Finding Student Housing in Türkiye
Housing options for scholarship and self-funded students in Türkiye: state (KYK) dormitories, private and foundation dorms, and renting an apartment.
Reviewed · August 17, 2026Guide contents
Check with YTB, GSB, the housing administration, or a legal professional before paying or signing; prices, subsidies, eligibility, and lease and housing terms vary by year, city, and provider.
Housing for Türkiye Scholarships (YTB) students
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Housing coverage
The scholarship covers a YTB student's housing throughout the study period, and the student usually doesn't need to search for it themselves.
- 2
Public dormitories
Students are generally housed in public KYK dormitories operated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Gençlik ve Spor Bakanlığı—GSB).
- 3
Contracted private dormitories
In some cities or circumstances, accommodation may be in a private dormitory (Özel Yurt) contracted by YTB and provided free or fully subsidized under the scholarship arrangement.
Verified on August 17, 2026
What should a YTB student do?
- Monitor emails and official instructions from YTB after acceptance.
- Follow the scholarship provider’s directions to the designated accommodation upon arrival in Türkiye.
- Do not arrange accommodation yourself unless YTB explicitly asks you to, and confirm coverage details before making any financial commitment.
Public housing (KYK / GSB) for self-funded students
- 1
Eligibility of international students
A foreign student can apply after obtaining a residence permit (İkamet). Check the application category and documents in GSB's current announcement.
- 2
Cost
Usually less expensive than other options, with prices historically ranging between roughly 850 and 1,500 lira per month including subsidized meals. These are not current prices.
- 3
Application period
GSB usually announces dates in August or September via e-Devlet. Check the annual announcement instead of relying on this timing.
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Availability and priority
Priority is usually given to Turkish students and scholarship students, and the places available for foreigners are limited; therefore, do not rely on KYK as your only option.
Verified on August 17, 2026
Requesting guest accommodation in a public dormitory
- 1
Identify the responsible office
Contact the KYK or GSB dormitory administration in your area to ask whether guest places (Misafir) are available.
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Submit a petition
A petition (Dilekçe) can be submitted explaining the reason for wanting to stay in government housing, and you may be accepted as a guest when space is available.
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Check guest costs
A guest usually pays for meals, with the price historically ranging between 50 and 120 lira per meal. Ask the administration about current fees.
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Ask a Turkish speaker for help if needed
Someone who speaks Turkish may help you understand the application and instructions during an in-person visit.
Private student dormitories (Özel Yurtlar)
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Nature of the accommodation
Dormitories operated by private companies or institutions, subject to licensing and commonly located near universities.
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Services
They may include private or shared rooms, cleaning, internet, security, and meals. Check exactly what the contract includes.
- 3
Registration
Registration may be available throughout the year while places remain, but options and prices are generally better when you search early.
- 4
Historical cost
Prices have historically ranged between 4,000 and 20,000 lira per month depending on the city and room type. Do not rely on this range; request a current price and contract.
- 5
Government Support
Partial support from GSB may be available for some registrants, with a historical example of 20,000 lira annual housing and support between 7,000 and 8,000 lira. Check whether the program exists, your eligibility, and its current value before counting on it in your budget.
Verified on August 17, 2026
Ways to find private accommodation
- Check the accommodation section (Konaklama) on your university’s official website.
- Search Google Maps for Öğrenci Yurdu or Özel Yurt, then verify licensing and reviews in person.
- Ask trusted students in the city about accommodation quality, safety, and the services actually provided.
- Search Turkish platforms using Yurt Arama, and do not pay before verifying the provider and contract.
Foundation dormitories (Vakıf Yurtları)
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Nature of the accommodation
Dormitories affiliated with foundations or charities, such as the Turkish Diyanet Foundation and others; their environment may be conservative and structured.
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Services and admission
They generally include meals, cleaning, and cultural activities, and may require an interview or specific admission criteria.
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Cost
Usually less than private housing and slightly higher than government housing, but the actual price depends on the institution and city.
- 4
Support and Absence
Historical examples include support of 7,000 lira off a 14,000 lira price, and a deduction of 155 to 255 lira for each day of absence when attendance is required, with preparatory-year (Hazırlık) students excluded from support in some cases. Confirm this policy in full with the housing provider and GSB.
Verified on August 17, 2026
Renting an apartment or room (Ev Kiralama / Apart)
- 1
Nature of the option
Renting a furnished or unfurnished apartment, or a room in a shared apartment, gives greater freedom over location and the number of occupants.
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Documents
You'll often need a residence permit (İkamet) and a tax number to rent. Practical and legal requirements vary, so check with the property owner and relevant authorities before signing.
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Initial payments
They may include the first month’s rent, a deposit (Depozito) equal to one or two months, and a real-estate agent’s commission (Emlakçı) that may equal one month’s rent. Negotiate and record every amount in the contract and receipt.
- 4
Utilities and insurance
Electricity, water, and gas are usually registered in the tenant's name, and you may need DASK earthquake insurance for some procedures. Confirm current requirements with the service providers and the landlord.
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The challenge of prices
Finding reasonably priced housing can be difficult, especially in major cities and near universities.
Verified on August 17, 2026
Advice for a new student: start with private student housing during the first year instead of renting an apartment right after arrival, then get to know the city and your peers before later moving to a shared apartment. Choose what suits your budget and actual circumstances.
Safety checklist before choosing accommodation
- Prepare copies of your residence card, passport, and university acceptance, and hand over an original only when officially required.
- Do not pay in advance without a clear official contract and a receipt documenting every amount.
- Avoid unlicensed intermediaries, anonymous advertisements, and offers that pressure you to pay quickly.
- Inspect the property, room, and facilities, and read the cancellation, deposit, meal, and internet terms before signing.
- Consult trusted fellow students or your university administration before making a final decision.
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