Are you an international student applying for a Student Visa in Turkey? Did the Turkish embassy reject your visa application? Perhaps, you like to find out the right way to apply for a visa. Continue reading if your answer is yes.
A student visa in Turkey is an essential requirement if you are an international student. Except you fall among the following exemptions, you will need a student visa in Turkey to study. The exemptions include:
- Blue cardholders
- Students who hail from the Northern Republic of Cyprus
- Students with parents who hold work visas with a valid Turkish resident permit
Turkey is a choice location for both undergraduate and graduate studies. The Turkish Council of Higher Education has a record of 250,000 international students currently studying in Turkey. Besides its quality education delivery, the rich culture is responsible for bringing these students to the country.
Turkey is strategically situated between Europe and Asia and has a rich history. The country’s historical role in the two regions has been a crucial one. The country serves as a crossroads between the Mediterranean, the Balkans, the Caucasians, and the Middle East.
In terms of population and size, Turkey ranks among the largest countries in the region. The people are also hospitable, which makes it easy to blend in as a student.
New Zealand offers many great study opportunities. Read How to Get New Zealand Student Visa | Step-by-Step Procedures to find out how to get a student visa.
Continue reading to find out how to get student visa in turkey.
What is a Student Visa?
A student visa is an entry permit for international students that want to study in Turkey. You cannot use a student visa for other purposes, like business and employment. It is solely for educational purposes and allows students to settle in Turkey throughout their academic years. With a student visa, you can apply for a residency permit in Turkey.
If you wish to enroll in an academic institution, university, college, or school, you need a Turkey student visa. Also, Individuals that wish to pursue an internship or attend a course in Turkey require a student visa.
Types of Student Visa in Turkey
Before applying for a student visa in Turkey, it is essential to understand the different types available. The Turkish visa online application form provides you the opportunity to select from one of the following visa types:
- Course purpose visa
- Educational purpose visa
- Education in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
- Internship AIESEC
- ERASMUS Internship
- Internship visa
To learn more about writing a student visa sponsorship letter, read: Write a Student Visa Sponsorship Letter | 2024 Tips.
How does a student visa work in Turkey
Before starting your visa application process, it is essential to understand how student visas work. Things you should consider when applying for a student visa in Turkey are:
#1. Check the Type of student visas available
When you’re applying for your student visa online, it is important to select the right visa type. It is the only way to increase your chance of approval.
#2. Check the processing time
The processing time for a Turkish student visa depends on your country of application. Therefore, it is essential to check the visa processing time for your country beforehand.
#3. Application method
First, you must visit the visa portal to complete the online forms as a prerequisite to your application. After completing your application, you will get an appointment date via email for your visa interview.
#4. Pay your visa processing fee
Note that visa application attracts a visa processing fee, which is non-refundable. If you are traveling with a family member or your spouse, ensure you check the appropriate fees and pay for them too.
#5. When and where to apply
To avoid complications during your Turkish student visa application, it is essential to do it at the right time. There are two standard visa application time frames:
- The early application: within 60 days before your departure date to Turkey
- Late application: within 30 days before your scheduled date of travel to Turkey
You can submit your visa application at any of the following offices:
- The Turkish embassy
- The Turkish consulate office
- Third-party visa application center
#6. Submit your application and supporting documents
Remember to collect all the documents your application requires and submit them alongside your application. You can submit your Turkish visa application at a Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country.
#7. Wait for approval
If the embassy approves your application, you will be scheduled for a visa interview. You will appear before the Turkish embassy in your home country for your interview. It is crucial to understand that it is only the Turkish embassy that is eligible to process, approve, or make the final decision concerning your visa application.
Requirements and Eligibility Criteria for Student Visa in Turkey
An acceptance letter or its equivalent is the crucial first step to apply for a Turkey student visa. With none of these letters, you cannot proceed with your visa application. Besides an acceptance letter, you will also need to provide the following documents:
- A filled copy of the visa application form signed by you
- A valid international passport. Your passport should be valid for at least ninety days
- A biometric photograph that meets the Turkey visa photo specifications
- Proof of fees paid for the intended program, where applicable
- Copy of your transcript, certificates, or diplomas from your previous school
- Proof of financial capability to ensure that you can cater for your fees and living expenses. The Turkish government will require some documents as proof of your financial capability. The document may be one of the following:
- A bank statement showing the availability of funds for your studies
- Scholarship letter for a student on scholarship.
