance, a one-time flight ticket and a one-year Turkish language course. Pakistani students apply online at tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr. The 2026 round ran from 10 January to 20 February 2026 (extended to 25 February), so expect the 2027 window around 10 January to 20 February 2027. You must be under 21 for bachelor’s, under 30 for master’s and under 35 for PhD, with at least 70% (bachelor’s), 75% (master’s/PhD) or 90% (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy).
Türkiye Bursları is one of the best-value scholarships for Pakistanis: no application fee, no IELTS required for most Turkish-taught programmes, and a real chance for bachelor’s students straight out of FSc. But it is very competitive, and most rejected applications fail for the same few reasons. This guide shows you how to avoid them.
Türkiye Bursları 2027 at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Offered by | Government of Türkiye (YTB) |
| Levels | Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, research |
| Application fee | None |
| Apply at | tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr |
| Expected 2027 window | Around 10 January to 20 February 2027 |
| Study language | Mostly Turkish (after a free 1-year language course); some English programmes |
| Study starts | September/October 2027 (language year first for most) |
What you get
| Benefit | Bachelor’s | Master’s | PhD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly stipend (2026 rates) | 4,500 TL | 6,500 TL | 9,000 TL |
| Tuition | Fully covered | ||
| Accommodation | State dormitory place | ||
| Health insurance | Covered under Turkish general health insurance | ||
| Flight | One-time flight ticket | ||
| Turkish language course | One year, free | ||
The stipend is set in Turkish lira, so its value in rupees changes with the exchange rate. Dorm housing and food in university cafeterias are cheap, which is why most scholars manage on the stipend alone, especially outside Istanbul.
Eligibility
Age limits
- Bachelor’s: under 21
- Master’s: under 30
- PhD: under 35
- Research scholarship: under 50
Check the exact cut-off date in the 2027 announcement. If you’re close to the limit, work out your exact age with this age calculator.
Minimum marks
| Level | Minimum academic score |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (general) | 70% |
| Master’s and PhD | 75% |
| Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy | 90% |
For bachelor’s applicants, this means your Matric and FSc (or O/A Level equivalent) marks. FSc Part-2 students can usually apply with Part-1 marks and add final results later. O/A Level students should get an IBCC equivalence certificate early, as Turkish universities often ask for percentage-based results.
Other conditions
- Not a citizen of Türkiye, and not already enrolled in the same level at a Turkish university.
- Willing to complete the one-year Turkish language course (unless your programme is fully in English and you’re exempt).
- IELTS/TOEFL is not required for most programmes. You need it only if you choose an English-medium programme whose university asks for it.
How to apply: step by step
- Create an account on tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr once the window opens.
- Fill in your profile: personal details, education history and marks exactly as on your documents.
- Choose your programmes and universities. You can list several preferences. Pick a realistic mix of top and mid-ranking universities, not only Istanbul.
- Write your statement of intent (see tips below).
- Upload documents and submit before the deadline. You can’t edit after submission.
- Wait for shortlisting. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview, usually in spring, online or at a centre in Pakistan.
- Results usually come in summer, with university placement decided by Türkiye Bursları.
Documents checklist
- Passport or CNIC (B-Form for under-18 bachelor’s applicants)
- Recent passport-size photo
- Matric and Intermediate certificates and transcripts (bachelor’s)
- Bachelor’s degree and transcript (master’s); master’s degree and transcript (PhD)
- Statement of intent / motivation letter (written in the portal)
- Research proposal (PhD, and some master’s programmes)
- Recommendation letters (master’s and PhD)
- Optional but helpful: certificates of achievements, competitions, volunteering, IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE scores
How to stand out: what reviewers look for
Your statement of intent
This is where most Pakistani applicants lose. Reviewers read thousands of essays about “Türkiye and Pakistan being brotherly nations”. That is not a reason to give you a scholarship. Instead, answer three things clearly:
- Why this field? One specific moment: a project, a problem you saw, a job.
- Why Türkiye and this university? Name a programme feature, research area or industry link.
- What will you do after? A concrete plan for Pakistan or your field.
Keep it honest and in your own voice. Our guide on writing a winning scholarship essay has examples.
Your interview
Interviews are short, usually 15 to 30 minutes, often with two or three panellists. Expect questions about your statement, your field, why Türkiye, your achievements and sometimes current affairs. Speak simply, give examples, and never contradict what you wrote. Basic knowledge of Türkiye (its capital, major cities, a little history) shows real interest.
Extras that help
- Volunteer work, leadership roles, competitions and research projects
- A strong academic record above the minimum: 70% is the floor, not the target
- Any Turkish language basics. Even a short online course shows commitment.
Expected 2027 timeline
| Stage | Usual timing |
|---|---|
| Applications open | Around 10 January 2027 |
| Applications close | Around 20 February 2027 (2026 was extended to 25 February) |
| Preliminary review | March 2027 |
| Interviews | Spring 2027 |
| Results and placement | Summer 2027 |
| Arrival and Turkish course | September/October 2027 |
Common mistakes
- Waiting for the last week, when the portal is overloaded.
- Applying only to famous Istanbul universities, which have the most competition.
- Copy-pasting a statement from the internet. Reviewers recognise templates.
- Applying below the minimum grade or above the age limit; the system rejects these automatically.
- Paying an “agent” to apply. Türkiye Bursları is free and online.
Also comparing Hungary? Read Stipendium Hungaricum 2027-28 for Pakistani students, whose deadline usually falls in mid-January. For all options in one place, see scholarships for Pakistani students 2027.
Sources: Türkiye Bursları official website (benefits and programmes) and published 2026 round details. The 2027 call will confirm exact dates, stipend amounts and age cut-offs; we update this page when it opens.
Frequently asked questions
When will Türkiye Bursları 2027 open?
The official date is not out yet. The 2026 round ran from 10 January to 20 February 2026 (extended to 25 February), so expect a similar January to February 2027 window.
What is the Türkiye Bursları stipend?
In the 2026 round, 4,500 TL a month for bachelor’s, 6,500 TL for master’s and 9,000 TL for PhD, plus free tuition, dormitory, health insurance, a one-time flight ticket and a Turkish language course.
Is IELTS required for Türkiye Bursları?
No, not for most programmes. You need IELTS or TOEFL only if you apply to an English-taught programme whose university requires it.
What is the age limit for Türkiye Bursları?
Under 21 for bachelor’s, under 30 for master’s, under 35 for PhD and under 50 for the research scholarship.
What marks are needed for Türkiye Bursları?
At least 70% for bachelor’s, 75% for master’s and PhD, and 90% for medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.
Is there an application fee for Türkiye Bursları?
No. The application is free and online at tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr.