If you want to start your university studies in Turkey immediately after high-school results are announced, here is a quick roadmap that ensures you prepare your file from day one until receiving the final acceptance letter. We will summarize the official requirements—such as language, certificate equivalency, and any required exams—and align them with the 2025 timeline.
Important Dates in 2025
- For those wishing to apply to public universities that require a YÖS certificate, the TR-YÖS/2 exam will be held on 19 October 2025, and applications are open between 7–25 August 2025 via the ÖSYM system.
- Many private universities continue accepting applications until late summer or autumn, depending on their internal regulations, so it is preferable to apply early before seats are filled.
Step 1: Decide on your program, language of study, and target universities
Start by deciding on your major, the language of instruction (Turkish/English), and a short list of 3–5 universities. Turkish public and private universities publish an annual quota for international students as well as available programs, which helps you choose institutions with higher admission chances. Use the official portal Study in Türkiye to review programs and general requirements.
Quick tip: Prepare a small comparison table for tuition fees, program language, application dates, and language requirements. The fewer and better-matched your targets are to your profile, the easier and faster it becomes to obtain admission.
Step 2: Prepare your core documents early
You will generally need basic documents such as a passport, high-school diploma, transcript, and a personal photo. Some universities—especially public ones—may require a TR-YÖS or SAT score depending on the institution and program. Detailed requirements are set by each university individually, while the Study in Türkiye website presents general (non-detailed) guidelines.
For competitive majors at public universities, a strong score in the unified TR-YÖS can be beneficial. For a comprehensive guide to succeeding in the exam, read the following article: Comprehensive Guide to Passing the YÖS Exam for University Admission in Turkey
Step 3: Prepare language proof if required (Turkish or English)
Programs taught in Turkish: Universities usually require a Turkish language proficiency certificate (TÖMER) at least at the B2 level, and sometimes C1 in faculties such as Medicine.
Programs taught in English: Many universities accept TOEFL or IELTS, or they administer in-house language tests.
Most universities offer a preparatory year for Turkish or English if you do not meet the language requirement at the time of application.
Quick tip: If you do not have a language certificate ready, ask about an internal placement test or enrolling in a preparatory year; this keeps your admission moving without waiting for long international test dates.
Step 4: Apply online through university portals and track the response
Applications are now entirely online via university portals. After preliminary approval, some universities require a non-refundable deposit to issue a final acceptance, which is later used for visa/residence procedures.
Quick tip: Upload clear PDF files and name them in an organized way, such as (Name_Transcript_2025.pdf).
Step 5: Complete high-school certificate equivalency (Denklik) at the right time
Most universities require, at enrollment, a high-school equivalency certificate from the Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB) proving that your diploma is equivalent to the Turkish high school certificate. You can apply via the e-Denklik portal within Turkey or through Turkish embassies and attachés abroad.
How to finish it quickly? Book an appointment via edenklik.meb.gov.tr, upload the required documents according to your study track, or follow the guidance published by universities such as Üsküdar, which provide direct links to the platform.
Step 6: Pay the first installment to secure your seat
After approval, some universities require you to pay a first installment within a specific deadline to reserve your seat—this amount is later deducted from tuition at registration. Delays may mean losing the seat.
Quick tip: Ask the university to confirm the amount, deadline, and payment method in advance, as international transfers may take several days.
Step 7: Post-admission procedures (student visa/residence)
After receiving the final acceptance letter and payment receipt, complete the student-visa procedures through the consulate if your nationality requires a visa to enter Turkey. Then, once in Turkey, all international students must apply for a student residence permit online via e-İkamet within the legal stay period.
You may also be interested in: Do You Need a Visa to Visit Turkey? Entry Requirements for Arab Nationalities
How can Skyline Education help you?
- Free and fast admissions: We match your profile with programs and languages that suit your grades, apply on your behalf through accredited university portals, and follow up daily until the preliminary offer is issued.
- “Advance-payment” scholarships and discounts: Through our agreements with Turkish universities, we provide partial discounts and scholarships according to university policies and manage timelines so you don’t lose your seat.
- Language challenges: We recommend alternative language tests, in-house university tests, or a preparatory-year track without stalling your file.
- Equivalency and residence without hassle: We prepare your documents for equivalency and guide you through every step to obtain your student residence after arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the YÖS mandatory?
It is not mandatory for admission to every university, but it is useful for competitive programs at public universities and is held annually on set dates.
Can I apply without a Turkish language certificate (TÖMER)?
Yes, you can apply; however, starting programs taught in Turkish usually requires level B2 (and sometimes C1). You can therefore enroll in a language preparatory year.
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