VISA
It is very important that you confirm your country’s visa regime with Turkey via the Turkish Consulate in your country.
The visa processing time may take between 6-8 weeks in some countries.
If you are coming from a country, which is exempted from the visa requirement to enter Turkey, you do not have to apply to the Turkish Consulates for any kind of visa. You may directly come to Turkey without obtaining a visa.
However, if you are coming from a country, which is not exempted from the visa requirement to enter Turkey, you have to apply for any kind of visa prior to coming to Bilkent, Turkey. You should visit the Turkish Consulate in your country to apply for a visa as soon as you receive your official acceptance letter from Bilkent University.
HEALTH INSURANCE
It is mandatory for international students to register to the General Health Insurance (GHI) system after registering to the university. The fee for the GHI is approximately 500 – 700 Turkish Liras (TL) per year.
Bilkent University also has a well-equipped Student Health Center providing care for all students with their routine health problems and minor injuries. Please visit http://w3.bilkent.edu.tr/bilkent/health-center/ for detailed information.
LIVING EXPENSES – per semester
Food & Drinks: Approx. 700 USD
Books: Approx. 90 USD
Transportation: Students can benefit from free of charge shuttle buses from/to Campus, to/from Ankara and within the campus.
Accommodation: Approx. 850 USD, for a standard double room.
Health Insurance: Approx. 180 USD, per year. It is mandatory for all of the international students.
WHAT TO BRING
The weather in Turkey varies, as it is a country with four seasons. From mid-October to mid-March, the weather is cold, so you should bring your winter coat and boots, but you also bring light clothing items, as it gets quite warm from June to late September.
RECOMMENDED READING
A Brief History of Ankara by Toni Cross and Gary Leiser,
Culture Shock!: Turkey: A survival guide to customs and etiquette by Arın Bayraktaroğlu