Studying in Türkiye: Student Visa and Student Residence Permit

Türkiye has become one of the fastest-growing study destinations in the world, and most international students start with a Turkey student visa. Its universities offer programmes taught in English and Turkish, tuition that is often lower than in Western Europe or North America, internationally recognised degrees and a student life shaped by cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Eskişehir and Antalya. This guide explains how international students enter Türkiye, which visa and residence permit they need, and what rules apply during and after their studies.

Step 1: Get Admitted to a Turkish Institution

Every study route starts with an acceptance letter. Turkish universities set their own admission requirements for international students: many run their own entrance examination or accept international tests and diplomas, and some programmes require a Turkish or English language certificate. Students who do not yet speak Turkish often begin with a preparatory language year. The government-funded Türkiye Scholarships programme also offers full scholarships at every level, covering tuition and living support, with a separate application process. You can browse programmes and scholarships on the official Study in Türkiye portal.

Many students and parents visit campuses before making a final decision. If your nationality is eligible, you can make that exploratory trip on an eVisa.

Step 2: Apply for a Turkey Student Visa

With your acceptance letter, you apply for an education visa at the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country of nationality or residence, using the pre-application system. The education category includes several sub-types:

• education visa for degree programmes;
• Turkish language course visa;
• course visa for other short programmes;
• internship visas, including Erasmus and AIESEC internships;
• education in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Expect to provide your passport, your acceptance or enrolment letter, photographs, proof that you can support yourself and health insurance. Applications should be started at least one month before your planned departure. Students arriving through recognised exchange programmes — such as European Union programmes — whose nationality is visa-exempt can, in some cases, enter without a student visa and apply directly for their residence permit in Türkiye.

The eVisa is not a study visa. It covers tourism and commerce only, so it cannot be used to enrol in a degree programme. Our overview of Turkish visa types explains the differences between categories.

Step 3: Apply for Your Student Residence Permit

Your student visa is only an entry document. After arriving, you must apply for a student residence permit, ideally in the first weeks after arrival and always before the duration of stay on your visa ends. Many universities help their international students with this step, and some file the applications in groups.

The student residence permit:

• covers the length of your programme and is usually renewed each year;
• requires proof of enrolment, a valid address and health insurance;
• does not give your family members a right to stay — they need their own permits;
• counts for only half of its duration towards a future long-term residence permit.

Our full guide to Turkish residence permits covers the application process step by step.

Health Insurance for Students

Health insurance is part of every residence permit application. Students can choose a private policy or, in many cases, enrol in the public general health insurance scheme through the social security institution, which gives access to public hospitals at a modest monthly contribution. Ask your university’s international office which option is most practical.

Can International Students Work in Türkiye?

Yes, under conditions. Students generally need a work permit, and the rules depend on the level of study:

• students in associate and bachelor’s programmes can generally work part-time once they have completed their first year;
• master’s and doctoral students are not subject to that first-year restriction.

A student residence permit alone does not authorise work. Read our guide to work permits in Türkiye for the procedure.

After Graduation

Graduates of Turkish universities can apply for a short-term residence permit within six months of graduating, which gives time to look for a job, start a business or prepare further study. From there, a work permit or another residence category can follow, and years of legal residence count towards long-term residence and citizenship.

Short Courses and Language Schools

Not every learner enrols in a full degree. People attending Turkish language courses or short training programmes can, in some cases, apply for a short-term residence permit for that purpose once in Türkiye. If your course lasts only a few weeks and you are eligible for the eVisa or a visa exemption, the stay may fit within a normal visit — check with the school and your nearest Turkish consulate before you travel.

Checklist for International Students

1. Receive your acceptance or enrolment letter.
2. Apply for an education visa at the Turkish consulate.
3. Arrange health insurance and accommodation.
4. Travel to Türkiye with your visa and original documents.
5. Apply for your student residence permit soon after arrival.
6. Register your address and renew your permit each year on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study in Türkiye on an eVisa?

No. Degree studies require a student visa and a student residence permit. You can, however, visit universities or attend events on an eVisa if your nationality is eligible — see our eligible countries guide.

Can my parents visit me during my studies?

Yes. Depending on their nationality, they can visit visa-free or with an eVisa. Our requirements checklist explains what they need, and they can apply for their eVisa here.

Does time as a student count towards citizenship?

Legal residence matters for naturalisation, but student years are treated differently from other permits for long-term residence. See our Turkish citizenship guide.

Can I stay in Türkiye after my studies?

Yes. Graduates can apply for a short-term residence permit within six months of graduation, then move to a work permit or another permit type.

Travelling soon? Apply for your Turkey eVisa online in a few minutes — our specialists check every detail before submission.

Visa and immigration rules can change, so always confirm the current requirements for your nationality and situation before you travel or apply.