🇹🇷 Turkey · Study Abroad
How to study in Turkey as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
Quick answer
To study in Türkiye you apply to the university (some require the YÖS exam or a recognised equivalent), then, once admitted, apply for a student visa at the Turkish consulate and, after arrival, obtain a student residence permit from the Presidency of Migration Management. Explore the university sites and apply by the deadline.
International study in Türkiye is structured through university admissions, YÖK oversight and student residence permits handled by Migration Management after arrival.
- Students should confirm language of instruction, recognition and programme eligibility directly with the university and YÖK-facing resources.
- Student residence permits are a separate immigration step after admission and entry.
- Some scholarship awardees receive placement, Turkish language and insurance support through Türkiye Scholarships.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose your course and institution
Choose your program and apply to the university; some require the YÖS exam or a recognised equivalent. Explore the university sites.
- 2
Meet academic and language requirements
Meet the academic entry requirements and prove language ability (e.g. an English or local-language test) at the level the course demands.
- 3
Apply for admission
Apply for admission through the relevant application route by the deadline, with transcripts, test scores and supporting documents.
- 4
Receive offer and enrollment document
On acceptance, obtain your official enrollment/acceptance document, which you will need for the visa application.
- 5
Apply for your student visa
Apply for a student visa at the Turkish consulate; after arrival, obtain a student residence permit from the Presidency of Migration Management.
- 6
Arrive, enroll and know the rules
Arrive before the term, complete enrollment and any residence registration, and note the rules on part-time work and post-study stay.
Checklist
- Course, level and institution chosen
- Academic + language requirements met
- Admission application submitted by deadline
- Offer + enrollment/acceptance document received
- Proof of funds + health cover prepared
- Student visa applied for + granted
- Arrival, enrollment + registration done
- Work-hours and post-study stay rules understood
Official authorities
- Council of Higher Education (YÖK)
Higher-education regulator.
- Migration Management — Residence permit types
Student residence-permit framework.
Frequently asked questions
What is the YÖS?
A foreign-student entrance exam some Turkish universities require for undergraduate admission; a recognised equivalent may also be accepted.
Are courses in Turkish or English?
Both — many programs are in Turkish, but Turkish universities offer a growing number of English-taught programs; check each one.
When do I get the residence permit?
After arriving on your student visa, you apply to the Presidency of Migration Management for a student residence permit to stay legally.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.