How a Pakistani Scholar Secured the Fully Funded Türkiye Bursları Scholarship to Study Political Science and Public Administration at Ankara University

Hi everyone! My name is Abdul Moiz Uppal, and I proudly come from the culturally rich land of Pakistan. I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Public Administration at Ankara University, Turkey, and let me tell you, this journey has been nothing short of a thrilling rollercoaster ride! I’m 22 years old now, and in the last 4–5 years, I’ve transformed from a high school student with big dreams into someone who’s now helping others achieve theirs.

My decision to study Political Science and Public Administration wasn’t random; it came from a deep desire to understand how systems function, how power is distributed, how societies are governed, and most importantly, how to solve problems. And let’s be real, our world is full of huge political problems that need solutions. The moment I stepped into this field, I felt like I was exactly where I belonged. And the scholarship journey that followed only supercharged that passion.

Türkiye Bursları Scholarship Details

My life took a major turn in 2022 when I was awarded the prestigious Türkiye Bursları (Turkey Government Scholarship). This life-changing opportunity opened the doors of Turkey for me and covered everything: tuition, dormitory accommodation, a monthly stipend, meals, health insurance, air tickets, and even the visa process. It was truly a full package, and it allowed me to focus purely on my studies and personal growth without any financial worries.

But actually, Türkiye Bursları wasn’t my first win. Before this, I received multiple national-level merit-based scholarships in Pakistan. In 2020, I studied my high school on a fully funded scholarship as well. And because of my strong academic performance, I even received a 75% tuition waiver offer from a reputable university in Pakistan.

And now, in 2025, thanks to my academic achievements in Turkey and strong English skills, I’ve been selected for the Erasmus+ Student Mobility Program to study at Leipzig University in Germany. One opportunity led to another, each success built on the last, and this journey has given me not only academic and personal growth but also the chance to travel extensively across Turkey and Europe, and interestingly, writing this story in Germany for you guys feels so incredible.

Educational Background

I completed my intermediate (high school) education in Pakistan with distinction. I always believed that grades matter, but curiosity and consistency matter even more. I scored 98% in Part 1 and 94% in Part 2 of high school, and I stayed active in extracurriculars, public speaking, student leadership, and volunteer work.

When I moved to Turkey, I started with one year of intensive Turkish language studies at TÖMER. That’s also when I started exploring Turkish literature and even began writing poetry in Turkish! That multilingual journey, Urdu, English, Turkish, and now a little German, helped me stand out in competitive applications and really shaped the global mindset I carry today.

How Did I Prepare to Apply to Ankara University?

Honestly, I’m a big believer in research and self-preparation. That’s been the backbone of every opportunity I’ve earned so far. I started early, really early. Even in high school, I had this strong desire to study abroad. Not just for the academics, but to grow, challenge myself, and step far outside my comfort zone.

So I began the grind.

I spent almost a year researching everything I could, including universities, scholarship opportunities, and application systems. I followed Facebook groups for scholarship aspirants, watched YouTube videos from successful students, bookmarked university websites, and read through every scholarship requirement line by line. I made spreadsheets, compared programs, and tracked deadlines like my life depended on it.

And then I found Türkiye Bursları. It was literally the only international scholarship I was eligible for at the time because I had only finished 11th grade, and my final year wasn’t even completed yet. Still, I made a bold decision: I would apply only to Türkiye Bursları. No backups. No Plan B. Just full focus on this one goal. Everyone around me, friends, even teachers, asked me to apply to universities in Pakistan, too. But I didn’t listen. I was all in.

So I treated the application process like a mission. I paid attention to every detail, including recommendation letters, motivation letters, CV, and language certificates. I made sure every single part of the application reflected my best effort. I even took the TOEFL exam (with a score equivalent to 7.5 bands in IELTS), even though it wasn’t mandatory, just to make my profile stronger. Later, I started learning German and reached the B1 level, which eventually helped me get selected for Erasmus+.

My tip? Even if something isn’t required, do it if it adds value. It shows commitment and helps you stand out.

How Did I Prepare to Apply for Türkiye Bursları Scholarships?

This part is the soul of my journey.

When I decided to apply for Türkiye Bursları, I knew I had to write something that wasn’t just informative, but real, inspiring, and heartfelt. So I sat down and poured everything into it.

I read dozens of sample Letters of Motivation and Statements of Purpose, not to copy them, but to understand what works. Then I began crafting my own story. I rewrote it again and again, making each version more honest and personal. I even got feedback from a professor at the University of California and from past scholarship winners.

Every line mattered.

For Türkiye Bursları, I made sure my letter reflected my deep respect for Turkish culture, history, and values, and how all of these aligned with my academic goals. I explained how Turkey wasn’t just another country to me; it was a bridge between East and West, a place where I could grow in every sense.

