Process of Applying for a Turkish Student Visa in 2024

Applying for a Student Visa for Turkey

Obtaining a student visa for Turkey is one of the fundamental steps for young students seeking international education. This type of visa allows students to study in different countries and gain new experiences. In general, the requirements for a Turkish student visa are not overly complicated, and by following the necessary steps, one can complete the process. To learn more about the costs and requirements of a Turkish student visa, stay with us until the end of this article by Elm Vira.

What is a Turkish Visa?

Before diving into the student visa application process, it is important to understand what a Turkish visa is and its purpose. A Turkish visa is an official permit issued by the Republic of Turkey that allows foreign travelers to enter the country for various purposes, including tourism, business, and education. In other words, it is an essential document that regulates and monitors the entry of foreign nationals into Turkey, and visa holders must comply with its conditions.

The validity of your visa depends on its type, your nationality, and the purpose of your visit. For instance, a tourist visa may allow a stay of 30 to 90 days, enabling visitors to explore the country for a limited period. On the other hand, a student visa generally has a longer validity, depending on the duration of the applicant’s academic program. Applicants must review the details of their Turkish visa to understand the permitted stay period and plan their travels accordingly.

Student Visa Requirements for Turkey

One of the primary requirements for obtaining a Turkish student visa is securing official admission as an international student at a Turkish university. Students who intend to pursue higher education and obtain student residency in Turkey must apply for a Turkish student visa through the nearest Turkish consulate in their home country.

It is important to note that the process of obtaining a student visa for Turkey takes approximately two months. Therefore, as soon as you receive your admission letter from your chosen university, you should immediately begin the visa application process.

Benefits of a Turkish Student Visa and Studying in Turkey

It’s worth noting that Turkey ranks second in the world for access to higher education, with a 94.2% enrollment rate. Additionally, the country follows the European higher education system, meaning that degrees earned from Turkish universities are recognized across Europe. Some of the advantages of applying for a Turkish student visa and studying at universities in Turkey include the following:

• The opportunity to study at universities with high-quality academic, living, and educational standards
• The chance to study with low tuition and living expenses
• Access to scholarships from some of the best universities in Europe
• Permission to travel and work in European countries
• The possibility of obtaining residency for your spouse and children under 18
• The ability to apply for European and American visas after obtaining Turkish permanent residency or citizenship
• The chance to acquire a Turkish red passport, granting all rights of Turkish citizens

Conditions for a Turkish Student Visa

In general, the Turkish government does not impose strict requirements for studying in the country. As such, the process for obtaining a Turkish student visa is relatively straightforward compared to other countries, and you will not face many difficulties during the application. Below are some of the key conditions for applying for a Turkish student visa:

• The student must not have received social welfare assistance from government institutions in the past three years
• The student must not have committed any crimes during their stay in Turkey
• Sufficient financial resources must be available to cover living expenses in Turkey
• The student must maintain the conditions for temporary residence in Turkey
• The student must fulfill the requirements for permanent residence
• The ability to financially support oneself and their family during their stay in Turkey
• Adherence to Turkey’s laws and regulations
• Having valid health insurance
• Proficiency in the Turkish language

Overview of the Turkish Student Visa Application Process

Following the Turkish student visa application process is crucial for achieving the dream of studying in Turkey. The process requires several important steps to ensure a successful visa outcome. Below are the steps for students who meet the conditions for a Turkish student visa:

1. Obtain Admission from a University:
2. First, you must be accepted by the university where you wish to study. This is a fundamental requirement before beginning the visa application process.
3. Schedule an Appointment at the Turkish Embassy or Consulate:
4. You need to book an appointment at the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country. You can do this through the embassy’s website or specialized application centers.
5. Attend the In-Person Appointment:
6. You must personally attend the appointment to submit your visa application. This process requires you to submit your documents in person.
7. Obtain Travel Insurance:
8. Get travel insurance from a reputable provider near the embassy or consulate. This insurance covers your stay in Turkey and is one of the essential requirements.
9. Submit Required Documents:
10. If applying online, ensure that you upload all required documents clearly and have them verified by educational institutions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
11. Pay Visa Fees:
12. Pay the visa fees, which may vary from country to country. Before applying, make sure you know the specific fees for your country.
13. Wait for a Response:
14. After submitting your application, wait a few days to receive a message regarding the approval or rejection of your visa. If approved, you will receive a notification to begin your academic journey in Turkey.

