Incoming Student

Incoming Student


CLICK TO NOMINATE

NOMINATION PROCESS

BİLGİ has a two-stage online system for exchange students. At the first stage, the Erasmus Office of the partner university nominates its students online.  At the second stage, the student nominated will be invited by e-mail to complete an online Application Form.

When you click "Online Nomination" below, you will be asked to enter your username and password. We will e-mail the Erasmus Office of partner universities and give them a username and password for each semester in advance. If you forget your password, you can e-mail erasmus@bilgi.edu.tr to receive it again. Please do not pass this information on to students.

After you log-in, you will be connected to your access page. Click " Student Pre-Application Form " to view the Nomination Form. On the form, you will be asked to enter information about yourself (the nominating individual), the student's name, contact information, his/her area, level and year of study, the period of exchange and the academic program at BİLGİ for which the student wishes to apply. . Once you enter this information, you will be asked to click the “complete the pre-application” form button. After clicking the button, the student will have an automatic e-mail regarding the application period. After completing a nomination, click " Student Pre-Application Form " to nominate another student or Exit if you are finished. You are able to follow the application status of the nominee from my outgoing students tab. In order to cancel the application, you need to inform us via e-mail.

Exchange student nominations are based on the exchange quotas designated in the inter-institutional agreements. BİLGİ cannot accept nominations from departments that are not indicated on the agreement.


The nomination period for partner universities and students: 

Only Fall semester or full academic year : April 1st to June 15th

Spring semester: September 1st to November 15th

Late applications are NOT accepted. All the nominated students must submit their signed and stamped application form to the Erasmus Office of BİLGİ until the deadline. 


EXTENSION OF THE MOBILITY PERIOD

Erasmus students have the opportunity to extend their mobility period at BİLGİ. If the student has been nominated and has applied for fall semester only, they have a chance to extend their studying period. This can be done after student's arrival and before the next semester begins. Please contact with the Erasmus Office if student has a request for extension. 

ONLINE APPLICATION

APPLICATION PROCESS

BİLGİ has a two-stage online system for incoming exchange students. At the first stage, the International Office of your home university will nominate you online as an Erasmus exchange student. At the second stage, you will be invited by e-mail to complete an Online Application Form.In the e-mail message, you will be given a username and a password. When you click "Online Application Form", you will be asked to enter your username and password. On the form, you will be asked to provide personal information.The online application must be completed on our website. Click here for the website  https://era.bilgi.edu.tr/

Students has to send their completed application forms to the Erasmus Office before the deadline. 

 The nomination period for partner universities and students: 

Only Fall semester or full academic year : April 1st to June 15th

Spring semester: September 1st to November 15th

*Late applications are NOT accepted. All the nominated students must submit their signed and stamped application form to the Erasmus Office of BİLGİ until the deadline. 

If you later choose not to attend BİLGİ, you should inform the Erasmus Office at BİLGİ to cancel your nomination.

If you have any problems with the application, please e-mail us via erasmus@bilgi.edu.tr.

Every semester, the Erasmus Office organizes  Orientation Days for all incoming exchange Students. All the nominated students must participate to those two important events to complete their school registration. On the Registration Day Incoming Exchange Students must be present in Istanbul to be able to complete their school registration. You won't be able to complete your course selection online without being registered at BİLGİ.

 EXTENSION OF THE MOBILITY PERIOD

Erasmus students have the opportunity to extend their mobility period at BİLGİ. If the student has been nominated and has applied for fall semester only, they have a chance to extend their studying period. This can be done after student's arrival and before the next semester begins. Please contact with the Erasmus Office if student has a request for extension. 

The " General Course Catalog " lists all the undergraduate courses of the University in which some courses are marked as “Recommended for International Students” (courses offered entirely or in large part in English). If you do not speak Turkish, you should register only for those courses titled as Recommended for International Students. Turkish speaking international students may register for any course listed in the “ General Course Catalog ”.

The normal workload for a semester is 30 ECTS credits. We strongly advise that international exchange students not exceed 36 ECTS credits or 6 undergraduate courses a semester.

International exchange students may take courses from any faculty or department as electives, alongside their major field of study. Undergraduate students may register for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year courses depending on the program requirements of their home university and their areas of interest. 100 level courses are introductory, 200 level courses are introductory to intermediary, 300 level courses intermediary to advanced, and 400 level courses are advanced level undergraduate courses. Postgraduate students may register for 500 level MA courses, as well as take advanced undergraduate courses depending on the program requirements of their home university.

International students may register for TK 111 "Turkish Language for Foreigners-Beginners Level" and TK 112 "Turkish Language for Foreigners-Intermediary Level".

Highly recommended courses for international students are; IR 323 (fall and spring) "Turkish Politics and Foreign Policy" and IR 505 (fall and spring) "Turkish Politics and Foreign Policy- MA Level.

Petition Templates

After the Add-Drop Period you will be able to add or drop the courses you want  with a petition. There is a deadline for the withdrawal. Please check the academic calendar for the deadline if you want to withdraw from any course you took. 

