Work Opportunities For International Students In Turkey

International students in Turkey face various challenges when seeking employment, primarily due to the lack of permits and legal authorization. However, Turkey does allow international students to work while studying, provided they adhere to specific rules and obtain a work permit. This permit is available to postgraduate students pursuing formal courses at recognized universities, enabling them to seek employment and reside in the country. Turkish universities have taken initiatives to support international students, including offering full scholarships with assistantship opportunities and providing English-taught programs to improve accessibility. Learning Turkish enhances job prospects, particularly for well-paying positions, and bilingualism in English and Turkish is advantageous in the tourism industry. The country offers diverse job opportunities, with Istanbul and Ankara known for their abundance of part-time jobs, and consulates, embassies, and NGOs providing professional career paths.

Work permit requirements for international students in Turkey

International students in Turkey face various challenges when seeking employment, including a lack of permits and legal authorization to work in the country. However, Turkey has implemented a new law on international labor that allows foreign postgraduate students pursuing formal courses at recognized universities to seek employment and obtain work permits. This law does not extend to undergraduate students.

• Student Status: Only foreign postgraduate students pursuing formal courses at recognized universities in Turkey are eligible for work permits. Undergraduate students are not eligible for work permits and are not legally authorized to work in Turkey.
• Language: English-speaking international students may find it challenging to secure part-time or temporary jobs due to the language barrier, as most employers seek Turkish-speaking employees. However, some universities in Turkey offer programs taught in English, and other languages such as German, Italian, Arabic, Russian, and French are also used in research facilities and companies.
• Residence Permit: A residence permit does not automatically grant the right to work in Turkey. A separate work permit is required, which must be obtained through the company that intends to hire the international student.
• Work Permit Application: The company hiring an international student must apply for the work permit on their behalf. International students cannot apply for a work permit individually.
• Timing: Undergraduate students can only obtain a work permit for part-time jobs outside the university/campus after completing their first year at the university. Graduate students can obtain a work permit for both full-time and part-time jobs outside the university/campus from their first year onwards.
• Researcher Exemption: Students and post-doc researchers who will be employed within research projects are exempt from the work permit requirement for up to two years. They can apply for this exemption themselves without waiting for their residence permit.
• Scholarship Restrictions: Bachelor's degree graduates who studied under a state scholarship in Turkey do not qualify for a work permit, regardless of their residence permit status.

Language barriers and job opportunities

Turkey is increasingly becoming a regional hub for international students, with the number of international students in Turkish universities growing by almost 300% in the last decade. This growth brings about new opportunities and challenges that deserve close attention.

One of the biggest challenges for international students in Turkey is the Turkish language barrier. This issue affects their academic success, grades, and performance, as well as their ability to understand events, programs, notifications, rules, and regulations in universities, which are often written in Turkish. The language barrier also impacts their socio-cultural adaptation, everyday life, dormitory life, campus life, and social life.

To address this challenge, some Turkish universities have started offering English-taught programs, and other languages such as German and French are also used in research facilities. Additionally, Turkish universities have provided international students the opportunity to work as researchers, allowing them to benefit from the presence of foreign staff members in both public and private universities.

In terms of job opportunities, international postgraduate students pursuing formal courses from recognized universities have the right to seek employment and obtain work permits in Turkey. However, this does not apply to students enrolled in undergraduate programs or short courses. International students can take advantage of internship opportunities, which can be a great way to gain experience and build a professional network. Large corporations may be less likely to hire students part-time, but there are still plenty of internship options available, including summer internships that are often paid.

To increase their chances of finding employment, international students should prepare a comprehensive and detailed curriculum vitae (CV) and a personal statement to provide potential employers with a clear understanding of their skills and strengths. It is also beneficial to learn the Turkish language to improve communication and increase job prospects.

Work opportunities for undergraduate students

International students in Turkey are allowed to work while they study, but they need to follow certain rules. Undergraduate students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during holidays. They can also work part-time, according to their course schedules. However, they need to obtain a work permit, which is different from their student residence permit.

There are various job opportunities for undergraduate students in Turkey. Students can find part-time job opportunities on job boards such as Genç Kariyer, YÖDAK İş Portalı, AIESEC Türkiye, and İŞKUR. They can also look for internships, which are available for 2-12 months under the Erasmus + programme. Additionally, universities in Turkey often help students find jobs and provide a variety of consultancy services, including job opportunity announcements, interview simulations, and resume creation.

Knowing Turkish is important for well-paying jobs in Turkey, but there are also companies that use other languages, such as German, Italian, Arabic, Russian, French, and Spanish. Students can also look for jobs in consulates, embassies, and NGOs.

After graduation, international students can apply for a one-year residence permit, which can be used as an opportunity to seek jobs in Turkey. However, it is important to note that Bachelor's degree graduates who studied under a state scholarship in Turkey do not qualify for a work permit.

Postgraduate students and work permits

Postgraduate students in Turkey can apply for a work permit, but they must first secure a job offer from a company. The company will then apply for the work permit on their behalf. Postgraduate students can get a work permit for both full-time and part-time jobs outside of the university campus.

There are several notable universities in Turkey that acknowledge the presence of international students. These include the University of Bogazici in Istanbul and the Middle East Technical University in Ankara. Some notable private universities that accept international students include the Koc, Bilgi, and Sabanci universities in Istanbul, and the University of Bilkent in Ankara.

It is important to note that the primary language barrier in Turkey can make it difficult for international students to find part-time and temporary jobs. However, there are universities in the country that offer English-taught programs, and some research facilities use other languages such as German and French.

To obtain a work permit, postgraduate students must provide updated documents detailing their academic and professional qualifications, such as university certificates or relevant diplomas. A valid passport is also required to enter Turkey, and applicants can apply online for an e-visa on the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS) official website. The work permit functions as a residence permit, so foreign workers with a work permit do not need to apply for a separate residence permit.

It is important to note that working in Turkey on a student visa without a work permit is illegal and can result in penalties, including deportation and a re-entry ban for non-citizens and non-EU nationals.

Internships and career fairs in Turkish universities

Turkey's rapidly growing economy offers a wide range of internship and job opportunities for students. Turkish universities provide international students with many ways to gain valuable work experience and start building their careers.

Many Turkish universities have career centres that help students find job opportunities related to their field of study. These centres provide career counselling, resume-writing services, and job search resources. Additionally, universities and organisations hold their own career fairs, which are excellent for connecting with employers interested in hiring students.

Many companies in Turkey offer internships for students, and there are programs to help students find internships. The TÜSİAD Internship Program is a highly competitive program that offers internships at some of the top companies in Turkey. It is open to students enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program, providing an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting. The United Nations also offers internships in various fields, including human rights, development, and peacekeeping, and is open to students pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree.

International students enrolled in a master's or PhD program in Turkey can work as researchers in scientific projects related to their field to finance their graduate studies. Some private universities also provide graduate students with full scholarships and assistantships. Undergraduate students may also find part-time job opportunities according to their course schedules.

Frequently asked questions