I talked about my academic interests, social work, leadership roles, and my passion for international cooperation. And while preparing all this, I stayed consistent and hopeful during the long 8-month selection process, from the application in January, the interview in June, and the result in August. It tested my patience, but I never lost faith in what I had submitted.

Even when I was waiting, I stayed focused. I said no to the 75% scholarship I had received in Pakistan. I didn’t want to take the easy path. I wanted a global challenge, a fresh start, and most importantly, growth.

Looking back, every late-night rewrite, every test I took, every community project, all added up. And that one big “Yes” from Türkiye Bursları changed everything. It set the foundation for all future wins, like Erasmus+.

What Made My Application Stand Out?

I think it was a mix of authenticity, consistency, and purpose.

I didn’t write what I thought the committee wanted to hear; I wrote what I truly felt and believed. I showed how I used free resources to improve myself, how I turned challenges into learning opportunities, and how I never stopped giving back. Whether it was student clubs, helping aspirants online, or mentoring others, I made sure my journey had an impact beyond myself.

I also made sure my documents were clear, well-organized, and submitted before deadlines. And I always followed up. I treated the process professionally, like I was applying for a real job.

What Would I Have Done Differently?

Honestly, I wish I had believed in myself earlier. For a long time, I kept thinking maybe I wasn’t good enough to go abroad or win international scholarships.

If I could go back in time, I’d tell my younger self: “You are enough. Just stay consistent, stay curious, and don’t give up.”

Also, I would have started language learning much earlier. Languages open doors. Turkish helped me live and study in Turkey. Germany unlocked Erasmus+. And English continues to connect me with global opportunities.

What Advice Would I Give to Aspirants?

Start early. Don’t wait for a scholarship to open before you begin preparing. Prepare your documents, profile, and mindset in advance.

Build your profile. Volunteer, write articles, lead a team, translate something, anything that adds real value to your growth.

Be genuine. Don’t copy someone else’s story. Yours is already enough if you tell it honestly.

Use free resources. YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and official university websites, these platforms are goldmines of information.

Network. Talk to past scholarship winners, ask questions, offer help, and grow alongside your fellow aspirants. Form good friendships with people on the same journey.

Don’t give up. Rejections are part of the process. Every “No” brings you one step closer to a “Yes.”

How Is the Experience of Studying Abroad on a Scholarship Going So Far?

Honestly? It's been one of the most intense, transforming, and rewarding experiences of my entire life.

When I first arrived in Turkey on the Türkiye Bursları Scholarship, I knew things were going to change. But I didn’t realize how deeply this journey would shape me, not just as a student, but as a human being. I came here with dreams, yes. But I also came here with fears, insecurities, and a personality that was still in the making.

Living alone in a completely different country, in a foreign language, with no family around to back me up when things went wrong, that changed you. I was forced to face challenges on my own. Whether it was figuring out residence permits, handling university bureaucracy, managing monthly expenses, it was me vs the world, and every little experience added something to who I am today.

In a way, I was pushed to grow into the person I always dreamed of being. And this forced growth, this constant exposure to new situations and problems, turned out to be my biggest teacher. I had no one to depend on except myself, and that made me stronger, more mature, and more confident than I ever imagined I could be under the supervision of my parents or in the comfort of my home.

But here’s the best part: this journey hasn’t just been about academics.

I’ve been involved in extracurricular or co-curricular activities almost every single day. Whether it's volunteering with student associations, giving presentations, attending conferences, helping fellow international students, organizing events, or even writing and performing poetry, I’ve kept myself constantly engaged. These activities don’t just make university life exciting, they are shaping my profile for future opportunities. In fact, I'm building the exact kind of resume I dreamed of during high school, and I’m doing it now, step by step, while living abroad.

And then there’s the learning, the kind that doesn’t come from books. I’ve picked up new skills knowingly and unknowingly, from cultural understanding to time management, from independence to emotional intelligence. I’m slowly becoming the kind of person who’s equipped to handle not just scholarship applications, but job interviews, leadership roles, international events, basically, life itself.

This experience adds so much value to my academic and professional identity, and with it comes another beautiful bonus: entertainment and travel. From exploring the coasts of Turkey to wandering the streets of Europe through Erasmus+, I’ve lived some of my biggest travel dreams before even turning 23. And the memories, the friends from all over the world, the stories, I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

So, how is the experience going?

It’s not just going, it’s growing me. And every day, I wake up knowing I’m living a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that’s preparing me for many more to come.

And if you’re someone dreaming of studying abroad on a scholarship, just know: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being prepared, being passionate, and being ready to grow through the process. If I can do it, so can you.