student working permit In Turkey

Foreign students enrolling in formal graduate programs such as master’s or Ph.D. programs in a higher education institution in Turkey are entitled to work and apply for work permits under the New Law on the International Labor Force.

Following their first year of education, foreign students participating in associate degree or undergraduate programs in Turkey are permitted to work no more than 30 hours per week.

Work permits provided to international students do not cancel the validity of the student residence permit or the benefits granted by it. The Ministry of Internal Affairs considers the opinions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the principles established by the Immigration Policies Committee when determining procedures and rules for the employment of foreign students.

If foreigners who have completed their higher education in Turkey apply for a work visa within one year of their graduation date, their application will be examined using the guidelines established by the International Labour Policy Advisory Board.

Important: Please be advised that international students who received a state scholarship in Turkey throughout their bachelor’s degree would be unable to obtain a work visa after graduation, even if their residence permit type has been converted to a short-term resident permit.