Master's admission
Master's Degree Admission in Turkey for Afghan Students
How Afghan graduates can apply for a master's in Türkiye: thesis and non-thesis programmes, entry requirements, application documents and timing.
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.
Thesis and non-thesis master's programmes
Turkish universities offer two kinds of master's programme:
- With thesis (tezli): research-focused, ending with a thesis. This is the usual route if you may want to continue to a PhD or an academic career.
- Without thesis (tezsiz): coursework-based and usually shorter, often aimed at professional careers.
Graduate programmes are usually run through a university's graduate school or institute, which publishes its own calls for applications, often once or twice a year.
Typical entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with your diploma and transcripts
- A minimum GPA, set by the programme
- An entrance exam score for some programmes: ALES (Türkiye's graduate entrance exam, run by ÖSYM) or an international equivalent such as the GRE or GMAT. Many programmes publish their own rules for international applicants, and some do not require an exam.
- Language proficiency in English or Turkish, depending on the language of instruction
- A statement of purpose, CV and reference letters
- An interview or written exam, held by some departments
Requirements differ widely between universities and even between departments, so we check each programme's current call for applications before you apply.
Documents for master's applications
- Bachelor's diploma (or a letter confirming expected graduation) and full transcripts
- Passport
- Exam scores (ALES, GRE or GMAT) if the programme requires them
- English or Turkish language certificate
- Statement of purpose, CV and usually two reference letters
- Translations and legalisation as required (see translation and legalisation)
Your statement of purpose
For competitive programmes, the statement of purpose often makes the difference. It should explain your academic background, why this programme and university fit your goals, and what you plan to do afterwards, in your own words. We review statements for clarity and structure. We do not write fabricated stories or experiences.
When to apply
Many graduate schools announce calls for the autumn semester in spring and early summer, and some also admit for spring. Deadlines are often short and strict. Start preparing your documents, test scores and references several months in advance.
Funding your master's
Türkiye Scholarships accepts master's applicants under the age of 30 with a minimum academic achievement of 75%, according to the official criteria. Some universities offer tuition discounts or graduate assistantships. See scholarships and tuition fees.
How we help master's applicants
- Finding programmes that match your degree, GPA and career plans
- Checking exam, language and document requirements for each programme
- Reviewing your statement of purpose and CV
- Preparing and submitting applications and following up
- Preparing your student visa file after acceptance
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is ALES required for international master's applicants?
It depends on the university and programme. Some ask for ALES or an equivalent such as the GRE or GMAT; others do not require an exam for international applicants. Each programme's call for applications states its rules.
Can I study a master's in English in Turkey?
Yes, many universities offer English-taught master's programmes. You will need to meet the programme's English requirement.
What is the difference between thesis and non-thesis programmes?
Thesis programmes are research-based and end with a thesis; non-thesis programmes are coursework-based and usually shorter.
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.
No visa, no service fee
Planning to study in Türkiye? Talk to our team in Jalalabad.
Tell us about your education and goals. We will explain your realistic options, the documents you will need and a sensible timeline, so you can decide with clear information.