Student Visa to Turkey, or the Student Visa

In this piece, we cover everything related to the student visa to Turkey, following this table of contents:

Who is eligible to obtain a student visa to Turkey?

• What is required to obtain the student visa to enter Turkey?

• After obtaining the student visa, what steps are required after entering Turkey?I

• obtained a student residence permit valid for two years, and my graduation date falls six months before it expires — is my residence permit still considered valid as a student after graduation?

• What specialized services does Hallak Turkey Services Company offer for students wishing to study in Turkey or obtain a Turkish student visa?

• Frequently asked questions

Who Is Eligible to Obtain a Student Visa to Turkey?

Bachelor's and master's students who have been accepted at a Turkish university, whether private or public. The student applies for the student visa at one of the Turkish diplomatic missions — Turkish embassies or consulates — in the country where they reside. Students holding nationalities that do not require a visa to enter Turkey, such as Lebanese or Moroccan nationals, for example, are exempt from the student visa requirement.

What Is Required to Obtain the Student Visa to Enter Turkey?

• The final acceptance letter and student document — sometimes a preliminary acceptance is accepted, but a final acceptance letter and student document are preferable.

• A receipt showing payment of the university tuition fees to the university's account, whether a Turkish public or private university.

• A completed visa application form.

• A passport valid for at least six months.

• Travel insurance for the visa.

• Recent personal photos, less than 6 months old.

• Proof of the student's or their guardian's financial standing (a bank statement from the country of residence or home country).

• The visa fee, which is a non-refundable amount in the event of rejection.

• A hotel reservation matching the student visa application date and the date of entry into Turkey.

• A flight reservation matching the student visa application date and the date of entry into Turkey.

After Obtaining the Student Visa, What Steps Are Required After Entering Turkey?

After entering Turkey on a student visa, it is advisable to apply immediately for the student residence permit in order to save time. Generally, you will receive a one-year residence permit if you are doing a preparatory year of study — a one-year program (which includes studying Turkish or English) — or, if the student is proficient in one of these two languages, they may take the language-exemption exam, in which case they can obtain a student residence permit for two years or more, depending on the length of the program, taking into account the passport's validity.

I Obtained a Student Residence Permit Valid for Two Years, and My Graduation Date Falls Six Months Before It Expires — Is My Residence Permit Still Considered Valid as a Student After Graduation?

The expiry date of the student residence permit is the same as the graduation date, and a ten-day grace period is granted to apply for a residence permit of a type other than student, regardless of the validity date shown on the residence permit that was issued.

What Specialized Services Does Hallak Turkey Services Company Offer for Students Wishing to Study in Turkey or Obtain a Turkish Student Visa?

Hallak Turkey Services Company provides you with everything you need regarding the student visa, from university acceptance to preparing the visa application file, airport pickup, and completing your university registration. In addition, we arrange housing directly for our valued students, and handle obtaining the student residence permit and the transportation card for ease of getting around. By reaching out to Hallak Turkey Services Company, you will get all the services and information you need to settle in and begin your studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a student allowed to work in Turkey?

A: Yes, students are allowed to work up to 24 hours a week under Turkish law.

Q: Can a student look for and obtain a job in Turkey after finishing their university studies?

A: Yes, a student is entitled to work and look for opportunities in Turkey, and you will find many job opportunities there thanks to its strong industrial and commercial sectors.

Q: Does a student obtain Turkish citizenship if they complete five years of study at a Turkish university?

A: Turkish citizenship is not automatically granted even after completing five years of study. However, Syrians in particular are often nominated for Turkish citizenship on an exceptional basis. As for other nationalities, if they finish their studies and wish to work legally under a work residence permit, they are entitled to convert their residence permit to a work residence permit after finishing their studies — which is their strongest opportunity for obtaining Turkish citizenship.