Working While Studying in Turkey: Rules for International Students
International students can work in Turkey, but only with a work permit and, for bachelor's and associate students, only after the first year. Here is how it works and what to avoid.
By Burak Ünal, Director of University Admissions ·
Figures are typical values for the current academic year, checked against the official sources listed at the end. How we research and update our guides
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The basic rule
A student residence permit does not by itself allow you to work. You need a work permit, which your employer applies for online with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Associate and bachelor's students can get one only after completing their first year, and only for part-time work. Master's and doctoral students can apply from their first year and are not limited to part-time jobs.
How a student work permit works
In practice:
- You find an employer willing to hire you and apply on your behalf
- Your residence permit must be valid throughout
- Hours are limited for associate and bachelor's students; the weekly limit is set in the regulation, so confirm it with the Ministry or your international office before you agree to a schedule
- The permit is tied to that employer; a new job needs a new permit
Internships that are part of your program
Compulsory internships that belong to your degree are handled differently: you usually need a work permit exemption rather than a full work permit, and students are responsible for obtaining it. Your faculty and international office will tell you the procedure; start early, because exemptions take time.
Do not count on work to fund your studies
Consulates and the migration office expect you to show that you can cover your costs, and in the first year of a bachelor's degree you cannot work at all. Plan your budget around savings, family support or a scholarship, and treat any job as a bonus. Turkish language skills make a large difference to what jobs are open to you.
Working without a permit
Unauthorised work can lead to the cancellation of your residence permit, a fine and removal from Turkey, and can affect future visas. If an employer offers cash work without a permit, decline it.
After you graduate
Graduates can apply for a work permit like any other foreigner once they have a job offer, and some move to other residence permit types. Ask us about your options before your student residence permit ends.
Working While Studying in Turkey: Rules for International Students: frequently asked questions
Can international students work in Turkey?
Yes, with a work permit. Associate and bachelor's students can work part-time after completing their first year; master's and doctoral students can apply from their first year.
Can I work in my first year of a bachelor's degree?
No. Associate and bachelor's students can obtain a work permit only after completing their first year.
How many hours a week can students work?
Associate and bachelor's students are limited to part-time work, with the weekly limit set in the work permit regulation. Confirm the current limit with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security or your university before you start.
What happens if I work without a permit?
Unauthorised work can lead to cancellation of your residence permit, a fine and removal from Turkey, so always work with a valid permit.
Official sources
Rules, fees and quotas are set by these institutions and change every year. Check them, or ask us, before you rely on a figure.
Further reading
Related
Burak Ünal is the Director of University Admissions at Turquoise Education, where he is responsible for university admission processes for international students. Before Turquoise Education he worked at Oliver Wyman, the New York based management consulting firm, as a Financial Services Consultant, with consulting projects in Turkey, Italy and Greece and business development work across the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. He holds a master's degree in finance from the London School of Economics and a bachelor's degree in management from Bogazici University.
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