Below you can find the samples of petitions that we have designed for your convenience. You may use these if you need to add, drop or add and drop a course. You can then submit them to the Student Affairs for approval.

Petition for Adding a Course 

Petition for Dropping a Course

Petition for Adding and Dropping a Course


Obtaining a Visa

According to new regulations, you DO NOT need to get a student visa in order to study in Turkey as an Exchange student. We list the visa requirements based on different citizenship below. You can also check the visa requirements on the following website https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/ . In order to stay in Turkey more than 90 days, you need to apply for the Residence Permit. We will inform you in detail about the Residence Permit Procedure during the Orientation Day.If you own a blue card or a Turkish identity card you do not need to apply for a residence permit or neither visa, you can enter Turkey with your ID card.

We have a electronic visa application system. You may find more information in that page : https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/tour/ 

A Guiding Video for E-Visa Application 


One of the requirements to obtain a residence permit is to have health insurance. Students must have a health insurance to apply for residence permit in Turkey. 

Option 1: Bring your health Insurance policy from your home country (Only valid for Erasmus Exchange Students)

*Non- Contracted Institutions: Institutions (hospitals, physicians’ offices, and the other health institutions) do not have an agreement with the insurer.

If you are bringing your own health insurance from your home country, the coverage table has to be shown in your insurance policy explicitly. Your insurance policy must be in compliance with the minimal requirements of the mandate for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey. It has to be translated in Turkish and approved by the Notary in Turkey.

Please be aware that this regulation is only valid for Erasmus Exchange Students.

Option 2: Social security agreement between Turkey and your home country

If Turkey and your country have a social security agreement: You need to visit your social security office (not your private insurance company) in your country before you arrive. They will give you a document with the Turkish Social security Office's approval. You can use this approved form as your insurance, in your residence permit application. For further information about the security agreement, please contact the International Center of home university.

Here you can find the list of agreements:

Germany TA 11 

Netherlands N/TUR 111

Belgium BT 8

Austria A/TR 3

France SE 208-06 A FT & SE 208-28 FT

Turkish Republic of North Cyprus KKTC/TC 3

Romania R/TR 3

Bosnia Herzegovina BH/TR 4

Czech Rep CZ/TR 111

Macedonia MC/TR 4

Luxembourg TR/L 3

Albania AL/TR 4

Option 3: Private Health Insurance 

If you would like to use this option, you must be here in Istanbul and you will need a tax number to be able to complete your health insurance application.

You can get your tax number from the Tax offices. All you need is your passport and a photocopy of the passport page with your photograph on it.

Required documents to apply for Private Health Insurance :

  • Application form
  • Tax Number
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Student Certificate (Turkish Version)
  • Payment receipt of the insurance policy

For any questions, please contact with your Health Insurance Company. 

İstanbul Bilgi University provides dormitory service to our students with the dormitories that have contract with BİLGİ. They are private dormitories and very close to our campuses. The dormitories we recommend offer different room options in single, two, four and various capacities.

For suggestions and complaints: yurtlar@bilgi.edu.tr

Dormitory and Residence Coordination and Communication Professional: Nelin Okay (santralistanbul Campus, Student Support)

ONLINE RESIDENCE PERMIT APPLICATION

Within one month of your arrival, you have to apply for your residence permit ONLINE. It is ok if your appointment date for your residence permit is after ONE month that you have been in Turkey.

A Residence Permit is an official document stating registration with the Directorate General of Migration Management (İçişleri Bakanlığı Göç İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü)

 The Erasmus Office will help you with your residence permit process and submit documents to the Migration Office on behalf of the student.

Online Application 

  • You must make an online application by going to the Migration Office website.
  • Please follow the guideline we have sent you on the orientation day. 
  • If you are applying for the first time, select “I LODGE AN APPLICATION FOR RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR THE FIRST TIME”.
  • After you fill the first page you will receive an email  or a message to your Turkish mobile number according to your preference. Please write a valid email address and phone number here because you will receive updates to for your application to that account. 
  • Online Application must be made, in any case, before the expiration of the visa.
  • The Erasmus Office will submit on behalf of you so you will submit all the necessary document to the Erasmus Office. 

Please keep in mind that  the Migration Office may always ask for additional information and documents concerning your residence permit request.


Required Documents 

  • Original Passport
  • Four Passport size photos (photo must be taken within the last 6-months (frontal, clear face, in a way that the foreigner can be recognized easily) with a white background and as biometric).
  • Photocopy of passport pages (the page with your photo, the page where validity and expiry dates are written, and the page with the last entry stamp)
  • 110 Turkish Lira fee receipt (you can pay the card fee at the tax office) Tax Office Address: Hisar Vergi Dairesi –Hobyar Mah. Yalıköşkü Cd. No: 16, Sirkeci-Fatih
  • Student Certificate (in Turkish) - This document will be provided you by the Erasmus Office. 
  • A printout of your online application form (must be colored print)
  • Health Insurance Policy (Turkish Version)
  • E-visa printout (for students who have e-visa)


Important Notes

  • Please do not make your online residence permit application before being physically here in Istanbul! According to the laws, you can only make this application after you cross the Turkish border.
  • If you are facing any technical difficulties on the website regarding your application, feel free to contact with the Erasmus Office. 
  • When you fill up the online application form please only use English keyboard/alphabet.
  • Once you complete your online form and submit, you cannot make any changes , so please be sure about the information you provide on the system. If you need any assistance, please contact with the Erasmus Office.
  • After you complete the form please make a color print, black-white print form is not accepted by the Directorate General of Migration Management.
  • After you complete the form take a note of your application’s reference number and save the pdf in your mailbox, you will need it.

