Study Engineering in Turkey Through YKS: Programs, Ranking, Languages and Steps

Engineering is one of the most popular choices for Arab students who want a university degree in Türkiye. If you went to a Turkish high school, the way to study engineering in Turkey goes through YKS. Engineering programs last four years and use the SAY score type, and their minimum ranking is far easier to reach than in medicine. In addition, many state universities teach engineering in English. This guide covers who can apply, the ranking, the languages, the fees and a clear plan.

Who can study engineering in Turkey through YKS?

Turkish citizens take YKS, and so do naturalised citizens. Since 2026, foreign nationals, Mavi Kart holders and KKTC citizens who enrolled in or graduated from a Turkish high school can also enter university only through YKS. This includes Syrians under temporary protection, with a few exceptions such as embassy schools.

On the other hand, foreign students who finished all of secondary school abroad use the international quota, for example with TR-YÖS or SAT. So if you are at a Turkish high school and want to study engineering in Turkey, plan for YKS from the start. Our complete YKS exam guide explains the exam itself.

Engineering programs: four years on the SAY score

According to the 2026 YKS guide from ÖSYM, computer, electrical and electronic, industrial, civil and mechanical engineering all last four years. They use SAY, the science track of YKS. Programs taught in English also add a one-year prep class that does not count toward the four years. However, you can skip it with a strong result in the university’s proficiency exam or another accepted exam.

If you like design as much as maths, architecture is another four-year SAY program. Our guide to studying architecture in Turkey covers it.

How the SAY score works for engineering

SAY combines TYT with AYT maths and science. TYT counts for 40%, AYT maths for 30%, and physics, chemistry and biology for 10% each. As a result, maths carries the most weight after TYT. AYT has 40 maths questions and 40 science questions: 14 physics, 13 chemistry and 13 biology. Our guides to AYT maths topics and AYT science topics show what to study.

The ranking you need

In 2026, engineering programs required a SAY ranking within the top 300,000. This limit is much wider than in medicine (top 50,000), so the chance to study engineering in Turkey is open to many well-prepared students. Foundation universities, however, may set a stricter limit by senate decision.

Also, the minimum is only the entry condition, and popular programs can close at much better ranks. That is why you should check the base ranks of past years on YÖK Atlas before you build your list.

Programs outside the 300,000 rule

The rule does not cover every program with “engineering” in its name. It leaves out programs in forestry, agriculture, agricultural sciences and fisheries or water sciences faculties. Wood industry, biosystems, fishing technology and fisheries engineering are outside it too. Food engineering at agriculture faculties, however, still falls under the rule.

Study engineering in Turkey in English or in Turkish

You can study engineering in Turkey in English at many state universities. For example, the 2026 programs and quotas guide lists computer, civil and electrical-electronic engineering in English at Boğaziçi. Ankara Üniversitesi also offers computer engineering in English. Many other programs teach in Turkish, while some teach 30% in English.

The guide shows each program’s language next to its name, so read it before you choose.

Engineering in Istanbul

Istanbul has several well-known state engineering faculties. For example, İTÜ teaches in English or 30% English, and Yıldız Teknik offers programs in English, in 30% English and in Turkish. Boğaziçi teaches 39 of its 40 programs in English. Türk-Alman Üniversitesi teaches in German, while Galatasaray teaches in French. Finally, Marmara teaches mostly in Turkish, with some programs in other languages.

What it costs to study engineering in Turkey

Turkish students pay no tuition in daytime programs at state universities while they stay within the normal length of study. Foreign students placed through YKS after a Turkish high school, however, pay a fee equal to the cost per student, the cari hizmet maliyeti. This rule comes from the 2026–27 fee decision in the Resmî Gazete. International-quota students pay at least twice that cost. Because the fee to study engineering in Turkey changes by university, check each university’s fee table every year.

After you graduate

Turkish law keeps this step simple. Under Law 3458, the title and the right to work as an engineer come from the diploma of a Turkish engineering school, so there is no extra state exam. Work rules for foreign nationals are a separate question, so check them with the official authorities before you plan a career in Türkiye.

If you plan to work in your home country, check how it recognises Turkish degrees before you enrol. Several Arab countries, for example, ask for full-time, in-person study. Our guide to recognized Turkish universities explains how to check.

A step-by-step plan to study engineering in Turkey

The 2027 exam is expected in June 2027, and ÖSYM usually announces the calendar in November. These steps keep your year on track:

1. Choose SAY early. Engineering needs AYT maths and science, as well as a strong TYT.
2. Make maths your priority. AYT maths counts for 30% of SAY, so give it the biggest share of your week.
3. Build your Turkish. YKS is only in Turkish, and long physics questions reward fast reading.
4. Take timed practice exams. Then compare your estimated rank with past base ranks on YÖK Atlas.
5. Keep a backup. Two-year associate programs need only a TYT score. Since 2026, some foreign students can also move on later to a bachelor’s program in their field through DGS. See our guide to associate degrees in Turkey.
6. Build a balanced list. You can list up to 24 programs, so mix ambitious, realistic and safe choices.

How ILEAP Academy helps future engineers

ILEAP Academy is one of the first Arabic centers in Istanbul specialised in YKS. We start with a level test, so you know where you stand in TYT and AYT. Then teachers explain maths, physics, chemistry and biology in Arabic, and they train the Turkish of the exam step by step. Regular timed practice exams show your nets in each test, so you can see how close you are to your target rank. We have three centers in Istanbul, and the same program also runs online. If you want to study engineering in Turkey, Discover ILEAP Academy and book a level test.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to study engineering in Turkey?

Four years, or eight semesters. However, English-taught programs can add a one-year prep class before that.

Can I study engineering in Turkey in English?

Yes. Many state universities, such as Boğaziçi and Ankara Üniversitesi, offer engineering in English. Check each program’s language in the ÖSYM quota guide.

Do I need an exam after graduation?

No. Under Law 3458, the engineering diploma itself gives you the title. If you want to work abroad, check the rules of that country.