Student Residence Permit in Turkey

The student residence permit is regulated under Articles 38-41 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458. Additionally, it is detailed in Articles 35-39 of the Regulation on the Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection. The student residence permit allows foreign nationals to legally reside in Turkey during their education.

• Foreigners Pursuing Primary and Secondary Education: Foreign students who do not have a family residence permit must obtain a student residence permit to continue their education in Turkey. Those with a family residence permit can continue their studies until the age of 18 without needing a separate permit. However, students who turn 18 and are still in secondary education must apply for a student residence permit.
• Foreigners Studying at Higher Education Institutions: Foreign nationals enrolled in associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, Ph.D., Medical Specialty Training (TUS), or Dentistry Specialty Training (DUS) programs can apply for a student residence permit.

• Foreign students must apply for general health insurance within three months of their initial registration date. Those who fail to apply within this period must obtain private health insurance.

• Full-time Education: Foreign students enrolled in full-time associate, bachelor’s, master's, or doctoral programs can work in Turkey, provided they obtain a work permit. However, associate and bachelor's degree students can only start working after their first year of study.
• Work Permit Application: Students must apply to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security to obtain a work permit.

• If the student's study period is shorter than one year, the residence permit duration cannot exceed the study period.
• Foreign students studying through public institutions or organizations in Turkey can be granted residence permits for the duration of their studies.
• Foreign primary and secondary school students supported by individuals or organizations can be granted a one-year student residence permit with parental consent.

To be eligible for a student residence permit, foreign nationals must meet the requirements set out in Article 39 of the Law:

• Submit supporting documents related to the purpose of stay in Turkey (Article 38)
• Not fall under the scope of Article 7 of the Law
• Provide address information in Turkey

• Within the Same Institution: If the student changes faculties or departments within the same institution and no break occurs in their studies, the existing residence permit remains valid.
• In a Different Province: If the student continues their studies in a different province, a new residence permit must be issued by the governorate of the new province.

• Inability to meet the necessary conditions or if the conditions cease to exist
• Evidence showing that the student cannot continue their education
• Use of the residence permit for purposes other than its intended purpose
• Presence of a valid deportation order or entry ban to Turkey