Canonical HTML: https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-what-exams-are-required-to-apply-to-turkish-universities Markdown URL: https://www.studyu.org/en/md/blog-what-exams-are-required-to-apply-to-turkish-universities.md Language: en Meta title: What Exams Are Required to Apply to Turkish Universities? | StudyU Meta description: What Exams Are Required to Apply to Turkish Universities: requirements, deadlines and costs explained, with answers to common questions. Last reviewed: 2026-07-04 # What Exams Are Required to Apply to Turkish Universities? - [Free consultation](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply) Contents Free consultation We'll help you study abroad - fast replies. - [Apply now](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply) Published: September 11, 2025 · Updated: June 13, 2026 Unlike many European countries and the USA, where university admission typically requires passing at least two exams, Turkey has more flexible requirements. However, it is important to understand the difference between applying to private and public universities. To apply to public universities, you will need not only a language proficiency certificate but also the [YÖS exam](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-yos-exam), which we discussed in detail in another article. In this article, we’ll focus on the exams required for admission to private universities. ## Overview ### Language Proficiency Exams (English or Turkish) {#h-1} To study at any Turkish university-whether public or private, regardless of degree level-you must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction. A language exam is not required at the document submission stage, which means that having or not having a certificate will not affect your acceptance or scholarship rate. You can find the full list of required documents in our related article. However, a language certificate is mandatory to start the program. Commonly accepted language exams: - TOEFL iBT (English) In most cases, applicants are required to score at least 80, which corresponds to a B2 level (upper intermediate). Contrary to popular belief, the IELTS exam is not accepted in Turkey. - Internal Exams (English and Turkish) Most-though not all-universities offer an internal language exam developed by the university itself. This exam is free and usually takes place a few weeks before the academic year starts. Sample questions from previous years are often available on the university’s official website. Excerpt from Özyeğin University's Internal English Proficiency Test - CPE, CAE, FCE, PTE, YÖKDİL, YDS, E-YDS, and others (English) In addition to TOEFL, [Turkish universities](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-turkey) accept various other language proficiency exams. The accepted list varies by institution. - TÖMER Exam (Turkish) This test can be taken in Turkey or at international testing centers. Applicants choose the level that matches their current Turkish skills. For bachelor’s programs, level B1 or B2 is typically required (intermediate or upper-intermediate). Note: If you do not pass the university’s internal language exam at the required level, you will be required to attend a language school. The duration of language school depends on your current level-usually from 6 months to 2 years. Therefore, if you're confident in your skills and want to skip the language school, it’s better to take a recognized language exam in advance. ### Standardized Exams {#h-2} In most cases, standardized exams like the SAT or ACT are not mandatory for admission. However, high scores can increase your chances of receiving a scholarship. Each university may have its own list of accepted international or local exams. ### Exams for Master’s and PhD Programs {#h-3} Applicants to postgraduate programs (Master’s or PhD) are generally required to submit results from GRE, GMAT, or ALES (a Turkish standardized test). ### Conclusion & How We Help {#h-4} A language proficiency certificate is required for starting a degree program in Turkey. Standardized exams are not mandatory but can help you qualify for a larger scholarship. StudyU assists with exam registration and payment. If you are taking your exam in Istanbul, we can personally accompany you. For those who need English exam preparation, StudyU also offers personalized tutoring. Book a [free 15-minute consultation](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply) to learn more. Need advice for your specific situation? Talk to a consultant - free, no obligations. ## The exam matrix at a glance Private universities: school certificate plus the university's English placement test on arrival (or TOEFL) - no entrance exams at all. Public universities: that university's own YÖS or SAT, with high cutoffs for medicine and law. Creative majors anywhere: portfolio and/or a practical exam. Master's: diploma plus language; ALES only for public graduate programs. In practice most of our students sit zero external exams - the university's own English test is the only gate. ## SAT instead of YÖS Many public universities accept SAT (from roughly 1000-1100, higher for top engineering). If an international track was already your plan, SAT is convenient: frequent dates, test centres across the CIS, one score accepted by many universities - versus separate YÖS exams per university. The trade-off is the verbal section: it demands real English, while YÖS stays language-neutral. ## Your exam calendar for a September intake October-December: pick the track (private without exams / public via YÖS-SAT), start maths and language. January-March: register for target universities' YÖS dates and/or the spring SAT. April-June: sit the exams, file applications. July-August: results, scholarships, deposit, residence paperwork. One rule regardless of track: keep a parallel private-university application - free insurance that guarantees you a September seat. ## FAQ {#faq} ### Can I apply with an 11-year school certificate? Yes - Turkish universities accept 11-year certificates directly; most private ones admit on GPA without entrance exams. ### What language certificates are accepted? TOEFL for English-taught programs, TÖMER for Turkish-taught ones; many universities run their own placement tests. ### When do applications open? Private universities accept applications from January with rolling admission; the best scholarship offers go to early applicants. ## Get a free consultation Talk to a real consultant - we will help you choose a program and the maximum discount in a single conversation. - Guaranteed admission to partner universities - Maximum discount guarantee - Help with visa and documents - A personal consultant from the first message to enrollment Write to us Leave a request - and we will get in touch with you.