Obtaining a Student Visa for Turkey

Turkey welcomes all international students and offers them a unique opportunity to gain an enriching educational experience full of possibilities and knowledge in its educational institutions.

However, studying in Turkey means that the student must meet a set of conditions before applying for a student visa, the most important of which are:

1. Acceptance Letter: The student must obtain an acceptance letter from an accredited educational institution in Turkey, whether it is a public or private institution, before heading to the Turkish embassy or consulate in their home country.
2. Visa Application Fee: The student must pay the full visa application fee.
3. Submitting the Application: The student must submit the student visa application to the Turkish embassy or consulate in person and follow the instructions below:

• • Contact the Turkish embassy or consulate in the student’s country of residence.
  • Prepare all the required documents (listed below) to submit for the student visa application to Turkey.
  • Attend the scheduled appointment, which was arranged online with the Turkish embassy. If the student is late or does not attend, the application may be canceled.
  • Visa Stamp: After the student’s application for a student visa is approved, the visa will be stamped or attached to the student’s passport by the embassy, allowing them to enter Turkey.

The student must meet all the following required documents before submitting them to the Turkish embassy in their home country on the scheduled date:

• Visa Application: The student visa application form for studying in Turkey.
• Passport: Valid for at least one year (ensure the passport is free from any tears or damages).
• 4 Photographs: Biometric photos (the background of the biometric photos must be white, and the face must not be covered in any way, even partially).
• Parental Consent: (For students under the age of 18) or the guardian’s consent for the student.
• Acceptance Letter: From the educational institution the student applied to, along with proof of payment to the university and a letter from the university to the Turkish embassy.
• Foreign Student Income Statement: A statement or guarantee letter from the person who will cover the student’s expenses during their studies.
• Certificate: A copy of the certificate from the last educational institution the student attended.
• Identity Card Copy: A copy of the student’s identity card.
• Bank Statement: A bank statement from the student or their family showing sufficient funds to cover study expenses.
• Visa Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the visa fee.

The documents listed above are required for students from all countries. However, the Turkish embassy may request additional documents depending on the student’s country of origin to grant the study visa.

Additional Tips:

• The student should review the Turkish embassy’s visa requirements to ensure all required documents are complete.
• Start the visa application process early to ensure it is obtained on time.
• Contact the Turkish embassy or consulate in the student’s country if there are any inquiries.
• Apply for the student visa as soon as the acceptance letter is received.

Here is a simplified guide to help you with the process of obtaining a student visa for Turkey:

First Step: Determine the Academic Path

The student must determine the field of study they wish to pursue and research accredited Turkish universities in their home country, including the admission requirements and documents needed for registration. The student should then obtain a preliminary acceptance from the university after reviewing their application.

Second Step: Receive the Acceptance Letter 

The student must pay all tuition fees to the university by transferring the fees to the university’s bank account or paying in cash through someone residing in Turkey. After confirming the full payment, the student will receive the acceptance letter from the university.

Third Step: Obtain the Student Visa for Turkey 

The student must gather all the required documents to apply for a student visa for Turkey. Then, the student should submit the student visa application to the Turkish embassy or consulate in their home country and wait for approval.

The process of issuing a student visa for Turkey generally varies depending on the student’s country of residence. In some countries, it can take up to 6 weeks.

Please check the following website to track the status of your visa: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/

Obtaining a visa allows the holder to enter Turkey for specific purposes. The types of visas vary depending on the purpose of travel. Below is a simplified explanation of the differences between a student visa and a regular visa to Turkey:

1. Purpose of the Visa

• Regular Visa: A formal document or stamp on the passport that grants the holder the right to enter Turkey and stay for a specified period for various purposes such as tourism, trade, attending conferences, medical treatment, etc.
• Student Visa: A formal document or stamp on the passport issued to students wishing to enroll in educational institutions in Turkey.

2. Visa Duration

• Regular Visa: Its duration ranges between 20 to 90 days, depending on the applicant’s country.
• Student Visa: Its duration ranges between 30 to 90 days, depending on the student’s nationality.

