For international students planning to study in Turkey, a student visa is a fundamental requirement for legal entry into the country and long-term residence permit. The visa application process is usually carried out through the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Turkey in the student’s home country and must be completed before the start of the education program.
Student Visa and Residence Permit
A student visa and a residence permit are two key requirements for international students. While the specific process varies by country, here is a general overview:
Studying in Turkey as an international student involves two main steps: getting a student visa and a residence permit. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Student Visa
You must apply for a student visa at the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your home country before you travel.
Key Requirements:
- Acceptance Letter: An official letter of admission from a Turkish university or educational institution.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Proof of Financial Means: Documents like bank statements or scholarship letters to show you can cover your educational and living expenses.
- Health Insurance: Proof of a valid travel health insurance plan for Turkey.
- Biometric Photos: Standard passport-sized photos.
2. Student Residence Permit
After arriving in Turkey, you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of your entry date. The application is made online through the e-residence system of the General Directorate of Migration Management.
Key Requirements:
- e-İkamet Application Form: The form generated and printed from the online system.
- Passport Photocopies: Copies of your passport’s identity page and the page with your entry stamp.
- Student Certificate: An official document from your university proving you are an active student.
- Proof of Address: A dormitory document, a notarized rental contract, or a similar official document showing your address in Turkey.
- Health Insurance: A valid health insurance policy that covers the duration of your requested residence permit.
- Fee Receipt: Proof that you have paid the required fees for the residence permit card.
- Biometric Photos: Four biometric photos taken within the last six months with a white background.
Remember, the process can take time. To ensure a smooth experience, always check the official website of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey Directorate General of Migration Management for the most up-to-date information. You can also get support from your university’s international student office.
Navigating the student visa process for Turkey requires careful attention to detail. The requirements can vary slightly depending on your country of origin and the specific Turkish consulate or embassy you are applying through. However, the core documents and procedures are generally the same.
What do you need for a student visa in Turkey?
You need a student visa to enter Turkey for educational purposes if your stay will be longer than 90 days. This is a crucial step before arriving in the country. Once in Turkey, you will then apply for a student residence permit to cover your entire study period.
What are the documents required for a student visa application?
While the exact list can vary, the following documents are almost universally required for a Turkish student visa application:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the “duration of stay” of your visa, or 6 months beyond your intended stay. It should have at least two blank pages.
- Completed Visa Application Form: This form is typically filled out online through the Turkish government’s e-visa or pre-application system. You will receive an appointment date after submission.
- Letter of Acceptance: This is the most critical document. It must be an official letter from a Turkish university or educational institution confirming your acceptance and the duration of your program.
- Biometric Photographs: You will need two recent passport-sized biometric photos taken against a white background.
- Proof of Financial Means: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your stay. This is usually shown through a bank statement.
- Proof of Accommodation: This can be a letter from a university dormitory, a notarized rental agreement, or an invitation letter from a host in Turkey.
- Travel Arrangements: A copy of your flight reservation or itinerary showing your planned arrival in Turkey.
- Travel Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance that is valid in Turkey and covers your intended period of stay.
- Visa Application Fee: The non-refundable fee for processing the visa.
Additional documents that may be requested:
- Copies of your previous diplomas and academic transcripts.
- A letter of motivation or intent.
- A letter of sponsorship if your parents or a sponsor will be covering your expenses, along with their financial documents.
- For minors, a notarized letter of consent from parents or legal guardians.
How much bank balance is required for a Turkey student visa?
There is no single, fixed amount. The required bank balance is meant to prove that you can financially support yourself during your studies. As a general guideline, you should be able to show enough funds to cover:
- Tuition fees: The full amount for at least one year.
- Living expenses: It is often recommended to show a minimum of €800 per month or around $50 per day for living costs.
- Travel costs: Funds to cover your round-trip airfare.
Some sources suggest a total amount of $5,000 to $8,000 for a year, but this can vary based on the city (major cities like Istanbul are more expensive) and your university. It is highly recommended that your bank statements show consistent funds over a period of at least the last three months to avoid suspicion of a sudden large deposit. If you have a scholarship, you will need to provide proof of the scholarship award as your financial evidence.
How to Get a Student Visa
Turkey student visa applications are usually submitted through the Consulate or Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in the student’s country of citizenship. The process involves several steps and applications are usually finalized within 2 to 8 weeks. This time varies depending on the consulate density and the completeness of the applicant’s documents. You can check your country-specific processes on the T.C. Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Visa General Information page.
How Many Days Does It Take to Issue a Student Visa?
The length of the visa application process varies depending on the country of application, the intensity of the consulate and the completeness of the documents.
Expected Periods in the Application Process
Applications usually take between 2 and 8 weeks. During peak periods (e.g. summer months or university enrollment period) this period may be longer. Therefore, if possible, it is best to submit your application at least 2 months before your planned training start date.
Residence Permit for Foreign Students
This visa is required for entry into Turkey, but for longer stays a student residence permit is also required.
Procedures After Entry to Turkey with a Student Visa
Once you have received your visa, you can enter Turkey. When you enter with this visa at the airport, you should go to your university in Turkey and apply for a student residence permit.