Changing Majors and University Transfers in Turkey
When you start university, you hope everything goes to plan. But what if your major isn't what you expected, or you want to study in a different city? In Turkey, you have options to change your major or transfer universities.
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When university life begins, we think everything will go smoothly, but sometimes our chosen major doesn’t meet our expectations, or we might want to study in a different city, at another university. This is where the options to change your major and make a university transfer come into play. In Turkey, these processes are available for both local and international students and are quite systematic. But let’s admit it, the paperwork and procedures can sometimes be overwhelming.
What is Changing Majors and Who is Eligible?
Changing your major means a student switches to a different undergraduate program within the same university. For example, let’s say you’re studying Business Administration in English, but after a few months, you realize that the International Relations department is a better fit for you. Changing your major makes this possible.
Difference Between Changing Majors and University Transfer
| Criterion | Changing Major | University Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Change of University | No | Yes |
| GPA | Varies by university | Usually at least a 2.29 or 2.50 GPA |
| Application Period | Fall or Spring semester | Dates determined by YÖK |
| Required Documents | Petition, transcript, student certificate | Transcript, ÖSYM/YÖS document, petition |
When and Under What Conditions Can You Change Your Major?
Generally, you can change your major at the end of your first year or the beginning of your second. However, some universities limit these changes to the fall semester only. Your grade point average is also important here; a minimum GPA of 2.00 may be required. Additionally, some universities might ask for an interview or extra application forms for inter-departmental transfers.
In Turkey, procedures like changing your major or university transfers are carried out according to the principles set by YÖK. If you want to examine the legal framework of the process in more detail, you can check out YÖK’s official regulation.
University Transfer Requirements in Turkey
A university transfer is a system for students who want to continue their education at another university or in a different department within the same university. It’s especially ideal for those who want to change cities or study in a better academic environment.
Grade Point Average (GPA) and Other Academic Criteria
To be eligible for a university transfer, a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) is usually required. This is typically 2.29 or 2.50. However, if you want to transfer after your preparatory year, some universities also consider your grades from that period. Some additional documents may be required for international students.
Inter-Institutional vs. Intra-Institutional Transfers
An intra-institutional transfer is done between different departments of the same university, while an inter-institutional transfer means moving to another university. Inter-institutional transfers often have quota limitations and requests for additional documents. Also, due to differences between universities, some of your course credits may not be accepted.
Application Calendar and Required Documents
University transfer applications are generally made in June-July for the summer term and in December-January for the spring term. The required documents usually include:
- Transcript
- Student certificate
- Copy of national ID or passport
- ÖSYM/YÖS exam result document
- Letter of intent (required by some universities)
Note: For international students registered at a university in Turkey, health insurance is also important during this process. If you don’t have insurance yet, you can find all the details in our article, Health Insurance in Turkey: Options for International Students.
The Transfer Process for International Students
When transferring universities in Turkey, international students need to pay attention to some special procedures. This covers both academic and administrative processes.
Language Proficiency and Equivalency Documents
The language of instruction at the university you’re transferring to might be Turkish or English. If you are transferring to a department where the language of instruction is English, you may need to get a sufficient score on the TOEFL or the university’s own exam. For Turkish-medium departments, a B2 level TÖMER certificate is usually required. Additionally, documents detailing the content of the courses you took at your previous school should be added to your application file.
Preparing Your Transcript and Student Certificate
A transcript is your grade report, and it is very influential in the decision of whether the department you want to transfer to will accept you. This document shows not only your GPA but also which courses you have taken and your performance in them. The student certificate is also necessary to prove that you are an active student.
The YÖK Approval Process in Turkey
If you have studied abroad and want to transfer to a university in Turkey, you must obtain an equivalency certificate from the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). This document proves that your education is equivalent to its counterpart in Turkey.
Differences in Transfers Between State and Foundation Universities
Universities in Turkey are divided into two main groups: state universities and foundation (private) universities. Although the transfer process seems similar in both types of institutions, there are some critical differences.
Quotas and Acceptance Rates
Transfer quotas at state universities are generally more limited because the demand is very high. Competition is particularly fierce at well-established universities in major cities. At foundation universities, quotas can be a bit more flexible, and prioritization may be based on the student’s profile.
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Status
At state universities, tuition fees are negligible, and some students pay no fees at all. At foundation universities, semester fees are higher, but scholarship opportunities are also extensive. But be careful: your scholarship may not automatically continue after you transfer. You should definitely get information on this matter.
Will I Lose My Scholarship by Transferring to a Foundation University?
We hear this question a lot. The answer is: Yes, in some cases, you might lose your scholarship. Merit-based scholarships, in particular, may only be valid for specific periods. However, most foundation universities offer special discounts or scholarship policies for transfer students. Therefore, it’s best to consult the school’s financial affairs office before applying.
Common Mistakes When Changing Majors or Transferring
Even small mistakes in this process can make your dream transfer more difficult. Here are the most common mistakes students make and how you can avoid them:
Incorrect Documents and Incomplete Applications
It’s crucial to submit your application documents completely and on time. For international students, there are extra steps like document translation and notary approval. Applications with missing or incorrect documents are often not even considered.
Freezing Registration or GPA Issues
If you have frozen your registration in previous years or have had to repeat courses, these can affect your GPA (Grade Point Average). Some universities view these situations as a disadvantage in the transfer process.
Lack of Motivation and Indecisiveness
This is a topic as important as the documents. If you don’t really know why you want to transfer, it’s likely you’ll regret it later. If your goal isn’t clear, you might face adjustment problems at your new school too. That’s why when making the decision to transfer, you should be ready not just academically, but emotionally as well.
Mistakes are often made, especially in procedures like document submission or application tracking. However, it’s possible to upload or check many documents through the e-Devlet system; this way, you can reduce manual errors.
Don’t Postpone Your Dream: A New Beginning Awaits You in Turkey
Indecisiveness is something every student experiences, but remember: if the system provides you with this flexibility, don’t hesitate to use it. Changing your major or transferring universities isn’t a defeat; on the contrary, it’s a chance to chart a better path for yourself.
Now is the Time to Take a Step Towards Transferring
If the application deadlines are approaching or you’re thinking about transferring this year, start your preparations now. Gather your documents, ask your advisor questions, and research the requirements of your target universities. If you’re an international student, don’t forget about the health insurance process in Turkey; you can check out our article The Process of Getting Student Health Insurance in Turkey.
Make Your Application Process Easier with Road to Study
We’re with you throughout this entire process. From preparing documents to guiding you to the right university and department, we make the process easier with expert support at every step. Contact us through Road to Study, and let’s plan your transfer process together.