Regulations For International Students

a. Student Visa

International students must obtain a valid student visa from the nearest Turkish Consulate in their country. Student visa is required for registration and must be obtained before entering Turkey. International students should apply with the official letter showing their YOS scores to the Consulate to apply for student visa. Applicants for graduate studies should apply with the letter of acceptance from the university concerned.

b. Residence

All international students, regardless of status, must register with, and obtain a Residence Permit (Ikamet Belgesi) from the Department of Foreign Section at the Directorate of Security in each province. Legally, international students must register within one month after entering Turkey and should keep their Residence Permit with them at all times. Besides, Residence Permit is subject to renewal for each year along with the submission of a student certificate.

c. Work

International students, unfortunately, have no right to work legally either in public or private office. However, there might be very few and little paid student assistant jobs at some universities such as METU and Bilkent.

d. Insurance

Students are urged to purchase appropriate insurance for emergency and hospitalization valid in Turkey. International students are responsible for any cost of hospitalization or for any medical service or treatment not available at university campuses.