Today, many students plan to pursue education in different countries. Turkey, with its geographical advantages, cultural diversity, quality universities, and relatively affordable living conditions, has become an attractive destination for international students. However, being a “foreign student in Turkey” is not just about enrollment. Residence permits, exams, language proficiency, financial planning, and legal obligations are also part of the process. In this article, we discuss the education rights of international students in Turkey, their legal obligations, and the issues they should pay attention to.
The main legislation regulating the rights and obligations of foreign students in Turkey is Law No. 2922 on Foreign Nationals Studying in Turkey. This law determines the principles regarding the arrival of foreign students, their admission to educational institutions, their right to education, and their obligations.
In addition, the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has regulations on the “Principles of Admission of Students from Abroad,” which set out common standards for foreign student admissions at universities.
In Turkey, education is compulsory for children aged 6–17, covering 12 years of schooling, and this right also applies to foreign students. They have the right to enroll in public schools, and education at this level is free of charge.
The “Circular on Educational Services for Foreigners” emphasizes this principle of access and requires local authorities to coordinate in organizing the educational processes of foreign students.
To apply for associate or undergraduate programs in Turkey, foreign students generally take the YÖS (Foreign Student Examination) or exams organized by individual universities.
However, in recent years, the trend has been changing:
The use of YKS (Higher Education Institutions Exam) by international students has been discussed; starting from 2026, foreign students studying in Turkish high schools may only be admitted through YKS.
Each university may determine its own admission exam, evaluation criteria, and application conditions, in addition to YÖS.
Universities report their foreign student quotas to YÖK, which then approves them.
The documents usually required for enrollment are:
Diploma / high school graduation certificate
Transcript of grades
Passport and valid visa
Equivalency certificate (proving the recognition of the high school diploma in Turkey)
Exam results determined by universities (YÖS or international exams)
Photographs, health insurance, residence permit, and other administrative documents
In terms of language proficiency:
Most universities require a C1 level Turkish proficiency certificate for programs taught in Turkish.
For programs taught in foreign languages, B1-level Turkish proficiency may be sufficient.
Students who cannot present a Turkish proficiency certificate may take a placement test at the university and attend preparatory classes.
Some universities limit the Turkish preparatory period to two years; if proficiency is not achieved within this period, the student’s enrollment may be canceled.
Foreign students generally study in state or foundation (private) universities on a tuition fee basis. Universities set tuition fees during enrollment and on an annual basis.
However, there are state scholarship opportunities. The Türkiye Scholarships (YTB) program offers international students monthly stipends, return flight tickets, accommodation, and other support.
For undergraduate students, the monthly stipend is several thousand Turkish Lira.
For master’s and doctoral students, higher amounts of financial support are provided.
International students in Turkey are required to obtain a student residence permit. A student who enters Turkey with a tourist visa must apply for a residence permit after enrolling.
The requirements for a student residence permit are:
Enrollment in a higher education institution
Proof of sufficient financial means (such as bank statements or scholarships)
Address declaration (dormitory contract or rental agreement)
Valid health insurance
Residence permit applications are usually made after initial enrollment and must be renewed annually.
A valid health insurance policy must be presented for the residence permit application. While some universities provide support, in most cases students are responsible for arranging their own health insurance.
The right of foreign students to work in Turkey is subject to certain conditions.
Undergraduate students can obtain a part-time work permit after completing their first year.
Graduate (master’s and doctoral) students are exempt from this restriction and may work during their studies.
Applications for work permits must be submitted by the employer, not the student.
Violations related to unauthorized work may result in the cancellation of residence permits.
Equivalency and document compliance – High school diplomas must be officially recognized in Turkey.
Language barriers – Failure to meet Turkish proficiency requirements may jeopardize academic success and continued enrollment.
Financial burden and currency risk – Tuition fees may be in foreign currency, creating uncertainty for students.
Delays in residence permit procedures – Missing or incorrect documents may lead to rejection of applications.
Restrictions on the right to work – Prohibition of work during the first year and limited part-time options may be challenging.
Changes in the exam system – New regulations, such as compulsory YKS for foreign students in the future, may impact applications.
The number of international students in Turkey has been increasing rapidly in recent years.
Universities are expanding quotas for foreign students and offering more programs in English.
Digital systems for enrollment, exam applications, and residence procedures are becoming more common, reducing bureaucracy.
Universities and government institutions are providing more social and psychological support services for international students.
Turkey offers significant opportunities for international students. However, to take full advantage of these opportunities, attention should be paid to the following points:
Start the application process early
Prepare documents completely
Consider Turkish language proficiency requirements
Follow residence permit and health insurance procedures carefully
Understand the rules for work permits in advance
1. Can international students study for free in Turkey?
Yes. Education in public primary and secondary schools is free of charge for international students. However, university education is generally subject to tuition fees. Scholarship programs can significantly reduce expenses.
2. Which exams do international students need to take in Turkey?
Generally, they must take the YÖS (Foreign Student Examination) or exams organized by universities. Some universities also accept international exams such as SAT or ACT. For foreign students studying in Turkish high schools, YKS may become compulsory.
3. Do international students have the right to work in Turkey?
Yes. Undergraduate students can work part-time after completing their first year. Master’s and doctoral students have more flexible work rights. Work permit applications must be submitted by the employer.
4. Are there scholarship opportunities for international students in Turkey?
Yes. The most well-known program is the Türkiye Scholarships (YTB), which provides monthly stipends, accommodation, health insurance, and travel expenses. Some universities also offer their own scholarships.
5. What documents are required for foreign students to study in Turkey?
Typically required documents are:
Diploma and transcript
Equivalency certificate
Passport and valid visa
Photographs
Health insurance
Exam results accepted by the university
6. Can foreign students study in Turkey without knowing Turkish?
Yes. Students who do not know Turkish can attend Turkish preparatory programs at universities. Usually, students are expected to reach C1 level within two years. For programs taught in English or other languages, Turkish proficiency requirements are more flexible.
7. Do international students have to obtain a residence permit in Turkey?
Yes. All foreign students enrolled in a university must obtain a student residence permit and renew it annually. Long-term stay in Turkey without a residence permit is not possible.
8. Is health insurance mandatory for international students in Turkey?
Yes. Students must have health insurance to obtain a residence permit. Some scholarship programs cover this, while in other cases students must purchase insurance themselves.
9. Which cities do international students prefer in Turkey?
The most popular cities are Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Eskişehir, Bursa, and Karabük, which are major centers with diverse universities, affordable living costs, and rich social opportunities.
10. Can international students stay in Turkey after graduation?
Yes. Graduates can continue living in Turkey by obtaining a work permit or enrolling in a new academic program. Those who want to start a business can establish a company or invest, which may lead to long-term residence.
