How a Pakistani Student Secured the Fully Funded Türkiye Bursları Scholarship for a Master’s in Civil Engineering at Boğaziçi University

Merhaba! I’m Tosif Ghazi, hailing from the picturesque region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. I am pursuing a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, Türkiye. This incredible opportunity is made possible through the prestigious Türkiye Bursları Scholarship Program.

My interest in structural engineering was profoundly shaped by the devastating 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck Kashmir in October 2005, which claimed approximately 80,000 lives. This event inspired in me a deep curiosity about how engineering could be leveraged to minimize the destructive impact of natural disasters. This defining moment set me on the path to studying pre-engineering at Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Gahkuch and then Civil Engineering, with a particular emphasis on structural engineering, during my undergraduate studies at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad.

Scholarship Details

The Türkiye Scholarships is a government-funded program by the Republic of Türkiye for international students. It is recognized as one of the most comprehensive scholarship programs in the world, offering university and department placements, monthly stipends, tuition waivers, health insurance, accommodation, Turkish language courses, flight tickets, and access to academic and cultural programs. This scholarship enables international students to study at Türkiye's top universities. Apart from this scholarship, I also received an admission offer from Politecnico di Milano in Italy, one of the world’s leading institutions for civil engineering.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from NUST, Islamabad, Pakistan, achieving a strong academic standing (GPA 3.46). My journey was shaped by the exceptional education I received at Aga Khan Higher Secondary School (AKHSS), Gahkuch, where dedicated teachers laid the foundation for my success. Building on this foundation, the mentorship and expertise of my professors at NUST further refined my skills, equipping me to confidently pursue graduate studies on an international platform.

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

I had been aware of the Türkiye Scholarships since my high school. During the application process, I thoroughly researched universities with strong master’s programs in civil engineering and ranked them according to my preferences. To prepare, I studied for the GRE during the final year of my bachelor’s, dedicating two months to study from online resources. I also prepared for the IELTS exam in just three days, focusing on familiarizing myself with the test format since it primarily assesses English proficiency. Both my GRE and IELTS scores played a significant role in strengthening my scholarship application, particularly my GRE quantitative score of 161/170.

 What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

What made my application stand out was my solid academic background, a bachelor’s degree from a highly ranked university, and my GRE scores, which highlighted my aptitude in quantitative reasoning, which is very important for an engineering degree.

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

If given the chance to repeat the process, I wouldn’t change anything, as I am now studying at a top-tier university, and I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity.

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

For those aspiring to secure similar scholarships, my advice is to invest time in research. Many deserving candidates miss out on opportunities simply because they don’t explore all the possibilities. If you’re determined, there are countless scholarships available. Additionally, having standardized test scores, such as GRE and IELTS, can significantly enhance your chances of success.