Turkey Student Visa
The Turkey Student Visa is required for foreign nationals admitted to a course of study at a Turkish university or educational institution. It works in two stages: first, a student entry visa (sticker visa), applied for at a Turkish embassy or consulate before travelling, which is typically valid for around one month after arrival; and second, a Student Residence Permit (Öğrenci İkamet İzni), which must be applied for within 30 days of arrival through the e-ikamet system (e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr) of the Directorate General of Migration Management, and which covers the actual duration of the study programme. A student visa alone does not entitle you to remain in Turkey for your full course — the residence permit is what legally authorises your continued stay. As with every Turkey Visa category, the final decision on approval rests solely with Turkish consular authorities and the Directorate General of Migration Management.
Eligibility
You may apply for a Turkey Student Visa and Residence Permit if:
- You have been accepted for enrolment at a recognised Turkish university, academy, college, or school.
- You hold a valid passport with sufficient remaining validity.
- You have valid health insurance covering your stay (many students register for Turkey’s General Health Insurance, Genel Sağlık Sigortası).
- You can demonstrate proof of financial means to support your studies and living costs.
- You have a confirmed address in Turkey (dormitory letter, notarised rental agreement, or hotel confirmation).
Government Visa Fees
| Category | Fee |
| Student entry visa (sticker visa, via embassy/consulate) | Fee varies by nationality and consulate — confirm with the relevant Turkish embassy |
| Student Residence Permit (paid via PTT or Ziraat Bank in Turkey) | Fee set by the Directorate General of Migration Management, varies by permit duration |
Fees are payable in the relevant currency and are non-refundable, whatever the decision on the application.
Processing Time
The initial student entry visa typically takes around 15 to 30 working days to process at the embassy or consulate, so applicants are advised to apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before their intended travel date — particularly during peak intake periods (August–September for the autumn semester, December–January for the spring semester). Once in Turkey, the Student Residence Permit application must be submitted online via e-ikamet within 30 days of arrival, and the appointment/processing timeline at the local Provincial Directorate of Migration Management can vary depending on the city and its current workload.
Required Documents Checklist
For the student entry visa (before travel):
- Valid passport (with sufficient remaining validity)
- Official letter of acceptance/admission from the Turkish institution
- Proof of financial means
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Completed visa application form
For the Student Residence Permit (after arrival, within 30 days):
- Completed online e-ikamet application form, printed with the application date
- Valid passport, original and photocopies of all stamped/visa pages
- Four biometric photographs (taken within the last 6 months, white background)
- Current student certificate (öğrenci belgesi), obtained from the university’s Student Affairs Office or via e-Devlet/OBİS
- Proof of address (notarised rental agreement, dormitory letter, or hotel confirmation)
- Valid health insurance covering the requested period
- Proof of financial means
Information may vary depending on the institution, programme, and individual circumstances.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Applying for a Turkey Student Visa requires accurate documentation, a genuine study purpose, and compliance with the visa requirements prescribed by the Turkish authorities. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with student visa application forms, passport documentation, admission letters from recognized educational institutions, academic records, proof of financial support, accommodation details, travel itinerary, travel insurance (where applicable), and all required supporting paperwork. Our experienced consultants carefully review every application to help minimize errors, reduce delays, and ensure your documentation meets the applicable student visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your Turkey Student Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Turkish immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Turkey Student Visa application with confidence.