After You Arrive

Registering at a Turkish University

How final registration works for international students: original papers, the equivalence letter for your diploma, tuition and your foreign ID number (the ID number on your residence permit card).

University Student Portal

Example: bachelor's programme

Example: 2026-27

Registration, step by step

The usual steps for a new international bachelor's student.

Read the registration email: Middle East Technical University (METU) sends registration details to the email you used to apply.
Pay tuition: At ITU, the full fee is due at registration. Without payment, you lose your place.
Bring original papers: Bring the originals of everything you uploaded when you applied.
Hand in the equivalence letter: Or proof that you have applied for it. Your university gives you a short time to finish it.

English test before classes

Students without a valid English score take the university's English test. Those who do not pass study a year of English preparatory class (a year of English classes before your degree).

Residence permit

Apply for your residence permit (the card that lets you live in Türkiye as a student) on the e-ikamet website before your visa ends. Your student certificate is one of the papers.

Papers for registration

Bring these when you register.

All new international students:

Original diploma and transcript - The originals of the papers you uploaded.
Passport and student visa - With copies of your visa and entry stamp pages.
Equivalence letter - That your diploma equals a Turkish high school diploma.

For the equivalence letter:

Diploma with apostille - An apostille is one official stamp that proves a paper is real. Without it, get the diploma approved by your home country's education ministry, foreign ministry or the Turkish embassy.
Transcripts - For all high school years, stamped by your home country's education ministry, foreign ministry or the Turkish embassy.

Document Preparation Tips

Get your diploma and transcripts stamped at home before you travel.
Keep copies of your student certificate (a paper from your university that shows you study there). You need it for your permit, insurance and bank.

Course registration

You choose courses online each semester.

Example: METU, fall 2026 (these dates have passed)

21 to 22 September 2026: The Turkish language placement test for international students took place.
23 to 25 September 2026: Course registration took place.
28 September 2026: Classes began.