Checked against official sources on 22 October 2026. Requirements, fees and dates change and can differ by university, embassy or consulate. Always confirm the current rules with the official source before you apply — we do this for every student we work with.
Most international students in Türkiye live in one of three places: a state dormitory run by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (known to everyone as a "KYK yurdu"), a private dormitory, or a shared flat. Which one is right for you depends on your city, your budget, whether you hold a scholarship and how much independence you want. This guide explains how each option works, how an Afghan student actually applies for a KYK place, and what you must arrange before you fly.
The three options at a glance
| Option | Run by | Typical features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| State dormitory (KYK) | Ministry of Youth and Sports (GSB) | Shared rooms, meals often included, campus or city locations, rules on visitors and hours | Students on a tight budget, scholarship holders, first-year students |
| Private dormitory | Private companies, some linked to universities | Single or shared rooms, more services, higher cost, flexible contracts | Students who want comfort and a managed building |
| Shared flat | Landlord, via agent or directly | Most independence, cooking at home, costs split with flatmates | Second-year students and above who know the city |
Universities also have their own dormitories in some cases, especially foundation (private) universities, which usually allocate them during registration.
State (KYK) dormitories: how they work
The Ministry of Youth and Sports operates a large network of student dormitories across Türkiye. They are popular because they are usually the most affordable option, they are supervised, and many sit close to campuses or on good transport routes. Rooms are shared, there are common study and dining areas, and the dormitories have rules about entry hours, guests and conduct that you are expected to follow.
Places are limited and demand is high in the biggest cities, so an application is not a guarantee. Students outside Istanbul and Ankara often find a place more easily.
How international students apply
International students do not use the same form as Turkish students. The ministry publishes a dedicated e-Devlet service: "Uluslararası Öğrenciler İçin Yurt Başvurusu" (Hostel Application for International Students), with a companion service to check the result.
- Get a foreigner identity number (YKN). You receive it with your student residence permit. Without it you cannot log in to e-Devlet.
- Obtain an e-Devlet password from a PTT (post office) branch with your passport and identity number.
- Be enrolled. You need to be registered in a formal programme at a Turkish higher education institution; new students normally need their student certificate (öğrenci belgesi).
- Apply in the announced window. The ministry opens applications each year, usually in late summer, with further windows for new registrations and additional places. The dates and conditions are published on gsb.gov.tr and in the e-Devlet service itself.
- Check the result through the "Hostel Application Result for International Students" service and complete registration at the dormitory within the deadline given.
Because the residence permit comes after you arrive, most first-year Afghan students cannot apply for KYK before travelling. Plan temporary accommodation for the first weeks and apply as soon as your permit and e-Devlet access are ready. Your university's international office knows the current procedure and often helps with the form.
Türkiye Scholarships students
If you hold a Türkiye Scholarships award, accommodation is part of the package: the official programme description states that scholars are provided with accommodation, normally in state dormitories arranged through the programme. You still need to follow the dormitory's registration steps when you arrive. See our Türkiye Scholarships guide.
Private dormitories
Private dormitories range from simple shared rooms to hotel-style single rooms with cleaning, meals and a gym. They are the quickest way to secure a confirmed bed before you travel, which can be valuable for your first semester. Before signing:
- Check the location against your actual campus; large universities have several campuses, and in Istanbul a wrong choice can mean two hours of travel a day. Our Istanbul and Ankara pages explain this.
- Read the contract: minimum term, what happens if you leave early, what is included (meals, internet, utilities) and the deposit rules.
- Ask for the address document. You will need proof of address for your residence permit application.
- Avoid paying large sums to anyone who cannot show a registered business, a written contract and a receipt.
Some private dormitories are formally linked to universities and appear on the university's accommodation page. These are usually the safest to book from abroad.
Shared flats
Renting a room in a flat with other students gives you the most independence and, split between flatmates, is often cheaper than a private dormitory. It also brings responsibilities that catch new arrivals out:
- Contracts and deposits. Rental contracts are in Turkish, normally run for a year, and deposits are common. Have someone who reads Turkish check the contract before you sign.
