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.
One of the most confusing parts of applying to Turkish universities is working out which exam, if any, you need. The short answer is that it depends on the university and programme. Turkish universities set their own admission criteria for international students. This guide explains the main options.
Option 1: High school grades only
Some universities admit international applicants on their high school diploma and transcripts, with a minimum average for each programme. For Afghan students, this usually means your grade 12 results. Competitive programmes may set high minimums or not use this route at all.
Option 2: TR-YÖS
TR-YÖS is the international student entrance exam run by ÖSYM, Türkiye's national Measuring, Selection and Placement Centre. It is designed for foreign applicants to undergraduate programmes and focuses on basic learning skills such as mathematical and logical reasoning. Check ÖSYM's announcement for the languages the exam is offered in. Many state universities accept TR-YÖS scores, and some set a minimum score per programme.
Check the ÖSYM website for current exam dates, test centres (including centres outside Türkiye) and fees, and check how long results remain valid for the universities on your list.
Option 3: A university's own YÖS exam
Some universities run their own YÖS exam for international applicants. These exams are usually accepted only by the university that runs them, or by a small group of universities, so they make sense if that university is high on your list.
Option 4: SAT and other international qualifications
Many Turkish universities accept the SAT, often with a minimum total score set per programme. Some also accept other international qualifications. The SAT is offered at international test centres, so check where and when you could sit it.
How to choose
- Start with your shortlist. List 5–8 programmes you are seriously considering.
- Check each programme's accepted exams and minimum scores on its official international admissions page.
- Choose the exam that covers the most programmes on your list. Consider the dates, the test centre location and travel, and your strengths.
- Allow time. Exam dates, registration deadlines and result dates must fit before the application deadlines.
Mistakes to avoid
- Taking an exam your universities do not accept. Check every programme on your list first.
- Missing the registration deadline. Exam registration usually closes weeks before the exam date.
- Ignoring how long results are valid. Make sure your score will still be accepted when you apply.
- Aiming only for the minimum. For competitive programmes, the minimum score rarely wins a place.
Language tests are separate
Entrance exams are separate from language requirements. English-taught programmes usually ask for an English score, such as IELTS or TOEFL, or the university's own test. Without it, you may start with a preparatory year. Read about English-taught programmes in Türkiye.
How we help
We check the accepted exams and minimum scores for every programme on your shortlist from official sources, and help you choose the test that keeps the most good options open. See bachelor's admission in Türkiye.
Questions students ask
Do all Turkish universities require YÖS?
No. Each university decides which exams and qualifications it accepts. Some admit international students on high school grades alone, while others require TR-YÖS, their own YÖS exam, the SAT or another score.
Who runs TR-YÖS?
TR-YÖS is run by ÖSYM, Türkiye's national Measuring, Selection and Placement Centre. Check the ÖSYM website for current exam dates, centres and fees.
Should I take the SAT or TR-YÖS?
It depends on the universities on your shortlist. Check which exams they accept and their minimum scores, then choose the test that opens the most suitable options for you.
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.