How a Pakistani Scholar Secured the Fully Funded Türkiye Bursları Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Tourism Management at Selçuk University

Merhaba! I’m Laiba Arshad Abbasi, a nature lover from the breathtaking hill station of Pakistan, Murree. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance, and I’m currently pursuing my Master's in Tourism Management. You might wonder why I shifted from finance to tourism. Well, it’s rooted deep in my childhood. Growing up in one of Pakistan’s most visited tourist destinations, I witnessed both the beauty and the challenges of tourism firsthand. While our landscapes are world-class, our tourism system often falls short of international standards, both for visitors and local communities. This inspired me to first build a strong foundation in business and now pursue my passion in tourism, a field that’s close to my heart. As the saying goes, "Sometimes the path you start on isn’t the one you were meant to follow, but it leads you to where you’re meant to be.

Türkiye Bursları Scholarship Details

I am currently studying at Selçuk University in Konya, a culturally rich and touristic city, well known for Rumi, Sufi heritage, and religious tourism. Before coming to Turkey, I also gained one year of professional experience working at Meezan Bank in Pakistan.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor's in Business Administration from the prestigious International Islamic University Islamabad. I graduated with distinction, earning a CGPA of 3.73, and was among the top-performing students in my batch.

My business studies gave me a solid foundation in management, finance, and strategic planning, all essential skills that directly support my current academic focus in tourism management. Understanding the business side of tourism allows me to approach the field with a holistic perspective, combining both operational and cultural insights.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Türkiye Bursları Scholarship? 

My dream to pursue a Master’s in Turkey began during my bachelor’s. I first applied for the Türkiye Bursları Scholarship in my 7th semester, before graduating, but I was rejected. At that time, I had applied without proper research and understanding, and even submitted applications on behalf of friends, just hoping for the best.

Despite the rejection, I didn’t lose hope. I continued motivating my entire batch to apply, even guiding them through documentation like character certificates and medium of instruction letters. I still remember the university admin being surprised at the sudden demand, not knowing I was behind it!

The second time, I applied with experience and strategy. I crafted my application like a story, connecting my background, goals, and passion for tourism with Turkey’s strengths. Instead of simply requesting a scholarship, I showed how my vision aligned with both Pakistan and Turkey. That personal, thoughtful approach made all the difference.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Selçuk University?

As I mentioned earlier, after being rejected in my first attempt, I became more strategic the second time. The Türkiye Bursları Scholarship allows applicants to choose from 12 universities and programs. I carefully selected universities that offered Tourism Management and were located in tourist cities of Turkey, so I could gain both academic knowledge and real-life experience related to my field.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests?

No, I did not take any standardized language tests. To improve my chances of selection, I chose programs with Turkish as the medium of instruction, as I knew those universities often give preference to students applying for Turkish-language programs. This was a smart move that helped increase my chances of being selected.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

What set my application apart was how everything was thoughtfully connected. My motivation letter clearly explained why I chose tourism management and why Turkey was the ideal place for it, linking my personal experiences with my academic goals. I highlighted real-life issues from my hometown and built my research proposal around them. Every part of my application, from my essays to my certificates, supported the same narrative. It wasn’t just an application; it was a well-aligned story of who I am and what I aim to do.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. Reflecting on that journey now makes me feel proud and grateful; it shaped me into who I am today.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My biggest advice is to be patient and never lose hope, fully funded scholarships don’t happen overnight; they require time, effort, and consistency. I was rejected the first time, but selected on my second attempt. During my interview, I was asked, “You were rejected last year, what if you’re rejected again?” I smiled and replied, “Then I’ll apply next year too. Last year I was just an applicant, this year I’m in the interview, and next year, I’ll be in Turkey, InshaAllah.” So, believe in your journey, stay confident in your goals, and present yourself with clarity and purpose. Don’t beg for the opportunity; show that you are ready for it.