A thousand Turkish students left in limbo by Italian bureaucracy
19 November 2024
Nearly 1,000 Turkish students accepted into Italian universities cannot begin their studies due to significant delays in obtaining student visas from Italian consulates. Despite securing summer appointments, submitting complete documentation, and proving financial resources above the required €6,200, many applicants faced prolonged processing times. The delays have caused some students to lose their scholarships, including housing grants, further deepening frustrations.
Italian universities stepped in to assist, providing confirmation letters, but consulates in Istanbul and Izmir issued visas only after the academic year had begun.
In protest, students and their families left a black wreath at the Italian Consulate in Istanbul and delivered a letter to Consul General Elena Clemente. The letter criticised the consulate's failure to process applications submitted months in advance of the academic year. Speaking to newspaper BirGün, Clemente claimed she had consulted Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and attributed the delays to a "heavy workload." However, she declined to provide specific solutions or address further questions.
 | Yakup Can Yargıç European universities are increasingly focusing on non-EU students to boost visibility and revenue. Yet, these students face high tuition fees, complex visas, and limited work opportunities. Programmes like Erasmus+ help, but language and cultural barriers remain major obstacles. Germany recently eased visa procedures for international postgraduate applicants. However, rising tuition fees are driving students to other European countries, underlining the need for balanced policies. Turkish students often struggle with limited funding, making it hard to afford essentials like housing during Erasmus exchanges. They also struggle with language barriers, adapting to local job markets, and navigating complex work permit rules. While countries like Germany and the Netherlands grant 12-18 months to find jobs, social sciences and business graduates often face difficulties, unlike those in engineering and technical fields, who have better prospects. |
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