study visa for turkey

Trying to figure out what documents you need and what procedure to follow in order to get a Turkey Visa? No worries, I’ve got you covered!

Study in Turkey is gaining popularity and importance, Turkey is now receiving over 1 million international students annually. University of Istanbul is the oldest state university in Turkey, it was established in 1453. The admission priority is offered to all international students regardless of their nationality, race and religion.

A visa is required to enter Turkey. Citizens of United States, most European countries and Canada will receive a free visa at the port of entry. Other countries will need to apply for one before travelling here.

Turkey is a popular destination for students. The country offers great opportunities for both international students and those who would like to study in English.

There are two types of study visas: a student visa and an employer-sponsored visa. Both require a copy of your passport, an application form with the signature of your university or school and an admission letter, and proof of financial means (bank statement).

The student visa is issued by the Turkish embassy in your home country, where you will apply for it. This visa has a limited validity period (usually one year), but can be renewed once. It allows you to stay in Turkey during your studies, but not to work or take up employment there. If you want to work while studying in Turkey, we recommend you apply for an employer-sponsored study visa instead.

If you are looking to study in Turkey, it’s important to know that there are two types of visas: student and vocational.

The student visa is for those who want to enroll in a university-level degree program. You can apply for a student visa once you have been accepted into your program. The process for obtaining one can take anywhere from three to six months. This visa will be valid for up to one year, after which it must be renewed.

A vocational visa is for those who want to study at a vocational school or university and is generally easier to obtain than a student visa. However, it is only valid for one year and cannot be renewed.

Turkey student visa process

Here are the steps you need to follow in order to get your Turkish student visa:

1. Be accepted onto a program in Turkey: You can only apply for a visa once you’ve received an acceptance letter from a university in Turkey.
2. Arrange an appointment at your local consulate: You need to make your application in person at your nearest Turkish embassy or consulate. You should be able to book an appointment online.
3. Complete your application and supply documents: When you attend your visa appointment you need to complete and sign a visa application, and submit it with the required documents (listed below).
4. Await a decision: You can sometimes track the process of your application on the Turkish consulate website.
5. Apply for a residence permit: When you arrive in Turkey, you will need to apply for a residence permit within one month.

Attending your visa appointment

On the day of your appointment at the Turkish consulate or embassy, you will attend a short interview with a consular officer. They will ask you a few questions about your plans, and your trip to Turkey.

This interview will influence whether or not you will get your visa, so it’s important you make a good impression. You should also make sure you have all your documents with you when you go to the appointments, as missing just one could mean your application is rejected.

Turkish student visa requirements

When you submit your Turkey student visa application you must provide the following documents:

• Your passport, valid for at least 90 days
• A completed and signed Turkish student visa application form
• 2 passport-size photos
• Letter of acceptance from your university, including the duration of your stay
• Proof of travel insurance for your entire stay in Turkey
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of booked flight tickets to Turkey
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources to support your study and living in Turkey
• Visa processing fee, this can vary depending on your nationality
• Proof of accommodation in Turkey
• Previous education certificates or diplomas

Turkey student residence permit requirements

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

You’ll need to supply the following documents:

• Application form
• Passport, including photocopies and your student visa
• Proof of your university place
• Four passport size photographs

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

Turkish student visa processing time

The processing of your visa application can take between 3 and 15 days, but this can vary depending on the embassy or consulate you’ve used.

Although the processing time for a Turkish student visa is relatively short, it’s well worth applying as early as possible. Unforeseen delays, or missing documents, could mean you don’t get your visa in time if you leave it until the last minute to apply

When to Apply

You are highly recommended to lodge your application for a Turkish student visa on time, in order to avoid any problems. The time frame for Turkey student visa submission is as follows:

• The earliest you can apply: 60 days before your intended departure to Turkey.
• The latest you are permitted to apply: one month prior to your trip.

Where to Apply

You will need to submit your application for a Turkish study visa at the Turkish embassy, consulate or a third-party visa application center, located in your country of residence. Note that the Turkish embassy is the sole authority responsible and eligible to process your application and give a decision on your case.

Select the right student visa for Turkey

When you apply for an Education visa for Turkey, the online form will give you the opportunity to select one of the following, accordingly:

• Internship visa
• Internship ERASMUS
• Internship AIESEC
• Turkish Language Course Purpose
• Course Purpose
• Education Purpose
• Education in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Conclusion

Turkey is a great location for those interested in short term study abroad. The visa process is simple and straightforward, the country is affordable and beautiful, and there are plenty of English speaking schools to choose from. Best of all, the vast majority of students will be able to begin their studies almost immediately. And if you’re looking for a reason to study overseas, consider these benefits: 1) Studying in another country will make you think outside the box and expand your horizons. It’s like traveling, only you don’t even have to leave your study abroad program! 2) Although studying with a foreign partner may sound intimidating, rest assured it’s just like studying with any other person – only they speak another language!