YKS vs YÖS: Which Exam Is Right for You?

YKS vs YÖS is one of the first questions Arab families ask when they plan university in Türkiye. Both exams lead to Turkish universities, but they serve different students, and they work in very different ways. Since 2026, the answer depends mostly on one thing: where you studied high school. This guide compares the two exams side by side and helps you find your route.

Two exams, two routes

YKS is the national university entrance exam. ÖSYM runs it once a year in June, and it places students into state and foundation universities through one central system. Turkish citizens take it, and since 2026 so do foreign students who studied at a Turkish high school.

YÖS is the entrance route for international students. Today the main version is TR-YÖS, a central exam that ÖSYM has run since 2023 and twice a year since 2024. Students use it to apply through the international student quota, and each university then decides on its own applicants.

What TR-YÖS looks like

According to ÖSYM, TR-YÖS has 80 questions: 40 on numerical ability and 40 on basic maths. You have 100 minutes, and the result is a score from 100 to 500 that stays valid for two years. The questions are in Turkish, with translations into English, Arabic, French, German and Russian. In addition, ÖSYM offers exam centres in many countries, including Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Morocco. You can follow the dates on ÖSYM’s TR-YÖS page.

Also note that state universities can no longer run their own entrance exams for international students since the 2024–2025 year. However, some foundation universities still run their own exams, and many universities accept SAT, ACT, IB, A-levels or national exam results as well.

YKS vs YÖS: the main differences

• Who takes it: YKS is for Turkish citizens and, since 2026, for foreign students from Turkish high schools. TR-YÖS is for international students who finished high school abroad.
• Language: YKS questions are only in Turkish. TR-YÖS questions come with translations, including Arabic.
• Content: YKS covers Turkish, maths, science and social sciences over two or three sessions. TR-YÖS tests numerical reasoning and basic maths in one session.
• Places: YKS students compete for the national places with everyone else. YÖS students apply for separate international places, university by university.
• Dates: YKS takes place once a year in June. TR-YÖS has two rounds a year, for example in spring and in October in 2026.

So YKS is longer and harder to prepare for, especially because of the Turkish language. On the other hand, it opens the same places that Turkish students compete for, with one transparent ranking system.

Which exam is right for you?

The YKS vs YÖS decision is simpler than it looks. Use this check, based on the 2026 rules from ÖSYM and YÖK:

1. Foreign national who enrolled in or graduated from a Turkish high school: your route is YKS. A few exceptions exist, for example embassy schools and some international schools.
2. Foreign national who finished all of high school abroad: your route is usually TR-YÖS, SAT or another exam accepted by the university.
3. Turkish citizen who studied all of high school abroad: in most cases, either route is open.
4. Naturalized citizen who never studied at a Turkish or KKTC high school: the international quota may still be open to you.

Because personal cases can be complicated, check your documents and your school history before you decide. If you are in group 1, our guide on YKS for foreign students explains the details of the 2026 rule.

Preparing for YKS vs YÖS: how the work differs

Preparing for YKS vs YÖS means two very different study plans. For TR-YÖS, most of the work is numerical reasoning and basic maths, and the translated questions help students who are still learning Turkish. As a result, a focused plan of a few months can be enough for a strong student.

YKS asks for much more. You need the TYT subjects, the AYT tests of your score type and fast reading in Turkish, because there are no translations. For this reason, most students need a plan of eight months or more, with regular timed practice exams. If you are not sure how heavy the YKS load is, our guide to TYT and AYT shows every subject and question count.

Can you take both exams?

A foreign student who finished high school abroad can, in principle, prepare for TR-YÖS and also sit YKS. Some universities even accept YKS scores from international applicants. However, for students from Turkish high schools, YÖS no longer opens the door to Turkish universities, apart from the listed exceptions. In that case, putting all your energy into YKS is the smarter plan.

How ILEAP Academy helps on both routes

ILEAP Academy is one of the first Arabic centers in Istanbul specialised in YKS. If YKS is your route, our program explains TYT and AYT in Arabic, teaches the Turkish exam terms and trains you with timed practice exams, in person in Istanbul and online. Discover ILEAP Academy. If YÖS is your route, our guide on university admission in Türkiye explains the application steps.

Frequently asked questions

Is TR-YÖS available in Arabic?

The questions are written in Turkish, but ÖSYM adds translations into several languages, including Arabic.

How long is a TR-YÖS score valid?

A TR-YÖS score is valid for two years, according to ÖSYM.

I studied at a Turkish high school. Can I use YÖS?

In most cases, no. Since 2026, foreign students who enrolled in or graduated from a Turkish high school enter Turkish universities only through YKS, apart from a few exceptions.