If you wish to apply for the YÖS exam in Turkish universities, you might feel some anxiety because the main registration period for the Unified YÖS Exam (TR-YÖS/1) is about to close or has already closed. But, slow down a bit and do not let panic take over; the university journey is not over yet.
The year 2026 brings with it radical changes in the map of university admissions in Turkey, the most important of which is the decisive decision to cancel all individual YÖS exams that universities used to hold independently, and the adoption of the "Unified YÖS" (TR-YÖS) as the sole standard for public universities. This means the margin for error has become narrow, but opportunities are still available if you act smartly.
In this comprehensive guide, we will place a precise roadmap for the coming weeks in your hands: from the late registration dates starting in a few days, to the decisive exam date in April, leading to the "Golden" alternative plan that guarantees you a university seat without the need for this exam in the first place.
Dates for the Unified YÖS Exam (TR-YÖS) for 2026
Based on the official calendar issued by the Assessment, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM), the schedule for the first Unified YÖS exam for this year is as follows:
- End of Standard Registration: February 3, 2026.
- Start of Late Registration: February 9, 2026.
- End of Late Registration: February 11, 2026 (Lasts for only 3 days).
- Exam Date: April 12, 2026.
Important Warning: The late registration period is your last chance to enter the first session exam. Usually, exam fees during this period are higher by a certain percentage (often 50%) than the original fees, so it is advised to prepare your documents and fees in advance to ensure no technical failure occurs in the final moments.
What Does the Cancellation of University-Specific YÖS Exams Mean?
Previously, if you were not successful in the Istanbul University exam, you could try the Marmara University or Yildiz Technical University exam. However, now in 2026, all YÖS exams conducted by universities individually have been cancelled.
This decision makes the TR-YÖS exam the single central gateway to public universities. Your result in this exam will be the primary criterion for differentiation in hundreds of public faculties across Turkey. This increases the intensity of competition, but it saves you the trouble of traveling between cities to take multiple exams.
For more on how to ensure your acceptance amidst these changes, you can review our guide on steps to get a fast university admission in Turkey.
The Second Exam (TR-YÖS/2): Is There Another Chance?
Yes, the good news is that ÖSYM holds the exam twice a year. If you are not lucky in the April session, or need more time to prepare, the second exam will be held in October 2026.
However, we always advise students to attempt the first exam, because its results are released before the start of most strong university application periods, giving you wider opportunities for choice.
Late Registration: All You Need to Know (February 9 - 11)
If you missed the deadline (February 3), you have a short break until February 9. On this date, the system will open again for only 3 days.
Steps to take now:
- Prepare Personal Photo: Ensure it is recent and meets biometric standards.
- Passport Number: Ensure the validity of your passport.
- Obtaining HES Code or YU Number: For foreigners residing in Turkey.
- Active Bank Card for Payment: To pay late registration fees immediately upon the system opening.
The Alternative Solution: University Admission Without "YÖS"
What if you do not want to risk your future based on a single exam? Or what if your abilities in mathematics and logic do not reflect your passion for studying Engineering, Management, or even Medical specializations?
Here comes the role of highly ranked private Turkish universities that are recognized internationally and in the Arab world. At Skyline Education, we confirm a fact ignored by many: You do not need the YÖS exam to enter the strongest private universities in Turkey.
You can enroll in majors such as Human Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence relying solely on your High School diploma. Not only that, but applying through us guarantees you:
- Free university admission (without agency fees).
- Exclusive discounts on tuition fees reaching up to 70%.
- Complete exemption from the complexities of central entrance exams.
Read more about this comfortable option chosen by thousands of students annually to save time and effort: Can you study in Turkey without YOS or SAT certificate?
How to Utilize the Period from Now Until April 12?
If you decided to take the TR-YÖS challenge, the remaining period (about two months) is considered golden for intensive revision. Here is a suggested strategy:
- Focus on Solving Previous Sessions: Since the exam is unified, the question pattern tends to repeat in logical ideas (IQ) and geometry.
- Time Management: The biggest problem in the unified YÖS is not just the difficulty of questions, but the tightness of time. Practice solving 80 questions in 100 minutes.
- Language: The exam is translated into Arabic, but make sure to understand mathematical terms well to avoid misunderstanding during translation.
Frequently Asked Questions About YÖS Exam 2026
Can I apply to public universities without the Unified YÖS?
Opportunities have become very rare and almost non-existent for medical and engineering majors in strong public universities. The Unified YÖS has become a fundamental requirement.
Is the Unified YÖS accepted in private universities?
Yes, private universities accept it and sometimes grant additional scholarships for it, but they do not require it for admission. You can obtain admission with just a High School diploma.
When do YÖS exam results appear?
Results are usually released 3 to 4 weeks after the exam date, i.e., in mid-May 2026, which is an excellent timing to apply for partial scholarships and placements.
For more on discounts and partial scholarships in Turkish universities, check our guide on how to get 70% discounts from private Turkish universities.
In conclusion, whether you chose the "Unified YÖS" path and competition in public universities, or chose the more guaranteed and faster path towards prestigious private universities, we are here to support you. Do not let dates pass you by, and if you feel that the YÖS exam constitutes an obstacle to your dream, remember that we can secure your university admission immediately with just a High School diploma.
Our advice: Register during the late period (February 9-11) as a primary plan, and contact us in parallel to secure preliminary admission in a private university as a safe alternative plan to guarantee your seat regardless of the result.