Apartment Shopping
Finding an apartment in Türkiye as an international student can be a rewarding experience if approached with the right guidance. From traditional rental methods to online platforms, Türkiye offers a variety of options to help you find suitable student housing.
Language Barrier & Local Support
If you don’t speak Turkish, it’s highly recommended to enlist the help of:
A Turkish-speaking friend
A trusted property agent (emlakçı)
Most Turkish people are friendly and willing to help, but having someone fluent in Turkish will make the process smoother—especially during negotiation and contract signing.
Online Listings
Turkish real estate websites often offer better deals than English-language platforms targeting foreigners. Check them daily, print out listings, and bring them with you when visiting apartments.
Keywords to recognize in listings:
Kiralık = For Rent
Satılık = For Sale
Sahibinden = From Owner (no agent involved
Working with Property Agents
Property agents (emlak) are common and helpful. Each agent has a different set of listings, so visit multiple offices.
Commission fee: One month’s rent, paid by the tenant.
Agents may prioritize showing their own listings first, even if they don’t match your preferences.
You can ask one agent to show you listings from another agent’s portfolio (especially if found online).
Explore Neighborhoods
Walking around neighborhoods you like is a great way to spot rental opportunities. Look for “Kiralık” signs on buildings with a phone number of theowner or agency.
Apartment Layouts in Türkiye
Living rooms and kitchens face the street; bedrooms are typically interior.
Balconies are common—even in kitchens and bedrooms—and are often used for drying clothes.
Closets are rare—you’ll likely need to purchase a wardrobe.
Washing machines are placed in the bathroom; dryers are uncommon.
Documentation & Residence Permit
Application Period: The ALES exam for foreigners and Turkish a
To apply for a residence permit, you must provide:
A copy of your landlord’s ID card
A valid rental contract
Ensure your landlord is willing to cooperate with these requirements.
pplicants typically opens for registration in early spring and fall. Exact dates are announced on the official ÖSYM website.
Exam Dates: The ALES exam is conducted twice a year, usually in May and November. These sessions are designed to accommodate applicants aiming for international master’s programs and doctoral studies.
Application Deadline: The registration period generally lasts a few weeks, and late applications are not accepted. It is important to submit all required documents and complete the payment before the deadline.
Admit Card Availability: Exam admission documents, including the exam date, location, and timing, are made available a few weeks prior to the exam on the ÖSYM portal.
Result Announcement: ALES exam results are typically released 4–6 weeks after the test date. These scores are crucial for applying to universities in Turkey for international students
