Turkey Study Visa Guide

A Turkey study visa is a permit that allows you to enter Turkey for educational purposes. It enables a foreigner to establish a temporary residence in Turkey by applying for a residence permit. The visa is granted to individuals interested in conducting an internship in Turkey, taking a course, or enrolling in an educational institution, such as a school or university.

Visa Exemptions

Except for citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), students from all other countries will require a visa to enter Turkey for educational purposes. Apart from TRNC nationals, student who falls under the following category is exempted from the Turkey study visa.

  1. International students wishing to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree at Turkish educational institution must have completed their secondary/high school education in Turkey.
  2. Children of people who have a residence permit and a work visa in Turkey.
  3. Individuals who are in possession of a Blue Card.

Turkey Student Visa Requirements

Students must apply for a Turkish study visa at the Turkish embassy, consulate, or a third-party visa application center in the country where you currently reside. Please keep in mind that the Turkish embassy is the sole authority responsible for processing your application and rendering a decision in your case.

Turkey study visa applications are typically processed within 15 days. However, processing times vary by country. Thus, the processing time will ultimately be determined by the country from which you apply. Applicants in some countries can expect a response within three days.

Once your visa is approved, immediately upon arrival in Turkey on a student visa, register at the nearest local police station. Following step is to apply for a residence permit, which requires a visit to the Provincial Directorate of Immigration Administration.

Documents required to apply for the student visa and the residence permit are as follow:

Turkey Student Visa

When submitting your Turkey study visa application you strongly advised to include the following documents:

  • Completed application for a Turkish student visa.
  • Your current passport.
  • Biometric photographs in accordance with the requirements for Turkey visa photos.
  • Proof of purchased airline tickets.
  • Travel insurance covering the duration of your stay in Turkey.
  • Acceptance letter from a Turkish educational institution indicating that you have been accepted. The letter must state how long you intend to stay.
  • Proof of payment of fees for the educational program you are about to attend.
  • Diplomas, certificates, and transcripts from previous studies.
  • Justification for financial resources. The Turkish authorities require you to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your studies in Turkey. You will need to provide evidence in the form of documents. This could be: Your bank statements, demonstrating that you have the necessary funds.
  • A letter of scholarship, If applicable.
  • If your parents or another individual will be sponsoring your stay and education in Turkey, a letter of sponsorship is required.
  • Evidence of accommodation. Depending on where you are staying in Turkey, you may be required to present proof of accommodation.
  • If you are staying in a dormitory, you must present a document indicating that you have a reserved spot.
  • You must present the host with a letter of invitation, if you have been invited to stay with friends or relatives in Turkey.
  • If you have rented a room for yourself, bring a signed rent agreement from both you and the landlord.

Residence Permit

In order to stay longer than the 90 days permitted by your student visa in Turkey, you must apply for a residence permit at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Administration.

You will be required to provide the following documents:

  • Application form Passport, photocopies of your passport, and your student visa
  • Evidence of your university enrollment
  • Four photographs of passport size

Although your residence permit is valid for one year, you can renew it 60 days before it expires by visiting the local authorities and completing a renewal application form.

For More information on the Study Visa and Residence Permit, please visit their official website.