3. Required Documents

• Regular Visa: To obtain a regular visa to Turkey, the following documents must be submitted to the Turkish embassy in your country:
• A valid passport for at least six months.
• Two recent biometric photographs.
• Travel insurance covering the duration of your stay in Turkey.
• A bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Turkey.
• Proof of visa fee payment.
• Round-trip flight tickets showing your name, passport number, and departure/return dates.
• Visa application form.
• Student Visa: Requires additional documents such as an acceptance letter from a university, a copy of the certificate from the last educational institution, etc.

4. Possibility of Extension

• Regular Visa: Cannot be extended. The foreign national must leave Turkey once the visa expires.
• Student Visa: Cannot be extended either. However, the student must apply for a student residence permit in Turkey to continue their educational journey.

After obtaining a student visa for Turkey, the student can travel and reside in Turkey. The duration of the student’s stay in Turkey after receiving the visa varies depending on their nationality.

• For citizens of some countries, the permitted stay is 30 days.
• For citizens of other countries, the permitted stay is 90 days.

Important Note:

The allowed stay in Turkey after obtaining a student visa does not exceed 90 days. Therefore, students must apply for a student residence permit in Turkey after entering the country. Otherwise, they will be required to leave Turkey once the visa period expires.

The fees for obtaining a student visa for Turkey vary depending on the student’s country of origin. Generally, the fees range between $60 and $190 USD.

Below are the student visa fees for some nationalities:

• Egypt: Single entry: $145 USD
• Saudi Arabia: $60 USD
• Jordan: $60 USD
• Lebanon: $60 USD
• Morocco: $60 USD

Note: Some Arab countries are exempt from student visa fees, such as Iraq, where students are not required to pay for a student visa to Turkey.

Student visa holders in Turkey are not allowed to work.

The only way for international students to work legally in Turkey is by obtaining a work permit.

Obtaining a student visa is the first step toward studying in Turkey’s educational institutions. However, a student visa application may be rejected in some cases due to the following reasons:

• Incomplete or Incorrect Documents:
  • Applications may be rejected if the required documents are incomplete or inaccurate.
  • Ensure all documents are provided, translated into Turkish or English, and are either original or certified copies.
• Financial Issues:
  • Insufficient bank account funds or failure to prove the ability to cover tuition and living expenses in Turkey.
  • Generally, students must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover expenses for at least one year.
• Passport Issues:
  • Expired or soon-to-expire passports can result in rejection.
  • The passport must be valid for at least one year and free of any damage or alterations.
• Lack of University Acceptance:
  • Students must provide an acceptance letter from a recognized university in Turkey. Without it, the visa application will not be processed.
• Errors in the Visa Application Form:
  • Mistakes or incomplete information in the application form can lead to rejection.
  • Ensure the form is filled out accurately and clearly to avoid issues.

Tip: Double-check all details and documents before submitting your application to increase the chances of approval.

If your student visa application for Turkey is rejected, here are some tips to help you handle the situation:

1. Identify the Reason for Rejection

• Review the rejection letter to understand the specific reason for the denial. Common reasons include:
• Incomplete or incorrect documents
• Insufficient bank statement
• Lack of insurance
• Passport nearing expiration
• In some cases, you may request a reconsideration of your application by submitting additional documents or correcting errors.
• Contact the Turkish embassy or consulate to check if reconsideration is an option.

2. Reapply for a Student Visa

• After addressing the issues that led to the initial rejection, you can submit a new application.
• Ensure that all required documents are complete, accurate, and meet the student visa requirements.

3. Explore Alternative Options

• If reapplying is not successful, consider studying in another country with similar opportunities.

Additional Tips:

• Keep all documents related to your student visa application, including the rejection letter, for future reference.
• Be patient, as obtaining a student visa can take time and effort. If your application is rejected, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends waiting at least 6 months before reapplying.
• Seek professional assistance if needed. Educational consultants or platforms like Directly Educational Company can guide you through the process of studying in Turkey.

By addressing the reasons for rejection and ensuring your application meets all requirements, you can improve your chances of success in the future.

Important Steps for Students After Receiving a Turkish Student Visa:

• Find Suitable Accommodation in Your Study City: Universities often assist international students in finding accommodation. Students can also explore suitable housing options online or through local real estate agents.
• Obtain a Student Residence Permit in Turkey: After arriving in Turkey and registering at your university, you must apply for a student residence permit from the Directorate General of Migration Management. Once your application is approved, you will receive a residence card and a foreign identity number. Always ensure to renew your student residence permit before it expires.