- Utilities in your name. Electricity, water, gas and internet may need to be registered, which again requires your identity number.
- Address registration. Your residence permit application asks for your address, and you may need to register it at the population directorate. Keep the contract and a utility bill.
- Furnished vs unfurnished. Many flats come empty. Budget for basic furniture if you choose one.
- Flatmates. Living with Turkish-speaking students speeds up your language more than anything else; living only with compatriots is comfortable but slows it down.
We strongly advise against renting a flat from abroad based on photos. Arrive, stay in a dormitory or short-term accommodation, see the flat, then sign.
What to arrange before you travel
- Confirmed accommodation for the first weeks, whether a university dormitory, a private dormitory or a short-term room. Your visa file may ask for it too.
- A plan for the residence permit. The address you give in the e-İkamet application must be where you actually live, so decide where you will be during the first month.
- Enough money for deposits. Dormitories and flats require payments at the start; your budget should include them.
- Copies of your documents. Dormitories ask for your passport, student certificate and photos; flats ask for your identity number and sometimes a guarantor.
- Contact with your university's international office. They know which dormitories are safe, which neighbourhoods are convenient and when the KYK window opens.
City differences
- Istanbul: the widest choice and the highest demand. Distance to campus matters more than anything else; a cheaper room an hour and a half away is rarely cheaper once transport and time are counted.
- Ankara: a compact student city with many dormitories near the big universities; KYK places are easier to find than in Istanbul.
- Smaller cities (Konya, Kayseri, Eskişehir, Sakarya, Bursa and others): living costs are lower, dormitory places are more available and students report a quicker path to Turkish fluency. Many Afghan students choose them for exactly these reasons.
Safety and scams
New international students are a target for rental scams in every country. Warning signs: pressure to pay a deposit before viewing, a "landlord" abroad who cannot meet, prices far below the market, and requests for money through informal channels. Deal with your university's recommended providers, registered dormitories or agencies with an office you can visit, and always get a signed contract and a receipt.
How we help
Accommodation is part of the plan we build with every student: we explain the KYK application timeline honestly, help you compare private dormitories near your actual campus, and make sure your address and documents are ready for the residence permit so that one piece of paper does not delay the next. If you are choosing between cities, our Study in Turkey overview compares them, or send us your details and we will advise on your case.
Questions students ask
Can international students stay in KYK dormitories in Turkey?
Yes. The Ministry of Youth and Sports runs a separate e-Devlet service called “Hostel Application for International Students” (Uluslararası Öğrenciler İçin Yurt Başvurusu). You need to be enrolled in a formal programme and have an e-Devlet login, which you can obtain once you have your foreigner identity number from the residence permit.
When do KYK dormitory applications open?
Applications are announced by the Ministry of Youth and Sports each year, usually in late summer before the academic year starts, with later windows for new registrations and additional places. Check the current announcement on gsb.gov.tr or e-Devlet, and ask your university's international office.
Do Türkiye Scholarships students get accommodation?
Yes. According to the official programme description, Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) covers accommodation for its scholars, normally in state dormitories.
Should I rent a flat before I arrive in Turkey?
Avoid paying a deposit for a flat you have not seen. Book a dormitory place or short-term accommodation for the first weeks, then look for a flat in person. You will need a registered address for your residence permit application, so arrange at least temporary accommodation before you travel.
What is the cheapest student accommodation in Turkey?
State (KYK) dormitories are usually the most affordable option, followed by shared flats and then private dormitories, but prices vary by city and change often. We do not publish figures here; ask your university for current rates.
About this guide
Written and maintained by the team at Noory Educational Consultancy Services, an education consultancy in Jalalabad established in 2018 and led by Fatihullah Noory (Founder & CEO). We check time-sensitive facts against official sources and update our guides when the rules change.