All children present in Türkiye — regardless of nationality, including those under temporary protection — have the right to free access to primary and secondary education; registration is done via the e-Okul system with the foreigner ID number. A student with a family residence permit can study up to age 18 without obtaining a separate residence permit. For university, foreign student admission applies (usually via the YÖS exam or quotas); the most critical point is the MEB equivalency certificate for the high school diploma — without equivalency, final enrolment may be cancelled.
The Foreign Child’s Right to Education
The right to education in Türkiye is defined broadly: all children present in the country — regardless of nationality, including those under temporary protection and holders of an international protection application/status — have the right to free access to primary and secondary education. Education is carried out by the Ministry of National Education within the framework of compulsory basic education.
This right is largely independent of the status of the child’s family; that is, whether under a family residence permit, a student residence permit, or temporary protection, a school-age child’s access to basic education is fundamental. However, the right of access and the practical registration steps are different things — below we look at the registration process.
State School Registration
The registration of foreign children at a state school is done at the nearest school via the e-Okul system with the foreigner ID number. This route applies from kindergarten to secondary education. If previous educational documents (report cards, transcripts, etc.) exist, they are taken into account for grade placement.
For children under temporary protection, registration is based on a document showing the family is registered in the relevant province rather than a residence permit. In practice, factors such as a language barrier and adaptation can complicate the process; for this reason it is important to apply with the right documents and on time. The precondition for registration is that the child has a foreigner ID number.
Residence Permit and the Age-18 Threshold
A critical nuance in the relationship between education and the residence permit is the age-18 threshold:
- Student with a family residence permit: at primary and secondary level, can continue education up to age 18 without obtaining a separate residence permit.
- Student without a family residence permit: falls under the student residence permit.
- After age 18: if education continues, the residence permit situation is reassessed.
For this reason, the family residence permit directly affects the child’s education journey too (Family Residence Permit). Which permit is required varies according to the family and the child’s age.
University and the Equivalency Certificate
At university level the route differs. Foreign student admission is carried out within the framework of YÖK’s principles: at state universities mainly through the foreign student exam (YÖS), and also through universities’ own foreign quotas or international exams they accept. Since each university has its own quota and calendar, there is no single route.
Here the most frequently skipped and most expensive mistake is the equivalency certificate: for final enrolment at university, the MEB equivalency certificate for the high school diploma is generally mandatory. Without the equivalency certificate, final enrolment may be cancelled. For this reason, it is critically important for families aiming at university to start the equivalency process in advance and on time.
Student Residence Permit
A foreign student who has enrolled at university applies for a student residence permit to the Provincial Directorate of Migration of the province where they study (from associate’s degree to doctorate). The process broadly works like this: after enrolment, an appointment is booked via e-İkamet; steps such as a student certificate, a valid passport, notification of the stay address and, depending on the conditions, health insurance are completed.
The permit period is linked to the duration of study; when the study ends, the student residence permit expires. A person who wishes to work after graduation moves on to the work permit process through an employer or, if suitable, transitions to another status. For tracking the period and renewal: Residence Permit Extension.
Points to Watch
The points where families most often get stuck on a foreign child’s education journey:
- Starting equivalency late: the most critical document for university enrolment; its absence can lead to cancellation of final enrolment.
- Missing the age-18 threshold: the timing of the transition from a family residence permit to a student permit is important.
- Lack of an ID number: registration does not proceed without obtaining the number that is the precondition for school registration.
- The TRNC option: universities in Northern Cyprus are a separate system; registration, equivalency and language proficiency are subject to their own rules and require separate confirmation.
Although the right to education is broad, realising it calls for the right documents and the right timing. Coordinating school registration, the student residence permit and the equivalency process in the right order, and taking on the document tracking, is our work. Details: Family Residence Consultancy.