Checked against official sources on 19 October 2026. Requirements, fees and dates change and can differ by university, embassy or consulate. Always confirm the current rules with the official source before you apply — we do this for every student we work with.
If you are going to Türkiye for a bachelor's degree with an Afghan high school diploma, you will almost certainly hear the word denklik. It refers to the high school equivalence certificate issued by Türkiye's Ministry of National Education (MEB). It confirms that your foreign diploma is equivalent to a Turkish high school diploma.
Why it matters
Turkish universities generally require the denklik certificate to complete final registration for undergraduate students who finished high school outside Türkiye. Some ask for it at registration, while others give a deadline during the first semester. Without it, your registration may stay incomplete.
Where and how to apply
There are usually two routes:
- Through the MEB e-Denklik system (edenklik.meb.gov.tr). You enter your personal and education information online, choose an equivalence centre, and book an appointment to submit your documents.
- Through a Turkish embassy or consulate, where this service is offered.
MEB published an updated equivalence regulation in July 2024, which sets out the current application process. Requirements can change, so follow the current instructions on e-Denklik and your university's guidance.
Documents usually requested
- Your original high school diploma and transcripts, with copies
- Translations and legalisation, as required (see our translation and legalisation guide)
- Your passport, including the page with your Türkiye entry stamp if you apply in Türkiye
- The signed application form
- In some cases, your admission letter, student visa or residence permit
A step-by-step plan
- When you receive your offer, ask the university's international office when it needs the denklik certificate and whether it accepts an application receipt in the meantime.
- Before you travel, make sure your diploma and transcripts are translated and legalised in the way the equivalence centre will accept. This is much harder to arrange once you are in Türkiye.
- Bring originals and several certified copies of your diploma and transcripts with you.
- Apply through e-Denklik (or the route your university recommends) as early as allowed, and book the earliest appointment you can attend.
- Attend the appointment with every document on the list, and keep copies of everything you submit.
- Give the certificate to your university as soon as you receive it, and keep a copy for your records.
Timing matters
Equivalence applications can take time, especially at the start of the academic year when many international students apply at once. Some universities let students start classes with an application receipt and a deadline for the final certificate. Others need it at registration. Know your university's rule before you travel, so the certificate does not delay your studies.
Common problems
- Spelling differences between your diploma, transcripts and passport
- Missing legalisation or translations that are not accepted
- Leaving it too late after registration deadlines
How we help
We explain what your university requires, prepare your documents so they are consistent, and make sure denklik is part of your plan from the start, not a surprise after arrival. See the full documents checklist.
Questions students ask
Do master's students need denklik?
The high school denklik certificate is generally required for undergraduate registration. Graduate programmes have their own document requirements, so check with your university.
Can I get denklik before I travel to Türkiye?
In some cases, through a Turkish mission or the e-Denklik system. Otherwise it is usually completed in Türkiye through the provincial directorate of national education. Your university will tell you its deadline.
About this guide
Written and maintained by the team at Noory Educational Consultancy Services, an education consultancy in Jalalabad established in 2018 and led by Fatihullah Noory (Founder & CEO). We check time-sensitive facts against official sources and update our guides when the rules change.