Education Purpose Visa
Turkey
Last updated: December 29, 2025
1 year (renewable)
$265
15-45 days
Medium
About this Visa
This visa lets international students study in Turkey. You can pursue a degree (bachelor's, master's, PhD), attend a language school, or participate in an internship program. It's designed for students accepted to a Turkish university. You can legally live and study in Turkey for your entire program. After your first year, you can work up to 24 hours per week. Graduate students can work more freely. After graduation, you have one year to find a job. Turkey actively recruits international students and makes this visa straightforward if you have proper documentation and a university acceptance letter.
Key Benefits
- Work after first year: 24 hours per week (undergraduates); graduate students can work more flexibly
- Bring spouse and children (after arrival)
- Free public healthcare after 1 year
- Student discounts on museums, cultural sites, and transportation
- Path to Turkish citizenship after 5 years of residence
- Open Turkish bank account
- 1 year after graduation to find employment
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must have completed secondary education (high school)
- Must have acceptance from recognized Turkish university
- Must prove minimum $86-$129 USD monthly income to cover living expenses
- Must have clean criminal record with no serious convictions
- Must pass medical examination with no contagious diseases
- English language proficiency varies by university (IELTS 5.0-6.0 typical but verify with specific institution)
- Turkey maintains secret blacklist - visa can be approved but entry may be denied at airport if flagged for security reasons
- As of February 2025: Must apply for student visa before arrival - cannot enter on tourist visa and switch status
- Health insurance costs expected to increase 50-300% starting April 1, 2025
Financial Requirement
Must prove at least $86-$129 USD per month to live on. Show bank statements from last 6 months.
Documents
- Valid passportMust have 6+ months validity remaining
- University acceptance letterRequired - must specify program duration
- Health insurance proofMandatory coverage
- Bank statementsLast 6 months showing sufficient funds
- Medical exam resultsComprehensive health examination
- Criminal record certificateFrom home country
- Flight and accommodation proofBooking confirmation and address in Turkey
- Birth certificateOfficial copy
- High school diploma or completion certificateProof of secondary education completion
- Document translationsAll non-Turkish/English documents must be officially translated
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.