The YÖS Exam in Turkey: A Detailed Guide and Preparation Tips
If you want to study at a university in Turkey, your path will likely involve the YÖS exam. The Foreign Student Examination, or YÖS, is a key tool used by many public and foundation universities for international student admissions.
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If you want to study at a university in Turkey, your path will likely involve the YÖS exam. The Foreign Student Examination (Yabancı Uyruklu Öğrenci Sınavı), or YÖS, is one of the primary tools used by many public and foundation universities for international student admissions. It might seem daunting at first, but with the right information and solid preparation, you can easily navigate this process.
In this guide, we’ll break down the YÖS exam step by step, explaining everything from the topics covered to the scores you’ll need.
What is the YÖS Exam, and Who Can Take It?
Who is eligible for the YÖS exam?
The YÖS is designed for international students who want to pursue higher education in Turkey. If you are not a Turkish citizen, or if you are a dual citizen who completed your secondary education outside of Turkey, you are likely eligible to apply for this exam.
While some universities conduct their own YÖS exams, a centralized exam called TR-YÖS is now increasingly accepted by more universities.
Is it possible to get into a university with the YÖS Exam?
Absolutely. Prominent public universities like Istanbul University, Ankara University, and Ege University use YÖS results to admit international students. In fact, for some departments, a YÖS score is all you need, while others may require an additional interview or portfolio.
YÖS Exam Application Process and Required Documents
TR-YÖS vs. Individual University YÖS Exams
There’s an important distinction to be aware of here: in Turkey, the YÖS is divided into two types.
- TR-YÖS: This is a centralized exam conducted by ÖSYM. It has been held regularly since 2023 and is accepted by many universities.
- Individual University YÖS Exams: Some universities still conduct their own YÖS exams. For instance, institutions like Istanbul University or Erciyes University may hold separate tests.
Application Dates and Key Platforms
TR-YÖS applications are typically open from March to April each year, with the exam taking place in May or June.
Individual university exams, however, can be scheduled at various times throughout the year.
The required documents generally include:
– A copy of your passport or national ID
– A photograph
– High school diploma or graduation certificate (or a certificate of enrollment)
– Proof of payment for the exam fee
The Türkiye Bursları Program: Application Process and Tips
Türkiye Bursları is a comprehensive scholarship program funded by the Republic of Turkey and offered to thousands of international students each year. This scholarship covers not only tuition fees but also accommodation, health insurance, a Turkish language course, and even a monthly stipend.
The application period usually opens in January-February and is conducted through the official YTB website. Here, details such as the application timeline, required documents, and the interview stage are clearly shared. On the YTB site, you can also find sample motivation letters and frequently asked questions.
Some universities offer scholarships directly to international students who demonstrate high academic achievement. These scholarships are often evaluated at the end of the first year. If you’re curious about which universities offer scholarships based on which criteria and how your YÖS score might affect your chances, you can find more details in our article, Covering Education Costs in Turkey: A Budget Planning Guide.
TR-YÖS Exam Content: What Types of Questions Are Asked?
How many IQ questions are on the YÖS?
The most fundamental part of the YÖS is the “Basic Learning Skills” section. This section is actually similar to an IQ test.
In the TR-YÖS, which has 80 questions, approximately 40-50 questions are IQ-based (logic and quantitative reasoning). You should be prepared for questions involving visual shapes, relationships between numbers, sequences, and graph interpretation.
What are the mathematics and geometry topics?
The remaining 30-40 questions are generally from Mathematics and Geometry. The topics covered in the TR-YÖS include:
– Numbers and operations
– Algebra
– Word problems
– Functions
– Geometry: triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, analytical geometry
Although the distribution of content may change from time to time, the exam generally measures your logical thinking skills and how solid your basic mathematical knowledge is.
Question Distribution and Exam Duration
The 2024 version of the TR-YÖS had a total of 80 questions to be answered in 100 minutes.
The exam is multiple-choice with four options. Incorrect answers do not penalize correct ones, which gives you a bit more freedom when it comes to guessing.
What Score Do You Need on the YÖS? Target Scores for Different Universities
What YÖS score is needed for medical school?
Let’s be frank: medical schools are one of the most challenging goals for students applying with a YÖS score. This is because spots are limited and competition is high.
To get into medicine with the TR-YÖS, you typically need a score in the 85-90 point range at a minimum. At some universities, this threshold can go as high as 95.
For example, well-established medical faculties like those at Istanbul University or Hacettepe University generally accept students with the highest YÖS scores.
But the good news is: it’s possible to get into medical programs at universities in some cities with a lower score. When choosing a university, factors like the city, the university’s popularity, and the number of available spots play a significant role.
Minimum Scores for Other Popular Departments
Besides medicine, departments like engineering, law, and architecture are also in high demand.
– For engineering faculties, a score in the 70-85 range is generally sufficient.
– For law, scores of 75 and above are preferred.
– Architecture departments can accept students with scores in the 70-80 range.
At foundation universities, scores vary depending on the scholarship rate. If you want to study with a high scholarship, you’ll still need a score of 80+.
Is there a minimum passing score for the YÖS?
For the TR-YÖS exam specifically, there is no official minimum passing score. However, universities can set their own application criteria.
Some universities may not accept applications with scores below 40, while others might consider a score of 50-60 as the “minimum to apply.”
In short, even if you get a low score on the YÖS, don’t assume your chances are over. There may still be universities you can apply to; you just need to be a bit more strategic.
You can track the latest base scores and placement statistics from previous years on Road to Study; we update them regularly.
YÖS Preparation: Strategies, Resources, and Tips
What should your daily study routine look like?
The key to preparing for the YÖS exam is consistent studying. Even 2-3 hours of review per day can be sufficient, but if you’re less familiar with the topics, you may need to increase this time.
Create a realistic plan based on your current level. It’s effective to divide your time, for example: logic on Monday, geometry on Tuesday, a practice test on Wednesday.
The Best Online YÖS Resources
Some of the most recommended online resources include:
– YÖS Mathematics books (from publishers like Metropol, Final, Gür Yayınları)
– YouTube channels that explain YÖS topics (for example: Ahmet Akademi, MatamatikTR)
– Practice exams and PDF test resources
What to do before the exam
In the week before the exam, you should stop studying new topics and focus solely on solving practice tests.
Take practice exams under real time constraints to master your time management.
Also, prepare your documents like your passport and exam admission ticket the day before the test. I’ll never forget, a friend of mine forgot his passport at home on exam day, and it was a very stressful day for him.
The Path to Your Dream Turkish University Starts Here
Success is possible with the right strategy
The YÖS exam can be challenging, but what will set you apart from other candidates is how you study and how you apply.
With a well-planned preparation process and smart choices, you can study in your desired department in Turkey.
You’re not alone in the YÖS process with Road to Study
At Road to Study, we have accompanied hundreds of students preparing for the YÖS.
We keep track of which universities require which scores, when applications open, and whether they accept the TR-YÖS or their own exam—all for you.
If you’d like to get consultancy, you can contact us here.