Education, Student Exchange Program, and Internship Residence Permit 2026

Last update: September 10, 2026

Student exchange programs and internship residence permits, is a short-term residence permit that can be granted to foreigners who will stay for specific education, exchange programs such as Erasmus/Mevlana/Farabi, in-service training, or internship and course activities through public institutions without being enrolled in a formal degree program in Turkey. The applicable sub-clause is determined based on the nature of the activity and the institution administering the program.

The activities under this heading do not constitute a single legal category. In-service training is evaluated under Article 31/1-d of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK), education within the scope of agreements to which Turkey is a party or student exchange programs under Article 31/1-e, and education, research, internships, and courses through public institutions under Article 31/1-k. The primary status for foreigners enrolled in an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program in Turkey is student residence permit.

Which Activity Falls Under Which Residence Permit Type?

The true nature of the activity, rather than the title used by the institution such as "trainee," "intern," "guest student," or "researcher," determines the designation of the application. Selecting the wrong sub-clause may lead to a discrepancy between the documents submitted in the application and the actual purpose. For the general system of residence permits types of residence permits in Turkey guide can be consulted.

Foreigners Participating in In-Service Training Programs

In-service training is predominantly a time-limited program aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge connected to a person's current profession or institutional duties. Rather than the foreigner establishing a new employment relationship in Turkey, participation in a specific program takes place within the scope of the training plan of the institution or employer to which they are affiliated.

According to the statement of the Presidency of Migration Management, the permit is issued for the duration of the program based on information and documents regarding the content, duration, and location of the training provided by the institution or organization. The file must clearly indicate the name of the training, the daily or weekly schedule, the start and end dates, the training location, the training institution, and the participant's status.

The Boundary Between In-Service Training and Employment

Even if the program is designated as "training," a work permit may become relevant if the foreigner participates in regular production, performs the routine work of the enterprise, is subjected to shift work, or receives remuneration in exchange for labor. Short-term observation, classroom instruction, and practical learning must be strictly distinguished from actual work performed within the employer's economic activity. For a detailed assessment work permit for foreigners guide can be reviewed.

Residence Permit Within the Scope of Student Exchange Programs

Foreigners coming for educational or similar purposes within the framework of agreements to which the Republic of Turkey is a party or student exchange programs may apply for a short-term residence permit. Programs such as Erasmus+, Mevlana, and Farabi are cited as examples in official statements. In the application, information and documents confirming the program and participation must be submitted by the relevant university or authorized institution.

The duration of the residence permit cannot exceed the duration of the education or exchange program. It is beneficial for the acceptance letter to include exact start and end dates rather than merely the academic term name. The institution of origin, the host institution in Turkey, the program type, the course or activity plan, and, if applicable, grant/funding information must be consistent with one another.

Do Erasmus Students Obtain a Student Residence Permit or a Short-Term Permit?

Exchange programs are explicitly regulated among the grounds for short-term residence pursuant to Article 31/1-e of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK). Conversely, a foreigner enrolling as a regular degree-seeking student in a formal degree program at a higher education institution in Turkey falls within the scope of a student residence permit. In the specific case, the acceptance document issued by the university and the nature of the YÖKSİS/student registration are taken into consideration.

Education, Research, Internship, and Courses via Public Institutions

Foreigners who will participate in education, research, internships, or courses in Turkey through a public institution may obtain a short-term residence permit pursuant to Article 31/1-k of the YUKK. The determining factor here is not merely the designation of the activity as education or an internship, but rather that the program through a public institution is its execution.

Permits issued under this scope cannot exceed one year. If accommodation, sustenance, or health expenses are covered by the relevant public institution, the requirements for demonstrating financial means and valid health insurance are not sought from the foreigner. The provincial migration administration may request information and documents from the institution conducting the program. If only a portion of the expenses is covered, which documents must be submitted for the uncovered portion must be clarified prior to the application.

What Does Through a Public Institution Mean?

An internship organized by a private company or the personal invitation of a university faculty member does not fall within this scope. The program must be associated with an official letter, protocol, or program document from a ministry, public university, or another public institution. A public institution merely providing a venue is not the same as it institutionally conducting the program.

Is a Residence Permit Sufficient for an Internship at a Private Company?

No, not every internship falls within the scope of Article 31/1-k. This subparagraph specifically covers internships conducted through public institutions. In internships performed at private companies that involve the foreigner's performance of labor, a work permit, work permit exemption, social security, and the mandatory internship protocol executed with the educational institution must be evaluated together.

The fact that an internship is unpaid does not, by itself, mean that a work permit is not required. The duration of the activity, contribution to production, form of supervision, mandatory internship nature, connection to the educational institution, and the applicable international agreement are important. Engaging in actual work under an incorrect status may create a risk of administrative sanctions for both the foreigner and the employer.

Required Documents for Application

The document list varies depending on the selected legal basis and the structure of the program. In addition to general short-term residence permit documents, institutional documents demonstrating the authenticity and duration of the program, as well as the role of the foreigner, must be submitted.

In addition to these, documents such as a passport, biometric photograph, application form, legal stay information, address proof, and required fee/card cost documents may be requested. For documents issued in a foreign language, translation, notarization, and, if necessary, an apostille or consular approval may be required.

How is the Health Insurance Rule Applied?