- Sponsorship letter if your parents or someone else will be sponsoring your education and stay in Turkey.
Evidence of accommodation. Proof of residence may be necessary depending on your location.
- For students who will be living in a dormitory, proof of space reservation is necessary
- If you will be staying with a friend or relative in Turkey, a letter of invitation from the host is essential.
- If you will be living in a rented apartment, proof of the rent agreement with your landlord is necessary.
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How Long is a Turkish Student Visa Valid?
Your Turkish student visa is valid for 90 days. Therefore, you need a residency permit to stay beyond 90 days. Visit the Provincial Directorate of Migration and Administration to apply for a residency permit. Go with the following documents:
- A copy of the application form
- A copy of your passport, including photocopies, and your student visa
- Evidence of admission to a university
- Four passport-size photographs
A Turkish student residency permit is valid for a year and renewable 60 days before it expires. Visit the local authorities to renew your visa.
How to Apply for a Student Visa in Turkey
Applying for a student visa in Turkey involves many steps and the collection of different documents. Here are the following steps to apply for a visa in Turkey:
Obtain acceptance into a Turkish academic program. To be eligible to apply for a student visa, you need an acceptance letter from a university in Turkey.
Make an appointment at your local consulate or embassy. You need to visit a Turkish embassy or consulate in your location in-person to apply. You can also book an appointment online.
Complete your visa application documents and provide all the necessary documents. When you go for your visa appointment, go with the documents. You will also complete and sign the visa documents and submit them to the consulate. The Turkish consular office will interview you briefly. The questions mostly have to do with your plans and what you intend to do when you get to Turkey.
The interview can make or mar your chances of getting a visa. Therefore, a good first impression is necessary.
Await the decision from the Turkish embassy. Only the Turkish embassy has the power to make the final decision on your application. It is sometimes possible to track your visa application process on the Turkish consulate website. If your application is successful, then you move to the next step. If not, then read the section on What to Do if the Embassy Rejects My Turkish Visa Application.
Apply for a residency permit. All successful candidates that arrive in Turkey must apply for a residency permit within 30 days. It is the only way to ensure your continuous stay in the country throughout your academic years. The name of the Turkish residency permit is ikamet. It allows you to live and enjoy services like banking in Turkey. Ensure you extend your ikamet before the expiration date. It is ideal to apply for a new one six weeks before it expires.
Student Visa Fees and Costs in Turkey
Except for students from the UAE, the cost of a Turkish sticker visa is the same for other nationalities. Visa costs are:
- A single entry visa costs about €55 for every country and about €117 for the UAE.
- A double-entry visa costs about €110 for all countries and around €233 for the UAE.
- Multiple entry visas cost about €180 for all countries and around €465 for the UAE.
Are you applying for a student visa on a low budget? Read How to Get Student Visa Sponsorship | Step-by-Step Procedures to learn how to work on a budget.
Student Visa Processing Time in Turkey
The processing time for a Turkish student visa depends on your country of application. For some countries, the response is as early as three days. The maximum waiting time is fifteen days for all countries.
Can I Get a Student Visa in Turkey Without IELTS?
Turkey is one of the most popular locations for tourists across the globe. The cities have a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant history. It is a city where many foreigners love to settle down after their visit.
The government of Turkey focuses on quality and affordable education. Today, Turkey is the main target for foreigners. Turkey is very hospitable and welcoming to foreigners.
Nonetheless, like other international institutions, studying in Turkey requires an IELTS band. The English language is the primary language for all academic institutions in Turkey. So, all potential students must know how to read, write, listen, and speak basic English.
IELTS is crucial for ascertaining the student’s level of English language understanding. IELTS score requirements are not the same for all schools in Turkey. While some require a high IELTS score, others require a low score for admission.
