Turkey is becoming increasingly popular among university students worldwide, particularly among Arab students. The country has made a significant leap in the higher education sector, with the number of international students exceeding 200,000 in 2021, compared to 17,000 in 2000. As a result, Turkey ranks among the top ten countries attracting international students globally. In this article, we will explore the available admission methods for Turkish universities and how to secure your university seat in Turkey.
Studying in Turkey
Turkey is an attractive destination for international students, especially Arabs, due to its cultural similarities and the high academic ranking of its universities, which offer low tuition fees. Turkey has 205 universities, 130 of which are public and 75 private.
The average duration of undergraduate studies in Turkey is four years, extending to five or six years for medical fields, along with a preparatory year for language study. Turkish is the primary language of instruction in Turkish universities, although many universities offer programs in English. However, acquiring a basic understanding of Turkish remains essential.
Admission Requirements in Turkish Universities
The higher education system in Turkey requires entrance exams in addition to obtaining a good high school GPA. Turkish universities do not solely focus on exceptionally high secondary school grades but also provide opportunities for students with good grades to take admission tests and secure a place in universities.
Previously, university admission in Turkey was centralized, requiring students to take the Foreign Student Examination (YÖS). Based on their scores, students were allocated universities and majors. However, in 2010, the Higher Education Council granted universities the autonomy to set their own admission criteria. Today, admission requirements vary by university and major, with some requiring language proficiency, others requiring entrance exams, and some accepting students based solely on high school grades.
YÖS Exam in Turkey
The YÖS (Foreign Student Exam) is an entrance test conducted by Turkish universities for international students. It assesses students' proficiency in mathematics, geometry, and IQ-based logical reasoning. Previously, the Turkish Ministry of Education administered this exam to all international students; however, it later allowed universities to decide whether to require or waive it. Recently, many universities, including Ankara University and Istanbul University, have reintroduced the YÖS exam as a prerequisite for admission.
Although the exam questions are not highly complex, thorough preparation is strongly recommended to secure university admission in Turkey.
SAT International Exam
Similar to the YÖS, the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is another widely accepted entrance exam for Turkish universities. Some universities, such as Middle East Technical University and Boğaziçi University, accept SAT scores instead of YÖS. Others consider it an alternative or an additional qualification to strengthen an application.
The SAT evaluates high school students' readiness for university education. It includes questions on mathematics, arithmetic, and English language skills, including reading, writing, and grammar.
Passing the SAT significantly increases the chances of admission to top universities like Istanbul University and Boğaziçi University. However, it provides fewer opportunities in universities that prioritize YÖS. The SAT is an ideal option for students proficient in English, helping them avoid the intense competition among YÖS applicants.
Admission Based on High School Diploma
Many Turkish universities accept students based on their high school grades, provided that the diploma is recognized by the university. This option benefits students who prefer not to take entrance exams, although it is mainly applicable to private universities and certain non-competitive programs in public universities. Highly competitive fields and top-ranked universities still require entrance exams such as YÖS and SAT, in addition to a good high school GPA.
Required Documents for University Admission in Turkey
Below are the essential documents needed to apply to Turkish universities:
- High school diploma and transcript
- Copy of passport or Turkish identity card (if available)
- Clear personal photographs
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Recommendation letters
- Statement of purpose (motivation letter)
- English language certificates (TOEFL, IELTS) if available
- Turkish language certificate (TÖMER) if available
- Entrance exam results (YÖS, SAT) if applicable
How to Secure Your University Seat in Turkey
After understanding the admission requirements and entrance exams for Turkish universities, here are some essential tips to increase your chances of securing a university seat in Turkey:
- If you are still in high school and planning to study in Turkey, aim for a high GPA or at least a good score.
- Improve your English language skills, as many courses, especially in scientific fields, include English content.
- Stay updated with news about Turkish universities, scholarships, and application procedures through official university websites.
- Set clear academic goals and determine the major and university you wish to attend.
- Seek advice from friends or relatives living in Turkey and research university education thoroughly online.
- Prepare well for entrance exams such as YÖS and SAT. While the exams are not overly difficult, practicing under timed conditions and reviewing past exam questions is crucial.
- Write a professional CV and a compelling motivation letter.
- Ensure all required documents are prepared, clearly presented, and translated into Turkish if necessary.
- Learn Turkish, even if you plan to study in English, as it will be beneficial in daily life and academic settings.
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We have now reached the end of this article, where we discussed information about university admissions in Turkey, including entrance exams required by Turkish universities. We also provided useful tips to help secure admission. If you plan to continue your higher education in Turkey, be sure to follow the advice mentioned in this article. We wish you continued success and excellence.