Guide to Transferring Between Universities in Turkey 2025: Requirements, Steps, and Deadlines

Do you feel that your current university isn’t meeting your ambitions? Or maybe you’ve found a better opportunity in another Turkish city? Considering a transfer between universities in Türkiye is a natural and important step in your academic journey. The process may seem complex and full of details, but there’s no need to worry.

At Skyline Education, we fully understand your concerns and questions—from the fear of losing credited courses to anxiety about a possible rejection. That’s why we prepared this comprehensive 2025 guide to be your trusted reference, explaining all the requirements, steps, and deadlines you need so you can decide with confidence and succeed.

What is the University Transfer System (Yatay Geçiş) in Türkiye?

The university transfer system, officially known in Türkiye as “Yatay Geçiş,” is a formal mechanism that allows students enrolled at one higher education institution to move to another university, or even to a different department within the same university, without having to repeat the year or start from scratch.

This system is regulated by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and aims to give students greater flexibility in their educational paths. The key benefit is enabling you to move to an academic environment that suits you better while receiving equivalency for the courses you have passed at your current university—saving you time and effort.

Types of University Transfers in Türkiye: Which One Fits You?

Before starting the procedures, it’s essential to understand the different types of university transfer to determine the best option for your situation. Here are the main differences:

Transfer Based on GPA (Başarı Puanı ile Yatay Geçiş)

This type suits students who have completed at least one academic year with a high cumulative GPA, typically above 2.5/4.0. It is the most common pathway and relies heavily on academic excellence.

Transfer Based on Central Placement Score (Merkezi Yerleştirme Puanı)

For first-year students who wish to transfer, your central university entrance exam score (YKS/ÖSYS) at the time you entered your current university must be higher than the entrance score required by the department you want to move to.

Internal Transfer (Kurum İçi Yatay Geçiş)

This type is for students who want to change their major within the same university. You must meet the requirements of the target department within your university. Procedures are generally simpler than transferring to another university.

Transfer Requirements Between Turkish Universities for 2025

To ensure your application is accepted, you need to meet a set of core requirements set by Turkish universities. The list below outlines general conditions, but remember that each university may add its own specifics.

• Cumulative GPA: Your GPA must not be below the minimum set by the university—usually between 2.0 and 2.5 out of 4.0. The higher your GPA, the better your chances, especially in competitive majors such as medicine and engineering.
• Study Period: You must have completed at least one semester (and at most universities, two semesters) at your current institution. Preparatory-year students and final-year students are generally not eligible to apply for transfer.
• Academic Record: You must not have any disciplinary actions or sanctions recorded in your student file.
• Language Requirements: If the language of instruction at the new university is Turkish or English, you must submit a language proficiency certificate or pass the university’s own proficiency/exemption exam.
• Course Match: There should be sufficient alignment between your current curriculum and the target department’s plan to maximize the number of courses that can be transferred.

Required Documents for a Transfer Application

Preparing accurate and complete documentation is half the road to acceptance. Make sure to have the following:

• Student Certificate (Öğrenci Belgesi): A recent official document proving you are currently enrolled at your university.
• Official Transcript (Transkript): An authorized, stamped transcript listing all courses you have taken and the grades you received.
• Course Descriptions (Ders İçerikleri): A detailed, stamped document from your university explaining the content of each course you have passed—essential for course equivalency.
• Central Placement Exam Result (ÖSYS/YKS Sonuç Belgesi): The document showing the university entrance exam result with which you were admitted to your current program.
• Copy of Passport or Residence Card (Kimlik/Pasaport): A valid copy.
• Language Proficiency (if required): TOEFL or TÖMER (depending on the language of instruction).

How to Apply for a University Transfer in 2025 (Step by Step)

Follow these structured steps to make the application process smoother:

1. Research and Compare: Start by researching the universities and majors that interest you. Check each university’s specific transfer requirements and the published deadlines on their official websites.
2. Prepare Your Documents: Begin collecting, translating, and attesting all required documents listed above. This step can take time, so don’t delay it.
3. Submit the Online Application: Most Turkish universities accept applications via their online portals. Create an account, fill out the form carefully, and upload clear copies of your documents.
4. Track Your Application: After submission, the university will evaluate your file. This may take several weeks. Track your status through the portal or by contacting the international student office.
5. Finalize Enrollment: If accepted, the university will issue an official “Acceptance Letter.” You must then complete final registration at the new university within the specified deadlines.

University Transfer Timelines in Türkiye for 2025

Deadlines vary significantly by university but generally follow a common pattern. Here is an approximate schedule to help you plan:

Important note: These dates are estimates. You should always visit the official website of the university you want to transfer to for exact deadlines. You can also review transfer regulations on the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) website for official information.

FAQs

Can I transfer from a private university to a public university?

Yes, it is possible. However, seats at public universities are highly competitive and typically require a very high GPA and strict conditions. Transfers between private universities, or from public to private, are generally easier.

How many courses will be transferred?

This depends on how closely your current courses match those in the target program. A specialized committee at the new university reviews your course descriptions and decides. The greater the alignment, the more courses can be transferred.

What are the most common reasons for transfer rejection?

The most frequent reasons include not meeting the minimum GPA requirement, missing documents, missing the application window, or the target department having no available transfer seats.

Are there fees for the transfer process?

Submitting the application is usually free or subject to a small fee. After acceptance, you will need to pay the tuition fees for the semester at your new university.

Can I apply to transfer at more than one university?

Yes, you can apply to several universities simultaneously to increase your chances, but you can ultimately enroll in only one.

How Can Skyline Education Help You with the Transfer?

We know the transfer process can be confusing—especially with the language barrier and the need to follow procedures precisely. That’s where our expert team at Skyline Education comes in.

We provide full support at every step:

• Free Consultation: To assess your academic standing and identify the best-fit universities.
• File Preparation: We help review and prepare all required documents to ensure they meet the criteria.
• Application & Follow-up: We submit on your behalf and continuously track your application with the universities.
• Guaranteed Admission: Thanks to our experience and relationships, we secure your acceptance at the university you aim for.

Don’t let complex procedures stand in the way of your future. Contact us today to start your transfer journey to the university of your dreams.

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