Studying in Turkey

International students applying to a Turkish university are usually asked for documents issued in their home country, such as a diploma and transcript. These need to be prepared in a particular order, and part of it can only be done at home. Starting early is the single most useful thing you can do.

Which documents universities ask for

Every university sets its own list, so always check it before you start. The most common requests are a high school diploma and transcript, along with your passport. Some universities ask for more, such as a birth certificate. Ask the university exactly which documents it wants and in what form.

The route for documents from your home country

The certification has to be done in the country that issued your document, which is why it is worth arranging before you travel. Our guide to foreign documents for use in Turkey explains each step. If you are not sure which certification your country needs, see Apostille or Consular Legalization?

Do you need a translation?

That depends on the university. Some ask for a sworn translation into Turkish, and others may accept another language. Ask before you order, because it decides whether you need steps 3 and 4. We explain how to prepare for the translation in Sworn Translation in Turkey: How to Prepare Your Documents.

After you arrive

Students from abroad also need to sort out their residence in Turkey. A student residence permit has its own document list, which is different from the one for the university application. We also help with student affairs and residence permits, so ask us if you need that.

Mistakes that cost time

• Waiting until you arrive in Turkey. The apostille or legalization has to be done in the issuing country, and application deadlines don't move.
• Assuming every university has the same rules. Each one has its own list and its own requirements for translation.
• Treating a non-member country like a Hague member. An apostille will not be recognized, and the documents need legalization.
• Name spellings that don't match the passport. The diploma, the transcript and the passport should agree, so any mismatch should be sorted out early.
• Translating before checking the requirement. You may not need a Turkish translation at all, or the university may specify how it must be done.

How we help

Tell us your country, the documents you have and the university you are applying to. We will confirm the steps, then handle the sworn translation into Turkish and the notarization once your documents have their apostille or legalization.