Turkey is a mixed bag of rich history, charming architecture, bustling cities, lip-smacking food, and vibrant nightlife. Turkey's tourist attractions are unlike any other country - from the famous UNESCO world heritage site of Hagia Sophia and the lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia to the gorgeous beaches of Antalya; there are all types of attractions in Turkey that travelers should visit at least once in their lifetime. This beautiful nation surely knows how to please its tourists. Apart from this, many students come to Turkey for education, and if you are one of them, you will need a Turkey student visa. Let's look at the documents and steps to apply for a Turkey student visa from the UAE.
About Turkey Student Visa
A Turkey Student Visa is a permit to enter Turkey for purposes related to learning and education. It is granted to individuals who want to intern in Turkey, enroll at an educational institution, or attend a course/school or a university. You can settle in Turkey for a temporary period by applying for a residence permit.
Do I need a Student Visa to Study in Turkey?
Except for the Northern Republic of Cyprus nationals, students from all other nationalities worldwide will require a visa to travel to Turkey for educational reasons.
· International students who want to complete a bachelor's or master's degree from an educational institute in Turkey and have previously completed their secondary/high-school education in Turkey.
· Individuals holding a Blue Card.
· Students whose parents live in Turkey with residence permits and work visas.
Documents Required to apply for a Turkey Student Visa from UAE
The following documents are required to apply for a student visa to Turkey:
· A passport valid for a minimum of ninety days.
· Completed and signed student visa application form.
· Two passport-size photos as per Turkey visa photo requirements.
· Letter of acceptance stating you have been accepted by a Turkish academic institution, including your stay/course duration.
· Flight tickets to Turkey.
· Proof of health insurance.
· Proof of travel insurance covering your entire length of stay in Turkey.
· Copies of past diplomas, certificates, etc.
· Evidence of fees paid for the educational program/course you want to attend.
· Financial resources stating you have enough funds to stay in Turkey for the duration of the course. Some documents include bank statements, a letter of sponsorship from your parents, guardian, or any person who will sponsor your stay and education, a scholarship letter if applicable, etc.
· Accommodation proof in the country. (a valid rental agreement or letter from the host, etc.)
Process to Apply for a Turkey Student Visa
If you are a resident of the UAE and want to apply for a student visa to study in Turkey, you can follow these general steps:
· Choose a Turkish university: Before you can apply for a student visa, you need to choose a Turkish university and be accepted as a student. You can search for universities and programs on the Turkish Council of Higher Education website.
· Obtain a letter of acceptance: Once you have been accepted into a Turkish university, you will receive a letter of acceptance. You will need to provide a copy of this letter when you apply for your student visa.
· Gather your documents: Keep all the above-listed documents ready and any others required by the consulate or embassy.
· Submit your application: On the day of your appointment, visit the consulate/embassy and answer all the questions correctly. Once done with the interview, submit your application along with the documents.
· Pay the fees: Pay the Turkey student visa fees.
· Wait for visa processing: Once you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for it to be processed. The processing time can vary depending on the embassy or consulate, so applying well in advance of your planned travel date is a good idea.
· Collect your visa: If your application is approved, you will be notified, and you can collect your student visa from the Turkish embassy or consulate. Ensure you bring your passport and other required documents when you collect your visa.
Note: The above steps are general guidelines and may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the requirements of the Turkish embassy or consulate. It is always a good idea to check with the embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information and requirements.
Requirements for a Student Residence Permit in Turkey
You must apply for a residence permit at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Administration to stay in Turkey beyond the 90 days (the period that is allowed by your student visa).
You will need to submit the following documents for your residence permit:
· Application form
· Passport, including photocopies and your student visa
· Proof of your university place
· Four passport-size photographs
Your residence permit will be valid for one year, but you can renew it 60 days before it expires by visiting the local authorities and completing a renewal application form.
Duration to Process a Turkey Student Visa
The processing time for your Turkey student visa typically is between 3 and 15 days. However, this can vary depending on the embassy or consulate you have applied from.
Conclusion
Leaving your home behind and going to a new country for studies can be stressful, but with the correct visa process, the entire experience will be less daunting.
