Between Europe and Asia, a degree that feels close to home
Turkey pairs strong public universities and English taught programmes with fees far below the West, a six hour flight from Lahore and a culture Pakistani students settle into quickly. We help you choose between the scholarship route and a direct admission.
Westside Visa Consultants is an independent private advisory. We are not affiliated with any government, embassy or visa application centre and cannot influence a visa decision. Figures are the published ones or typical ranges at the time of writing; we confirm current numbers at your assessment.
Is Turkey the right choice for you?
Turkey is one of the best value study destinations for Pakistani students. The trade off is fewer rights to stay and work after graduating than Canada or Australia, and a currency that moves, so we always plan your budget in dollars.
Quality at a low cost
- Students who want ranked public universities without Western fees
- Engineering, medicine, architecture and business in English
- Families who want a familiar culture and halal food everywhere
The scholarship route
- High achievers aiming for the fully funded Türkiye Scholarships
- Master’s and PhD applicants with research plans
- Ask us how strong your profile looks before the window opens
If you want to settle abroad
- There is no dedicated post study work visa
- Turkish taught programmes need a language year first
- Canada, Australia or the UK give longer work routes
Bazaars, beaches and a Bosphorus view
Turkish student cities are lively, affordable and safe, with tea on every corner and a weekend trip to the coast or Cappadocia always within reach.
Student cities full of life
Eskisehir, Ankara and Izmir are built around their universities, with canals, parks and cafés full of students.
Tea, simit and long conversations
Trams, seafronts and Aegean sunsets
Six ways to study in Turkey
Pick the route that matches your grades, budget and language. We plan all six.
Bachelor’s degree
Engineering, computing, business and architecture, many fully in English.
Master’s degree
Thesis or non thesis programmes at public and private universities.
PhD and research
Funded places and research assistant posts at leading universities.
Türkiye Scholarships
Tuition, stipend, housing, health cover and a Turkish language year.
Medicine and dentistry
Popular with Pakistani students. Entry is competitive, so plan early.
Turkish language year
Needed before Turkish taught programmes, and useful for any career there.
What happens after you graduate
Turkey does not have a dedicated post study work visa. Some graduates can apply for a short residence permit to look for work, and staying longer means a job offer and a work permit. Many use a Turkish master’s to move on to Europe or to a PhD.
From offer letter to boarding pass
Apply to the university first, then the embassy. Most delays come from missing attestations, so we start those on day one.
Free assessment
We check your grades, English and budget, and whether the scholarship route suits you.
Apply and get your offer
Direct admission to the university, or the Türkiye Scholarships application in its window.
Acceptance letter
Your university issues the acceptance letter you need for the visa.
Documents and attestation
Attested degrees, bank statements, photos and insurance, checked by us line by line.
Student visa
You apply to the Turkish embassy or consulate in Pakistan. Allow several weeks.
Arrive and register
Enrol at your university and apply for your residence permit within your first month.
The budget, line by line
Ranges are typical at the time of writing. The lira moves a lot, so we plan every budget in dollars and confirm current figures for your university at your assessment. Istanbul costs more than Ankara, Izmir or Eskisehir.
What universities ask for
Where you could study in Turkey
From the megacity to calm student towns, each city has a different pace and price.
Compare, and plan your family visits
France and Germany, with low public fees and EU work rights after study.
An EU degree in English by the sea, on a similar budget.
How your parents can visit you, and how we prepare their visit visa file.
Turkey study questions we hear every week
Anything else, ask on WhatsApp. A real adviser replies, not a bot.
Ask your questionIs a Turkish degree recognised in Pakistan?
Degrees from accredited Turkish universities are recognised by HEC, and Turkey is part of the Bologna Process, so its degrees are understood across Europe. We only shortlist accredited universities.
Can I study in Turkey in English?
Yes. Many universities teach fully in English, including Middle East Technical, Bilkent and Boğaziçi. Turkish taught programmes need a Turkish language year or a language certificate first.
What are Türkiye Scholarships?
A fully funded government scholarship covering tuition, a monthly stipend, housing, health insurance and a Turkish language year. Applications usually open early in the year. It is competitive, so a strong statement and grades matter.
How much does it cost to study in Turkey?
Public universities start from about $1,000 a year for international students, and private ones are usually $5,000 to $20,000. Living costs are about $400 to $700 a month. We confirm current figures at your assessment.
Can I work while studying in Turkey?
Students can work only with a work permit, and bachelor’s students usually not in their first year. Treat part time work as a bonus, not as a way to pay your fees.
Do I need a residence permit?
Yes. After arriving on your student visa you apply for a student residence permit, normally within your first month. We give you the checklist before you fly.
Can I stay in Turkey after graduating?
There is no dedicated post study work visa. Some graduates can get a short residence permit to look for work, and staying longer needs a job offer and a work permit.
Is Turkey safe for Pakistani students?
Turkish student cities are generally safe and welcoming to Pakistani students, with halal food everywhere. As anywhere, follow local advice and register with your university on arrival.
