The Türkiye Student Visa is a mandatory permit for international learners who plan to study in Türkiye—whether at universities, language schools, or other accredited institutions. It grants entry into Türkiye for educational purposes and sets the stage for converting to a longer-term residency through a student residence permit once you arrive.
Eligibility
Acceptance letter from a Turkish institution
Student visa required for stays over 90 days
Documents
Passport (6+ months)
Acceptance letter
Visa form + 2 photos
Proof of funds
Health insurance
Accommodation proof
Processing
Takes 2–8 weeks
Visa valid 30–90 days, then apply for residence permit
Residence Permit
Apply within 30 days in Türkiye
Valid 1 year, renewable (Master’s 2 yrs, PhD 4 yrs)
Legal Entry for Study: It ensures that you can enter Türkiye legally and register at your educational institution.
Transition to Residence: Enables you to apply for a student residence permit, securing your legal stay beyond the 90-day tourist entry limitation.
Structured Renewal: Each academic year, you can renew your residency without disruption as long as you remain enrolled and meet requirements.
No. If your stay exceeds 90 days or your purpose is education, you must apply for a student visa in advance. Entering as a tourist won't allow legal study or permit conversion.
Ideally, submit your application 6–8 weeks before your departure date to account for processing delays, especially during busy academic seasons.
Failing to apply within 30 days of arrival can result in fines, issues with university registration, and potential problems with legal stay in Türkiye.
Yes. Student residence permits are typically renewed annually, matching your academic program duration.
Student visas are focused on the individual applicant. If you have dependents, they usually need to apply for their own appropriate residence permits separately.