Private health insurance is not additionally requested from students coming under exchange programs who apply to become general health insured persons within three months from the initial registration date. Private health insurance is requested from those who lose this right by failing to apply within the three-month period. The registration date and the date of entry into Turkey must not be confused; the university's official final registration record must be in the file.

If accommodation, sustenance, or health expenses are covered by the relevant public institution in programs mediated by public institutions, a special exception may be applied regarding the health insurance and financial means conditions. The institution's letter must clearly state which expenses are covered, for which date range, and to what extent. A general statement such as 'will be supported' may lead to requests for additional documents in practice.

How is the Residence Permit Duration Determined?

In-service training leave is arranged for the duration of the program; agreement or exchange program leave is arranged so as not to exceed the training period. Training, research, internship, and course leave mediated by a public institution can be for a maximum of one year. The validity period of the passport and health insurance may also affect the duration that can be granted.

If the program is extended or if the student will continue into a new academic term, before the expiration of the residence permit, residence permit extension application must be done. In the extension file, an up-front institutional letter stating that the program has been extended, a new calendar, insurance, and financial documents must be submitted. If the new program is substantially different from the previous program, instead of an extension, residence permit transition application may be required.

Application Process Step by Step

1. It is determined whether the activity is in-service training, an exchange program, or a program mediated by a public institution.
2. Acceptance, invitation, protocol, course or internship plan, and program dates are obtained.
3. If the activity involves employment, the need for a work permit or exemption is evaluated separately.
4. Visa types and visa exemption conditions for entry into Turkey are verified.
5. The e-Residence pre-application is submitted before the legal period of stay expires.
6. The appointment or file submission is completed in accordance with the current local procedures of the province.
7. Changes in address, insurance, and program details must be reported within the statutory deadlines.

Creating an application in the e-Residence system does not, in itself, fulfill all conditions for legal stay. The application form, application receipt, and fee receipts must be retained. If travel is planned while the application is pending, travel abroad with the residence permit application receipt and the 15-day rule must be examined.

What Happens If the Program or City Changes?

Changes to the host institution, the program, the province where the activity is conducted, or the address may affect the residence permit file. A minor schedule adjustment within the same program is not the same as the complete termination of a program and the commencement of a new one. Any modification must be justified by official institutional documentation, and required notifications must be made in a timely manner.

If the program will be continued in another province, the current permit and the address registration in the new province must be handled together. For details, Change of city in residence permit our article may be reviewed.

Risks of Rejection, Cancellation, and Non-Renewal

The absence or subsequent disappearance of any short-term residence permit condition, use of the permit outside its stated purpose, a valid deportation order or entry ban, or violations of the permitted duration of stay abroad may constitute grounds for rejection or revocation. In these programs, the following circumstances also pose risks:

• Failure of the program to commence or its early termination,
• Termination of student or participant status due to absenteeism,
• Inability to verify the institution's letter or the presence of discrepancies in dates,
• Making an application under Article 31/1-k without the mediation of a public institution,
• Engaging in unauthorized work under the guise of education or internship,
• Failure to report a change of address or institution.

Upon service of a rejection or cancellation decision, the grounds, date of service, and the applicant's current program status must be examined. For legal remedies, rejection of residence permit and cancellation of residence permit guides can be utilized.

Most Common Mistakes Made in Applications

• Submitting a general course certificate without determining the legal nature of the program,
• Failing to indicate the exact start and end dates in the acceptance letter,
• Failing to examine whether the internship constitutes actual employment,
• Missing the three-month period for general health insurance (GSS) and also failing to obtain private insurance,
• Failing to document the scope of expenses covered by the public institution with an official letter,
• Stating a different purpose of stay in the application form compared to the institutional document,
• Continuing to use the residence permit based on the same ground even though the program has ended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which residence permit do Erasmus students obtain?

Erasmus and similar exchange programs are regulated as short-term residence grounds within the scope of Article 31/1-e of the YUKK. However, the student's registration format in Turkey and the university's document must be checked for each specific application.

For how long is the exchange program residence permit granted?

The permit cannot exceed the duration of the education or exchange program. The acceptance letter, academic calendar, passport, and insurance periods are evaluated together.

What can be the maximum duration of the permit for a foreigner interning at a public institution?

Within the scope of Article 31/1-k of the YUKK, the residence permit issued through a public institution for education, research, internship, or courses is granted for a maximum of one year.

Does the internship residence permit grant the right to work?

No. The residence permit alone does not grant the right to work. Depending on the actual nature of the internship, a work permit or work permit exemption may also be required.

Is an exchange student required to obtain private health insurance?

Exchange students who apply for general health insurance within three months from the initial registration date are not required to obtain additional private health insurance. If this deadline is missed, private health insurance is required.

Does a language course fall within this scope?

Not every language course is a student exchange or a public institution-sponsored program. Short-term residence for the purpose of a Turkish language course is separately regulated through authorized institution registration and its own specific conditions.

Official Sources

• Presidency of Migration Management – Residence Permit Types
• Presidency of Migration Management – e-Residence System
• Presidency of Migration Management – Foreigners and International Protection Legislation
• Turkish National Agency – Higher Education Student and Staff Mobility
• Yükseköğretim Kurulu – Mevlana Değişim Programı
• Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu

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Author Information

Attorney Batın YILMAZ

Istanbul Bar Association Bar Registry No: 77008

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Attorney Batın YILMAZ

Istanbul Bar Association Bar Registry No: 77008

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