Admission requirements for undergraduate programs in Turkey vary between universities, but most institutions, especially for international students, follow a similar set of guidelines and require a common list of documents. The process typically involves an online application followed by in-person registration upon arrival.
General Academic Requirements (bachelor’s degree)
- High School Diploma: You must have a high school diploma or be in your final year of high school. A provisional document stating your expected graduation date is usually accepted for the initial application.
- High School Transcripts: Official transcripts showing all courses taken and your grades are mandatory.
- Entrance Exam Scores: While some private universities may not require them, most public universities demand a score from a standardized test. The most common is the TR-YÖS (Turkish Exam for Foreign Students). Many universities also accept other international exams like the SAT or ACT. Minimum score requirements vary by university and program.
- Language Proficiency: If the program is taught in English, you will need to provide a score from a recognized English proficiency test like TOEFL (usually minimum 75 iBT) or PTE Academic. For programs taught in Turkish, you may need a TÖMER certificate (typically a C1 level). Students who don’t have a certificate may be required to take the university’s own proficiency exam or enroll in a preparatory language year.
Required Documents for Online Application
To complete your online application, you’ll need to prepare and upload digital copies of the following documents:
- High School Diploma: A copy of your diploma or a temporary graduation certificate.
- Official Transcripts: A copy of your high school academic transcripts.
- Passport: A clear photocopy of your valid passport’s photo and information page.
- Test Scores: Digital copies of your standardized test scores (e.g., TR-YÖS, SAT) and/or language proficiency test results.
- Photos: Passport-sized biometric photos.
- Motivation Letter: Some universities may require a statement of purpose or a motivation letter.
- Application Fee: Proof of payment for the non-refundable application fee.
Documents Required for Final Registration
After receiving your acceptance letter, you’ll need to bring the original documents to the university’s international office for final registration. These documents typically include:
- Original High School Diploma and Transcripts: With a notarized Turkish or English translation if they are in another language.
- Equivalency Certificate (Denklik Belgesi): This is a crucial document obtained from a Turkish embassy or consulate abroad, or the Turkish Ministry of National Education, which certifies that your high school diploma is equivalent to a Turkish one.
- Student Visa: The student visa you obtained from a Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Health Insurance: Proof of a valid health insurance policy.
- Residence Permit: You will need to apply for a residence permit from local authorities after your arrival in Turkey, and you will need to provide the necessary documents for this process as well.
How to apply for a university in Turkey?
1. Choose a University and Program
Turkey offers a wide range of public and private universities. Research different institutions and programs to find the best fit for your academic goals and career aspirations. Consider factors such as:
- Program availability: Is your desired major offered?
- Language of instruction: Are you looking for a program in English or Turkish?
- Admission requirements: What are the specific GPA, test score, and document requirements?
- Tuition and scholarships: What are the costs, and what scholarship opportunities are available for international students?
2. Check Admission Requirements
Admission requirements can vary significantly between universities and programs, and between public and private institutions.
- Public Universities: Often have stricter requirements and may require scores from standardized tests. The most common is the TR-YÖS, a Turkish exam for international students. Some public universities also accept other international exams like the SAT or ACT.
- Private Universities: Generally have more flexible requirements, often placing a greater emphasis on your high school diploma grades and transcripts. They may also consider scores from international exams like the SAT, but it is not always mandatory.
3. Prepare Your Documents
The documents required for your initial online application typically include:
- High School Diploma: A copy of your high school diploma. If you have not yet graduated, you can submit an official document stating your expected graduation date.
- Official Transcripts: High school transcripts showing all courses and grades.
- Valid Identification: A copy of your passport or national ID card.
- Language Proficiency Certificate: If applying for an English-taught program, you may need a TOEFL or PTE certificate. For Turkish-taught programs, a TÖMER certificate is often required. If you don’t have one, many universities offer their own proficiency test.
- Standardized Test Scores (if applicable): Copies of your test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT, TR-YÖS).
- Passport-Sized Photos: Digital copies of recent photos.
- Statement of Purpose/Motivation Letter: A personal essay explaining your reasons for applying to the university and program.
- Application Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the non-refundable application fee.
Note: All documents not in English or Turkish must be accompanied by a notarized translation.
4. Meet Application Deadlines
Application deadlines for Turkish universities are set by each institution and can vary. Most universities have a fall intake with deadlines typically ranging from May to August. For highly competitive programs or scholarships, the deadlines might be much earlier. It is crucial to check the specific dates on the university’s official website and submit your application well in advance.
5. Submit Your Application
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you will submit them through the university’s online application portal. Some universities may also require you to send physical copies of your documents via post.
6. Post-Acceptance Process
If your application is successful, you will receive a conditional or final acceptance letter. This is a crucial document for the next steps.
- Student Visa: You will need to apply for a student visa at the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country. The acceptance letter from the university is a mandatory document for this process.
- Equivalency Certificate: Before final registration at the university, you must obtain a “Denklik Belgesi” (High School Equivalency Certificate) from a Turkish embassy or the Ministry of National Education in Turkey. This document verifies that your high school diploma is equivalent to a Turkish one.
- Final Registration: Upon arrival in Turkey, you will need to complete your final registration at the university by providing original copies of all your documents.
- Residence Permit: As an international student, you must apply for a residence permit from the local authorities within one month of your arrival.
frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest university in Turkey for international students?
The cheapest universities for international students are generally public universities, where annual tuition fees can be under $1000 USD. The exact cost varies depending on the specific university and the program you choose.
What is the required percentage to study in Turkey?
There is no specific percentage required to study in Turkey. Instead, universities and programs have minimum grade point averages (GPA) or standardized test score requirements. These can differ significantly depending on the field of study.
What is the entrance exam for university in Turkey?
The most common university entrance exam for international students in Turkey is the TR-YÖS (Turkish Exam for Foreign Students). Some universities also accept internationally recognized exams like the SAT or ACT.
How long is an undergraduate in Turkey?
Most bachelor’s degrees in Turkey take four years to complete. However, some professional programs like medicine take six years, dentistry and veterinary medicine take five years, and pharmacy takes five years.
What is a bachelor’s degree in Turkey?
A bachelor’s degree in Turkey is known as a “Lisans Diploması.” It is a first-cycle higher education qualification awarded after completing a program that typically lasts four years and involves a minimum of 240 ECTS credits.
Is Turkey good for bachelors?
Yes, Turkey is a popular choice for a bachelor’s degree due to its high-quality education, diverse range of programs in both English and Turkish, and a vibrant, multicultural environment. It also offers relatively affordable tuition fees and a lower cost of living compared to many European countries.
How much does a bachelor’s degree cost in Turkey?
The cost of a bachelor’s degree in Turkey varies significantly. For international students, public university tuition can range from $100 to $4,000 USD per year, depending on the program. Private universities are more expensive, with fees starting at around $5,000 USD and reaching over $20,000 USD annually for certain fields like medicine.