- Universities like Yesar and Ozyegin require an IELT band of 5.0.
- East Technical University and the Izmer University of Economics require an IELTS band of 6.0.
- Maltepe University requires a minimum of 5.5 IELTS bands.
The highest IELTS band for universities in Turkey is 6.0, which is less than many other international students.
Do you want to pass your IELTS test for the first time? Read The Best IELTS Reading Tips From An Expert In 2024.
Working While Studying in Turkey
It is illegal for individuals on a student visa to work while studying in Turkey. However, students can apply for a work permit if they want to combine work and schooling. Nonetheless, it is difficult to find a part-time job in Turkey as a student due to the language barrier. Employers in Turkey love to hire only those that understand and speak the language fluently.
The only available jobs for international students in Turkey are very few. When compared to places like Canada and the United States it is difficult to land a part-time job. Deep search and the right connections are required to get a good part-time job as a student.
Recent laws in Turkey prohibit undergraduate students and students on short-term programs from taking up part-time jobs. Students with a higher educational degree or studying formal courses are eligible for a work permit. Once a Turkish student can secure a work permit, they become eligible for a residency permit. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in charge of employing and managing students.
Completing your education from a reputable university in Turkey makes you eligible to apply for a work permit. Send your work permit application to the International Labour Policy Advisory Board for review and verification. If you are interested in continuing living and working in Turkey, you need to apply for a work permit. You should forward your application within the first year of your graduation.
Note that a bachelor’s degree holder is not eligible for the Turkey work permit. While the student holds a short-term residency, it does not count as eligibility criteria for a work permit. Students who graduate with a higher degree in Turkey are eligible for a Turkey Work Permit.
Do you want to work and study in France? Read: Work And Study In France, Things You Must Know for tips on how it works.
What to Do if the Embassy Rejects My Turkish Visa Application?
If the embassy rejects your student visa application due to an error, you can reapply. However, rectify any errors from the initial application before reapplying. You can reapply as early as 24 hours after the rejection of your first application. Ensure that all the information you provide is accurate when reapplying for a student visa. You can receive your visa within three to fifteen days.
If you believe that the rejection of your visa was unfair you can forward your complaints to your local Turkish consulate. Booking an appointment with the Turkish Embassy may take weeks or months. Therefore, it might benefit you to apply for a visa earlier before making your travel preparations.
Ensure to carry any document that helps to show why they should accept your application. It can help them rectify your problem faster. If you cannot visit the consulate or embassy in person, you can write to them. Highlight in your letter why you believe your rejection was not fair. Don’t forget to submit your letter with any supporting documents.
FAQs About The Turkey Student Visa
As soon as you arrive in Turkey on a student visa, register yourself with the local police department. Then apply for a residence permit at the Provincial Directorate of Migration and Administration.
A few exceptions can permit an individual on a student visa to work in Turkey. A student with a residency permit can legally take up a job in Turkey. However, recent laws prohibit undergraduate students and students on a short course from working. Individuals studying for a higher education degree and those taking formal education courses are eligible to work.
Yes. The conditions for applying for a work permit visa include an offer of an appointment from a reputable organization. Applicants that submit the necessary eligibility documents will receive a work permit.
Yes. Like other international universities, Turkey requires an IELTS band of at least 5.0 for students.
Depending on your country of origin, it takes three to fifteen days to process a student visa.
The student visa is valid for one hundred and eighty (180) days from your day of arrival. Apply for a residency permit to continue staying in Turkey. Submit your application within 90 days of arriving in the country.
Conclusion
A student visa in Turkey is the only document that permits an individual to study in Turkey. Whether you are going for a degree or an advanced degree, a short program, or attending a college, the Turkish visa is the only document that grants you the opportunity to do so.
If you meet the requirements, you can get a response within three to fifteen days.
References
- Studee.com—How to apply for a Turkey student visa
- Visaguide.world—Turkey student visa
- Turkey-e-visa.com—Turkey Student Visa –Guide to Applying for a Turkish Student Visa
- Britannica.com—Turkey
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