Can Students Work in Turkey on Study VISA in 2024?

Turkey allows international students to work while they study, but they need to follow certain rules. This article explains the job options for students in Turkey, the laws about working on a study visa, and how to find a job.

Allowed Working Hours for Students/week in Turkey

• Undergraduate Students: Can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
• Graduate Students: Can work up to 30 hours per week, often as research assistants.

Best Cities for Jobs: Istanbul and Ankara have many part-time job opportunities.

How to Work Legally in Turkey

To work in Turkey, students need a work permit. For this, they must:

• Be enrolled full-time at a recognized Turkish university.
• Have a valid student visa.
• Keep up good grades.
• Get a job offer from a Turkish employer. Universities often help students with these steps.

Common Jobs for Students in Turkey

• Graphic Designer
• Customer Service Agent (Part-Time)
• Sales Associate (Part-Time)
• Gas Station Attendant
• Freelancer (various skills)
• Amusement Park Attendant
• Call Center Representative
• Tutor
• Translator
• Bartender
• Waiter/Server
• Tour Guide
• Student Ambassador
• Dog Walker
• Librarian

Websites for Finding Jobs in Turkey in 2024

These are three basic platforms from where being an international student in Turkey you can look for opportunities in 2024:

• Student-Specific Job Boards: Genç Kariyer, YÖDAK İş Portalı, AIESEC Türkiye, IAESTE Turkey, Global Internship Türkiye.
• General Job Boards: Kariyer.net, İŞKUR, Memur alımı, Devlet Personel Başkanlığı, LinkedIn, Tübitak Bilim ve Teknik Dergisi, CareerBuilder, Indeed, Glassdoor.
• Industry-Specific Job Boards: Teknograd, Sağlık Kariyeri, Eğitim Kariyeri, Turizm Kariyeri, Finans Kariyeri.

Legal Requirements for Working on a Turkish Study Visa

• Undergraduate Students: Can start working after their first year and need a Student Work Permit.
• Postgraduate Students: Generally have an easier time getting a Work Permit.
• After Graduation: Graduates can apply for a one-year residence permit for employment.

Language Requirements for Jobs

• Knowing Turkish is important for good-paying jobs.
• Being bilingual in English and Turkish is a plus, especially in tourism.

Learning Turkish not only helps in finding a job but also enhances the overall experience of living in Turkey for international students.