Working Part-Time In Turkey As An International Student

Turkey allows international students to work while they study, but they need to follow certain rules. International students in Turkey can work part-time after obtaining a work permit, alongside their residence permit, which employers require. Postgraduate students are exempt from this requirement. Students must be enrolled full-time at a recognised Turkish university, have a valid student visa, maintain good grades, and secure a job offer from a Turkish employer. Universities often help students with these steps.

Work permit requirements

International students in Turkey are allowed to work while studying, but they need to follow certain rules and obtain a work permit. Here are the work permit requirements for international students in Turkey:

• Enrolment in a Recognized University: To be eligible for a work permit, international students must be enrolled full-time at a recognized Turkish university.
• Valid Student Visa: A valid student visa is required to work in Turkey.
• Satisfactory Academic Performance: Students need to maintain good grades to be eligible for a work permit.
• Completion of First Year of Study: According to government regulations, students must complete their first year of study before they can obtain a work permit. This rule is in place to help foreign students adapt to the Turkish academic system.
• Job Offer: To obtain a work permit, students must have a job offer from a Turkish employer.
• Working Hours: Undergraduate students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Postgraduate students can work up to 30 hours per week and often take on roles as research assistants.
• Residence Permit: Alongside a work permit, international students need to have a valid residence permit.
• Language Proficiency: Although not a requirement for the work permit, knowing Turkish is essential for accessing well-paying jobs. Bilingualism in English and Turkish is particularly advantageous in the tourism industry.
• Company Requirements: If the student is a partner or owner of a company, specific requirements must be met. The student must own 20% of the company's capital or have the equivalent of 40,000 Turkish liras in capital. Additionally, the company must employ five Turkish citizens for every foreign employee.

It is important to note that work permits are typically issued for one year initially and then extended for three and six-year periods. After six years of holding a work permit and residing in Turkey for eight years, individuals can apply for a permanent work permit.

Job search platforms

International students in Turkey can work part-time, and there are several online job platforms they can use to find suitable employment.

• Yenibiris: This is one of the most popular Turkish job boards, receiving over 2 million monthly visits. It offers a feature-packed free posting option, a popular mobile app, and an extensive searchable resume database. However, it has higher prices and lacks an English UI.
• Kariyer: Kariyer is Turkey's first digital job board and has evolved into the largest job board in the country, with close to 13 million monthly visits and more than 25 million resumes in its database. It offers three different paid packages with a variety of features, but it lacks a free trial or free posting option.
• SecretCV: This employment website receives over one million monthly visits and holds more than 22 million resumes. SecretCV offers four different pricing plans with various features and ad duration periods. The cheapest option includes a basic ad active for 15 days and unlimited application intake and reference viewing.
• JobRank: This is a comprehensive search engine for Turkish jobs, career resources, salary information, and more. It offers rankings of the top job sites in Turkey, classified into eight categories, including job boards, niche job boards, job search engines, and recruiters.

In addition to using online job platforms, international students in Turkey can also look for part-time work opportunities through internships, career fairs hosted on university campuses, and consulting services provided by university career centers. These can provide valuable exposure and experience in working in a Turkish organization.

Working hours

International students in Turkey are allowed to work while studying, but they must follow certain rules. These rules include obtaining a work permit and adhering to specific working hours.

Undergraduate students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. This allows them to balance their studies and gain part-time employment experience.

Graduate students, including those pursuing a Master's or PhD, can work up to 30 hours per week. They often take on roles as research assistants or work on scientific projects relevant to their field of study.

Work permits:

To obtain a work permit, international students must be enrolled full-time at a recognised Turkish university, have a valid student visa, maintain good academic standing, and secure a job offer from a Turkish employer. Universities often provide support throughout this process. It is important to note that postgraduate students may have an easier time obtaining a work permit, and they are exempt from the requirement to complete their first year of study before starting work.

Additional considerations:

Knowing the Turkish language is advantageous for obtaining well-paying jobs, especially in fields like tourism. Bilingualism in English and Turkish is a valuable skill in the job market. Additionally, some professions are restricted to Turkish citizens, and certain requirements apply for foreign business owners or partners.

Language requirements

While there is a high unemployment rate in Turkey, the country's emerging economy means that there are still many opportunities for international students to find part-time work. Turkish is the country's official language, and over 90% of the population speaks it. While fluency in Turkish is not essential for foreigners seeking employment, a good grasp of the language will help you succeed in most jobs.

English-speaking foreign workers are in high demand in the teaching and tourism industries. TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teachers are sought after across the country, especially in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. A Bachelor's degree, a 170-hour TEFL course certificate, and firsthand classroom experience are usually required for TEFL positions. Summer jobs are also plentiful in the tourism industry, and internships are a great way to gain experience and learn about Turkish culture.

If you are a UK citizen, you do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. However, if you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a longer-stay visa or obtain a residence permit. Additionally, UK nationals seeking long-term employment must secure a work permit before arriving in Turkey. Businesses typically apply for work permits on behalf of foreign workers for specific positions. Permits are initially issued for six months but can be extended for up to six years.

It is worth noting that the Turkish government restricts foreign worker recruitment in certain professions, such as law, medicine, and mining. Additionally, labour laws outline regulations on working hours, overtime, and annual leave for all employees, including foreign nationals. The Turkish Constitution guarantees social security for all employees, and all employees are entitled to paid annual leave.

University support

Turkey is an attractive option for international students seeking an enriching overseas experience. Turkish universities offer fascinating opportunities to international students, and many have separate International Office bodies specifically designed to cater to the needs of international students. These offices guide international students through all phases of their academic and social interactions, helping to ensure a smooth transition.

International Offices develop, promote, and coordinate all the international activities of universities. They manage international and exchange agreements, such as Erasmus, Leonardo, and Grundtvig, and many universities have strengthened their International Office infrastructures to better host international students.

Turkish universities offer a range of programs in Turkish, English, and other languages, with high-quality education at a global level. Students can continue their education and work in Turkey to develop their careers. There are opportunities for internships, part-time employment, and graduate research positions. Many universities also offer scholarships, which may include assistantships, and some private universities offer full scholarships.

University career centers offer a range of consulting services to students, including the publication of job openings and career fairs. These fairs are excellent opportunities to meet potential employers and learn about employment and internship opportunities.

Frequently asked questions