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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, which we discussed in detail in another article. In this article, we’ll focus on the exams required for admission to private universities.
Language Proficiency Exams (English or Turkish)
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.
- CPE, CAE, FCE, PTE, YÖKDİL, YDS, E-YDS, and others (English)
In addition to TOEFL, Turkish universities 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
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
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
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 to learn more.