Required Documents for the Turkish Student Visa Application Process

Please note that the Turkish student visa application process requires a set of important documents. By carefully preparing these documents and meeting the conditions for the Turkish student visa, you can ensure that your application will be accepted quickly and easily. The required documents for obtaining a Turkish student visa are as follows:

1. Valid Passport:
2. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
3. Passport Photo:
4. Submit a recent 4×6 passport-sized photo with a white background.
5. University Admission Letter:
6. Attach the final acceptance letter from the university or the student admission document, officially stamped by the university.
7. Payment Receipt:
8. Submit a confirmation letter of the payment of your university fees.
9. Proof of Enrollment:
10. The embassy may ask the university to send an email confirming your enrollment.
11. Bank Statement:
12. Provide a bank statement that covers your stay in Turkey.
13. Accommodation Details:
14. Provide details of your accommodation during your studies, such as university housing information, a rental contract, or an initial hotel reservation.
15. High School or Bachelor’s Degree Certificate:
16. Submit a translated version of your high school diploma and transcripts into Turkish, verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish embassy.
17. Initial Flight Reservation:
18. Provide proof of your initial flight reservation.
19. Health Insurance:
20. Obtain health insurance from visa application centers.

By preparing these documents, you will be ready to apply for your Turkish student visa. Keep in mind that the requirements may vary from one country to another, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your country.

Appointment Request for Turkish Student Visa

As mentioned earlier, one of the steps in the Turkish student visa application process is scheduling an appointment for the visa. If you meet the other requirements for the Turkish student visa, follow these steps to request your appointment:

1. Visit the Embassy or Consulate Website:
2. Start by visiting the official website of the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country.
3. Online Appointment Booking:
4. Choose the appointment booking option and complete the online form with your personal information and the purpose of your visit.
5. Select the Visa Type:
6. Choose “Student Visa” as your required visa type.
7. Choose a Convenient Appointment Slot:
8. Select an available and convenient date and time for your appointment.
9. Confirm the Appointment:
10. After booking, you will receive an appointment confirmation via email or text message. Keep this confirmation for your appointment day.
11. Attend the Appointment:
12. On the scheduled date, visit the embassy or consulate with all required documents.

Conditions for Student Residence Permit Application in Turkey

Obtaining a student residence permit in Turkey is a crucial step to ensure a legal stay after entering with a student visa. After entering Turkey, you must apply for a student residence permit within the validity period of your student visa, which ranges from 30 to 90 days. The steps for applying for a residence permit are as follows:

1. Prepare Photos:
2. Provide 4 biometric photos with a white background.
3. Document Copies:
4. Submit a copy of your passport and your student visa.
5. Student Certificate:
6. Obtain a student certificate (Öğrenci Belgesi) from your university.
7. Pay the Tax:
8. Pay the applicable student tax.
9. Book an Appointment:
10. Schedule an online appointment with the immigration office.
11. Health Insurance:
12. Obtain valid health insurance.

A student residence permit offers various benefits, such as access to housing and student transport cards that provide discounts on all public transport and other benefits for different activities. The student residence permit in Turkey ends after completing your bachelor’s degree, after which you can convert it to a tourist or work permit.

It is important to note that international students are generally not allowed to work on a student visa, except for graduate students who may work alongside their studies. The student residence permit also allows you to travel back to your home country during holidays or academic breaks, provided you receive approval from your university and explain your situation.

Student Visa Application Process for Different Nationalities

The general student visa application process for Turkey involves completing certain essential steps. Students from various nationalities who meet the eligibility criteria for a Turkish student visa must follow a specific set of steps and provide the required documents. Below are the conditions for different nationalities:

1. Turkish Student Visa for Syrians

The Turkish government offers special facilities for Syrian students who wish to study in Turkey. The steps for Syrian students to apply for a student visa are as follows:

• Obtain an acceptance letter from a recognized Turkish university.
• Submit the student visa application.
• Provide required documents such as passport, personal photos, university acceptance letter, bank statement, and health insurance.

1. Turkish Student Visa for Egyptians

Turkey seeks to attract Egyptian students through various educational programs. The steps for Egyptian students who meet the eligibility requirements for a Turkish student visa are as follows:

• Obtain an acceptance letter from a Turkish university.
• Submit the visa application at the Turkish embassy in Cairo or through a visa application center.
• Provide required documents, including passport, personal photos, university acceptance letter, bank statement, and health insurance.

1. Turkish Student Visa for Yemenis

Turkey offers excellent educational opportunities to Yemeni students. Yemeni students who meet the necessary conditions for applying for a Turkish student visa must follow these steps:

• Obtain an acceptance letter from a Turkish university.
• Submit the visa application at the Turkish embassy in Yemen or a neighboring country.
• Provide necessary documents such as passport, personal photos, university acceptance letter, bank statement, and health insurance.

