How to Apply for a Student Visa – A Step-by-Step Guide

Study in Turkey has become increasingly popular among international students, particularly from South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. With world-class universities, affordable tuition fees, rich cultural heritage, and a strategic location between Europe and Asia, it offers a unique academic experience. In this blog, we’ll cover the top study programs in Turkey and provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide for applying for a Turkish student visa. Read our full artile about Study in Turkey.

Top Study Programs in Turkey

Turkey offers a wide range of academic programs in English and Turkish. Here are the most popular study fields among international students: Check out the top study programs in Turkey.

1. Medicine and Health Sciences

• Top Universities: Hacettepe University, Istanbul University, Ankara University

• Duration: 6 years (Medicine), 4 years (Nursing, Pharmacy)

• Language: Turkish and English

• Why Popular: High-quality education, advanced hospitals for practicals, and relatively lower tuition than Western Europe.

2. Engineering and Technology

• Top Universities: Middle East Technical University (METU), Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Koç University

• Popular Majors: Civil, Mechanical, Software, Electrical, AI

• Why Popular: Strong technical infrastructure, research facilities, and high employability.

3. Business and Economics

• Top Universities: Bilkent University, Sabancı University, Istanbul Bilgi University

• Programs Offered: BBA, MBA, Finance, International Trade

• Why Popular: Many programs are in English, and Turkish business schools are gaining global recognition.

4. Social Sciences and Humanities

• Top Universities: Boğaziçi University, Istanbul University

• Popular Programs: Psychology, International Relations, Sociology, Political Science

• Why Popular: Multicultural academic environments and programs taught in English.

5. Architecture and Design

• Top Universities: Istanbul Technical University, Yıldız Technical University

• Programs: Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Planning

• Why Popular: Blending classical and modern design concepts in one of the world’s most historic cities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Turkish Student Visa Application

Step 1: Get Admission to a Turkish University

Before you can apply for a visa, you must have an offer letter or acceptance letter from a recognized Turkish university.

How to apply to universities in Turkey:

• Visit the university’s official website.

• Choose your program and check eligibility criteria.

• Prepare your documents: educational transcripts, passport, motivation letter, recommendation letters, language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or Turkish).

• Apply through the university portal or YÖK (Turkish Council of Higher Education) portal.

• Wait for the acceptance letter (takes 2–6 weeks).

Tip: Some universities conduct online interviews, so keep your availability and internet access ready.

---

Step 2: Gather Required Visa Documents

Once accepted, you can start preparing your documents for the Turkish Student Visa. Common documents include:

---

Step 3: Apply for Student Visa Online

Visit the Turkish visa application website and complete the pre-application form:

🌐 https://www.konsolosluk.gov.tr

• Select your home country and nearest Turkish consulate.

• Choose the visa type: “Education”.

• Upload scanned documents and book an appointment.

Tip: Book your appointment at least 4–6 weeks before your travel date.

---

Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview

On the day of your appointment:

• Reach the Turkish Embassy or Consulate on time.

• Bring original documents along with printed copies.

• The interview will be short and may include questions like:

  • Why Turkey?

  • What program and university are you joining?

  • How will you fund your education?

If everything is in order, your visa is approved in 7–15 working days.

---

Step 5: Travel to Turkey

Once you receive your visa:

• Book your flight to Turkey. Most students land in Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir.

Important: Carry your university acceptance letter and visa documents in hand luggage, as immigration officials may ask for them.

---

Step 6: Apply for a Residence Permit (İkamet)

After arriving in Turkey, you must apply for a student residence permit within 30 days.

Steps:

1. Visit the Directorate General of Migration Management website:
   🌐 https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr

2. Fill out the residence permit form.

3. Upload your documents.

4. Book an appointment at the Göç İdaresi (Immigration Office).

5. Submit documents including:

   • University letter

   • Health insurance

   • Address declaration

   • Photos

   • Passport + Visa

6. Pay the permit fee (~200–300 TL)

🛂 You will receive your residence card by post within 3–6 weeks.

Tuition and Living Costs in Turkey

Scholarships: Look into Türkiye Scholarships (Turkiye Burslari) for fully funded options.

Website: https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr

Final Checklist Before You Apply

• Apply to 2–3 universities for backup.

• Prepare a motivation letter.

• Get your educational documents translated and notarized.

• Apply for the visa 2 months before the semester starts

• Plan to arrive at least 2 weeks before classes begin.

Conclusion:

Studying in Turkey is a life-changing opportunity for international students. With diverse academic offerings, affordable living, and a safe, student-friendly environment, it’s a destination worth considering. The student visa process is straightforward if you follow the steps mentioned above.

Whether you’re aiming for Medicine in Istanbul, Engineering in Ankara, or Business in Izmir, you can confidently apply to Turkish universities and manage your visa process independently.

Explore more articles