 


CLICK TO APPLY FOR AN INTERNSHIP POSITION

We have two internship offers; 

1.ERASMUS OFFICE INTERN POSITION

We are currently looking for an intern to join the Erasmus Office of the Global Talent Management Center at İstanbul Bilgi University. The placement can last at least 5 months, but we prefer interns who could stay longer. 

If you would you like to;

  • gain job experience in a Higher Education Organization, member of Laureate International Universities Network
  • develop your language, IT, communication and organizational skills
  • be part of an international and professional team
  • live in a multicultural and historically important city

And you have;

  • good knowledge of English (B2+)
  • good communication skills
  • teamwork skills
  • basic knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • interest in the fields of International Relations and Education

In this case you are the person we are looking for! 

MAIN TASKS

You support the Erasmus Program Specialists, completing the following tasks:

  • Helping with the application and admission procedures of international and BILGI students
  • Preparing data and updating excel table
  • Maintaining the office environment through inventory and other administrative tasks
  • Assisting the operation of events of international programs
  • Supporting outgoing and incoming students during application periods and on exchange preparations
  • Assisting in marketing in study abroad programs by using and developing new
  • Approaches to attract more students both outgoing and incoming students and updating, checking the web pages.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • The position is an unpaid position.The student can receive a grant from their home university or can finance their expenses by themselves.
  • Working hours: 9:00-17:00 in weekdays.
  • Meal card and free shuttle services from certain locations.

Shuttle hours gets updated weekly, you can check the its schedule from the following link; Click Here 

To apply for this position please send your CV and a motivation letter to incoming-intern@bilgi.edu.tr 

Important! : Please keep in mind that Global Talent Management Center has 3 different International Offices. When you are applying for traineeship please choose one among the following offices; Erasmus Office, Advising Office and Bilateral Office. 

2.ERASMUS OFFICE SOCIAL MEDIA POSITION 

We are currently looking for a Social Media intern to join the Erasmus Office of the Global Talent Management Center at Istanbul Bilgi University. The placement can last at least 4 months, but we prefer interns who could stay longer. 

If you would you like to;

  • gain job experience in a Higher Education Organization, member of Laureate International Universities Network
  • develop your marketing, language, IT, communication and creative skills
  • be part of an international and professional team
  • live in a multicultural and historically important city

And you have;

  • knowledge of Adobe Programs
  • good knowledge of English (B2+)
  • good communication skills
  • teamwork skills
  • basic knowledge of Microsoft Office

In this case you are the person we are looking for!

MAIN TASKS

You support the Erasmus Program Specialists, completing the following tasks:

  • creating, editing and managing content for the school’s web presence
  • using photoshop and videomaker tools in advanced level
  • managing social pages such as Instagram and Facebook
  • creating newsletters and leaflets for events
  • assisting the operation of events of international center
  • supporting outgoing and incoming students during application periods and on exchange preparations
  • assisting in promoting study abroad programs by using and developing new approaches to atract more students both outgoings and incomings
  • creating social media content
  • Working hours: 9:00-17:00
  • Meal card and shuttle services are provided
  • Grant: contact with home university is necessary

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • The position is an unpaid position.The student can receive a grant from their home university or can finance their expenses by themselves.
  • Working hours: 9:00-17:00 in weekdays.
  • Meal card and free shuttle services from certain locations.

Shuttle hours gets updated weekly, you can check the its schedule from the following link; Click Here 

To apply for this position please send your CV and a motivation letter to incoming-intern@bilgi.edu.tr


Please click here for;  ONLINE COURSE CATALOG

Please click here for; ACADEMIC CALENDARS

Please click here for; ECTS CREDIT ALLOCATION


This section is created to provide you important links that may ease your inquiries and aid in navigation within the university.

Below are helpful information that may your daily life in Istanbul easier.

Important Numbers

Ambulance: 112 (all over Turkey)

Police: 155 (all over Turkey)

Tourism Police: (0212) 5274503 (İstanbul only)

Gendarmerie: 156 (all over Turkey for rural areas)

Coast Guard: 158 (all over Turkey)

Fire Department: 110 (all over Turkey)

Forest Fire: 177 (all over Turkey)

Yellow Pages: 11818 or 11811 or 11880 (all over Turkey) the cost of directory could be expensive

Tourism Info: 170 (all over Turkey)