Who needs a residence permit?

All international students enrolled at Koç University who will remain in Turkiye beyond their visa allowance or for more than 90 days are required to obtain a residence permit. This includes:

• Short-term exchange students (Erasmus and non-Erasmus)
• Full-degree students
• Visa-exempt or visa-required travellers planning to study beyond initial entry permissions

High-Level Timeline (What to Do and When)

• Before departure from home country:
  • Complete the online residence permit application and pay the prescribed fee.
  • Purchase a valid health insurance policy that meets Turkiye’s minimum coverage requirements and is effective from the date of arrival.
• Upon arrival in Turkiye:
  • Attend the Koç University Office of International Programs (OIP) collective appointment on campus.
  • Submit required documents to OIP for assistance with the on-campus appointment.
• If you miss the university-arranged appointment:
  • The student is responsible for completing the process independently with local immigration authorities.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Online Application (Before Arrival)

All students must complete the online residence permit application and pay the prescribed fee before departing for Turkiye. Koç University arranges a collective appointment on campus for incoming students, which supersedes the automatic appointment date.

2. Prepare Documents to Bring to Koç University OIP (Upon Arrival)

Students must provide the following documents:

• Passport: original plus photocopies of the ID page, last entry stamp, and visa page or e-visa document.
• Health insurance document: proof of a policy valid in Turkiye.
• Four biometric photographs: plain white background, taken within the last six months.
• Attestation documents: guidance will be provided by OIP.
• Student enrolment document: issued by OIP after arrival.

3. Campus Appointment and University Assistance

Koç University arranges a collective appointment to support students. If unable to attend, students must make their own arrangements with local immigration authorities.

Health Insurance: The Non-Negotiable Requirement

Valid health insurance covering the entire study period at Koç University is mandatory. Ensure policies:

• Are valid in Turkiye.
• Meet minimum coverage requirements set by immigration authorities.
• Are effective from the date of arrival.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Missing the university-arranged appointment.
• Incomplete document copies or unreadable scans.
• Insurance gaps or non-compliant policies.
• Late online application submissions.
• Language barriers.

Practical Checklist for Students (Printable)

• Complete online residence permit application and pay required fee.
• Purchase compliant health insurance valid from date of arrival.
• Print confirmation of online application and payment receipts.
• Prepare original passport and photocopies.
• Obtain four biometric photographs.
• Attend the Koç University OIP campus appointment.
• Keep copies of all submissions and correspondence.

Contacts and Support at Koç University

The Office of International Programs (OIP) is the primary support hub for incoming international students. Key contacts include:

• Exchange Student Advisor (Erasmus): Betül Semiz
• Exchange Student Advisor (Non-Erasmus): Yasemin Özkur

For guidance, contact ico@ku.edu.tr.

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