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Obtain Your International Student Visa
Before arriving in Turkey, you should obtain your international student visa if it is required for your country. There are different types of visas depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay in Turkey. For details, please visit our Student Visa Page.
If you have any questions regarding the steps for obtaining your student visa, contact us at ico@ku.edu.tr.
Health Insurance
International students are required to have health insurance that is valid in Turkey and covers the complete duration of their specific academic program. Each student must share a copy of the insurance policy in English or Turkish (if obtained in Turkey) with his/her program advisor upon arrival to campus. Students who fail to do so will be de-registered from their program, as health insurance is not only for their own safety, but it is a legal obligation for foreign residents in Turkey.
Accepted Health Insurance Options:
- International Health Insurance valid in Turkey: Any insurance from anywhere that offers service in Turkey and coverage for you in Turkey (Only for exchange students).
- Private Student Health Insurance in Turkey: If you do not arrive in Turkey with an insurance policy, you can use this option and purchase insurance by emailing either Guard Me (salesturkey@guard.me) or Gulf Insurance (travel.tr@gulfsigorta.com.tr). They offer service in English and can arrange your insurance fairly quickly without a Tax ID (most companies need a Tax ID). Please note: We do not provide assistance or assume any responsibility with health insurance. You must contact the agencies, follow through all transactions, and make sure you understand your policy coverage very well.
- Home Country Social Security (based on eligibility): You can use this option if you are coming from a European country that has a Social Security agreement with Turkey. More information is available here.
Housing
Students who want to stay at the university dorms must apply and make payments during the assigned period. For more information, please visit the respective section on our website. The ICO does not assist students with off-campus housing. If you choose to live off-campus at a self-arranged accommodation, you can check out a few sources at the following link: Off-Campus Housing. This Off-Campus Housing document is only a recommendation and we do not assume any responsibility in case of any conflict or disappointment. Please feel free to refer to the route maps we provide in this document to conveniently search and find off-campus housing as they show the start and end points of the public transit (BUS 154 and M2 Green Line Metro) that are closest to the main campus.
New faculty members will be communicated by Human Resources and their faculty offices in advance on their arrangements.
Packing Tips (What to Bring with You to Turkey)
- Think about the climate and the duration of your stay at Koç University. Istanbul experiences all four seasons, so it is advised to bring attire for cold and rainy winters (with mild to harsh snowfalls), as well as for hot and humid summers.
- How to dress: Contemporary clothing is widely accepted and there are no rules or restrictions; however, in order to avoid unwanted attention on public transportation or in places of religious worship, it it best to dress modestly. If you are traveling to different regions of Turkey, it would be helpful to simply ask a Turkish friend about local customs (including dress code).
- European Grounded (Schuko) adapters are used in Turkey, so depending on where you are from, you might need to bring an adapter for your electronic devices.
- Certain items and furnishings such as beds, closets, desks, chairs, refrigerators, etc. are provided in the dormitories. However, students are recommended to bring to their own towels, pillow cases, and sheets. You can check the dormitory website for more details.
- It is important to pack essentials, but remember that you can purchase some items once you arrive and are settling into your accommodations.
Stay Informed
Check your email account for any information from Koç University.
Sign up for Koç University’s social media pages for information about events and activities.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Contact the Registrar’s Office and ICO if you have any questions before you arrive in Turkey.
Become familiar with the information provided on Koç University’s website and ICO’s website. The information and resources provided will help prepare you for your arrival in Turkey and on campus.
Do some research about living in Istanbul and Turkish culture. Having an idea about what to expect will make your arrival and transition much easier.
Start thinking about a student budget. There are many useful websites to help with this, like Numbeo.