University Admission in Türkiye for International Students: A Practical Guide

Türkiye (Turkey) has become one of the most popular study destinations in the region, with English- and Turkish-taught programs, modern campuses and lower costs than many European countries. University admission in Türkiye works differently for international students than for Turkish students, and each university sets many of its own rules. This guide explains the process step by step.

State and foundation universities

Türkiye has two main types of universities. State universities are funded by the government and usually charge lower tuition fees. Foundation (private) universities charge higher fees but often offer more English-taught programs, smaller classes and scholarships or discounts for strong students.

How university admission in Türkiye works for international students

Turkish citizens enter university through the national YKS exam. Since 2026, foreign students who studied at a Turkish high school are also placed only through YKS (see our YKS exam guide). International students who finished high school abroad usually apply directly to each university through its international office or online portal. Each university decides its own criteria, which may include:

• Your high school diploma and grades.
• An international exam score, such as the SAT, ACT, IB Diploma or A-levels.
• The university’s own entrance exam for international students, often called YÖS.
• A language certificate for the language of the program.

If you hold Turkish citizenship, check which route applies to you, as the rules can be different. Requirements also change from year to year and from program to program, so always read the official page of each university and the government’s Study in Türkiye portal before you apply.

Language requirements

Programs are taught in Turkish, in English or in both.

• English-taught programs usually ask for IELTS, TOEFL or the university’s own English proficiency exam.
• Turkish-taught programs usually ask for a Turkish language certificate, for example from a university Turkish language center (TÖMER).
• Students who have not reached the required level can often join a one-year preparatory program before starting their degree.

Documents you will usually need

• A valid passport.
• Your high school diploma and transcript, translated into Turkish or English.
• Exam or test scores.
• A language certificate.
• Passport-size photos.
• A diploma equivalence certificate (denklik) from the Ministry of National Education, which is often requested at enrollment.

Some documents must be notarized or carry an apostille, so start collecting them early.

Scholarships

Many foundation universities offer merit scholarships or tuition discounts based on grades or exam results, so ask the international office before you apply. The government-funded Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) program also opens applications once a year for international students and supports selected students with tuition and living costs.

A typical timeline

1. Grade 11: research universities and programs, and prepare for the SAT, IELTS or other tests.
2. Start of Grade 12: build a shortlist and check each university’s requirements and fees.
3. Spring and summer of Grade 12: apply. Application periods vary, and many universities accept international applications in several rounds.
4. After acceptance: confirm your place, complete enrollment and apply for a student residence permit.

Tips for a strong application

• Apply to a balanced list of universities, not only the most competitive ones.
• Apply early, because places in popular programs can fill quickly.
• Visit campuses or meet university representatives at open days.
• Keep copies of every document and every email from the international office.

Tip: write down each university’s deadline, required documents and fees in one table. It makes comparing your options much easier.

How ILEAP helps

ILEAP’s university awareness sessions explain majors, university systems, admission requirements and costs before students apply, and University Open Days bring university representatives to partner schools so students can ask their questions directly. ILEAP works with more than 200 universities in Türkiye, Germany, Spain, Malaysia, the UK, China and Malta. Explore our university partners.

Thinking about other countries too? Read our study abroad checklist.

Frequently asked questions

Do international students need to take YKS?

It depends on where you went to high school. Since 2026, foreign students who enrolled in or graduated from a Turkish high school can enter a Turkish university only through YKS. Students who finished all of high school abroad are usually admitted with their diploma, an exam such as TR-YÖS or SAT, or a foundation university’s own exam.

Can I study in English in Türkiye?

Yes. Many universities, especially foundation universities, offer full degree programs in English.

Is the YÖS exam the same at every university?

Not any more. ÖSYM now runs a central exam, TR-YÖS, which many universities accept. State universities no longer run their own exams for international students, but some foundation universities still do, with their own content, dates and minimum scores.