Can international students work in Türkiye? Work permit rules 2026

Many students and parents ask: "Can I work while studying in Türkiye to cover part of my costs?" Yes — but legally, with a work permit. Foreigners' employment in Türkiye is regulated by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (ÇSGB), and there are separate criteria for students.

The main rule: bachelor's students — after the first year

Under the ministry's work permit criteria:

• Associate (önlisans) and bachelor's students can get a part-time work permit after completing their first year.
• Master's and PhD students are not subject to the first-year limit.
• The employer applies to the ministry on your behalf; working without a permit can lead to fines and residence problems for both student and employer.

Which jobs are allowed and which are not?

• Applications for household services and the entertainment sector (e.g. nightclubs) are rejected.
• The city where you study is taken into account — the job is usually expected to be in the same city.
• Your student status is checked against YÖK records, so you must be an active student.

Students most often find work in cafés and restaurants, shops, offices, translation, as university student assistants and in hotels during the tourist season.

For Türkiye Scholarships holders

If you study on the government scholarship, the work permit application requires YTB's opinion. More: Türkiye Scholarships 2027.

What about internships?

Compulsory internships that are part of the curriculum usually run under a university protocol and may be handled differently. Check the details with your university's international office before you start.

Realistic expectations

• A part-time job can cover part of your costs, but don't count on it to pay your tuition and living costs in full.
• In the preparatory year and first year your focus should be on studies — which is exactly what the law intends.
• Speaking Turkish greatly improves your chances of finding work.

To plan your budget in advance: student costs in Istanbul 2026–2027. Compare affordable programmes in our search.

Source: Ministry of Labour and Social Security of Türkiye — Çalışma İzni Değerlendirme Kriterleri (csgb.gov.tr). Rules may change, check the official source before applying.

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