Each country may have slight variations in the application process depending on diplomatic relations and logistical procedures, so students should always verify the specific requirements for their country before applying.

4. Turkish Student Visa for Moroccans

Turkey offers various educational programs that attract Moroccan students. The steps for Moroccan students to apply for a Turkish student visa are as follows:

• Obtain an acceptance letter from a recognized Turkish university.
• Submit the visa application at the Turkish embassy in Morocco.
• Provide the required documents, such as passport, personal photos, university acceptance letter, bank statement, and health insurance.

Cost of Turkish Student Visa

As mentioned, obtaining a student visa for Turkey is an essential step for international students who wish to study at Turkish universities. The process is handled by the Turkish foreign representative in the applicant’s country. Applicants must send their acceptance letter to the Turkish foreign representative, who will process the student visa.

Below is a breakdown of the typical costs associated with the Turkish student visa process:

Fee TypeAmount (Turkish Lira)

Travel Insurance Fee Approximately 3,000

Application Processing and Appointment Fee Approximately 700

Financial Proof Fees Approximately 4,000-5,000 (depending on the case)

Visa Payment Fee Approximately 60-100 (depending on the visa type)

Document Delivery Fees Vary (depends on the delivery method)

Reasons for Rejection of Turkish Student Visa

Some students may face rejection of their Turkish student visa applications despite following the proper process. Here are some of the most common reasons for rejection:

1. Incomplete Application: Submitting an incomplete application can lead to a visa rejection.
2. Unverified or Insufficient Documents: Lack of verified or sufficient documents is a common reason for visa denial.
3. Weak Bank Statement: If the bank statement does not show sufficient funds to support the student’s stay in Turkey, the visa application may be rejected.
4. Expired Passport: The passport must be valid for the entire duration of the student’s studies.
5. Incorrect or Inconsistent Information: Providing inaccurate or conflicting information in the application can lead to rejection.
6. Failure in Personal Interview: If the student does not perform well in the personal interview, it may result in a visa refusal.
7. Criminal Record: Having unresolved legal issues or a criminal record may lead to a rejection of the visa application.

Ensuring that all documents are complete, accurate, and valid is crucial for a successful application.

How to Find the Reason for Turkish Student Visa Rejection

If your Turkish student visa application has been rejected, you can follow the steps below to find out the specific reason for the rejection:

1. Contact the Embassy or Consulate: After receiving a rejection notice, you can contact the Turkish embassy or consulate to inquire about the exact reason for the rejection.
2. Review Documents: Carefully go through all the documents you submitted to ensure there were no errors or missing information.
3. Direct Communication: Contact the relevant authority directly for assistance in understanding the rejection.

What to Do If Your Turkish Student Visa Application is Rejected

If your visa application is rejected, here are some steps you can take to address the issue:

1. Reapply: If the rejection was due to an incomplete application, you can correct the mistakes and submit a new application with all the required documents.
2. Fix Mistakes: If the reason for rejection was related to unverified documents or a weak bank statement, resolve the issues and submit a new application.
3. Submit an Appeal: If you believe the rejection was unjustified, you can file an appeal and contact the embassy or visa center to schedule another appointment.
4. Review Documents: Before reapplying, ensure all the necessary documents are thoroughly reviewed to ensure your application is complete and accurate.

By following these steps, you can overcome potential obstacles and ensure your student visa application is successfully submitted.

Who Can Apply for a Turkish Student Visa?

Except for the citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, students from all other countries can apply for a Turkish student visa to study in schools and universities in Turkey. However, the following groups are exempt from the general Turkish student visa process:

1. International Students: Those who have already completed their high school education in Turkey and now wish to pursue their bachelor’s or master’s degree at a higher education institution in Turkey.
2. Children of Individuals: Those whose parents reside in Turkey with a permanent residence permit or work visa.
3. Foreign Nationals with a Blue Card: Individuals holding a blue residence card are also exempt from the typical visa requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a Turkish student visa requires careful adherence to the application process and preparation of the necessary documents to ensure acceptance. From selecting the right university and securing an admission offer to submitting the visa application and completing residence procedures, each step is crucial for a smooth start to your academic journey in Turkey.

If you need assistance or guidance at any stage of the Turkish student visa process, the Elm Vira immigration team is here to support you. Our experts offer free consultations regarding the costs and procedures of the Turkish student visa, helping you take the best steps to achieve your goal.