Turkey: Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

In order for a foreign student to start an undergraduate or postgraduate course at a Turkish University they must sit an examination called The Examination for Foreign Students, or YÖS. YÖS consists of two tests which are normally sat in June. The tests are organised by the Student Selection and Placement Centre, or ÖSYM, who also determine the fee charged and set the date and location. Further details are available on the OSYM  website.

The two tests comprise the Basic Learning Skills Test and the Turkish Language Proficiency Test. If a candidate does not yet understand any Turkish they will still be able to complete the tests but it is advised they undertake Turkish lessons as soon as possible as these language skills will be vital once they start their studying.

Additionally, some universities will ask for scores on either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The result or level required for an applicant to 'pass' depends on the individual university.

Turkish universities require applicants to have completed their further education and have studied for and completed an undergraduate degree before applying for postgraduate study. Many universities prefer applicants to have achieved a 2:1 qualification before attempting a postgraduate course. Each individual university will state their own entry requirements so contact them for specific details. There are also entry exams that will need to be taken.

What courses are available?

Postgraduate degrees can be studied in a variety of subject areas much like the range of courses on offer in the UK. A postgraduate qualification typically takes two years to complete, although this varies between institutions. Some programmes are slightly longer or shorter depending on the course content.

Eligibility for a course may also depend on meeting an appropriate level of Turkish proficiency, although quite a number of Turkish universities conduct tuition in English. Universities usually also offer Turkish courses for students for whom Turkish is not their first language. Check individual institutions for details.

Where can I study?

Most Turkish universities accept applications from international candidates and many have a quota to fill with international applicants. Universities Worldwide  gives a list of the universities in Turkey.

Official rankings for universities worldwide can be found at Top Universities . Currently, Turkey does not feature in the top 100 of the list but considering that the country does not have a long history of higher education like many other countries this is not entirely surprising. However, a number of universities do have good reputations including the Bilkent University, Istanbul University and the Middle East Technical University.

Applying for postgraduate study

The academic year runs from late September through until June of the following year. Application deadlines vary between institutions but they generally open in November. Many universities allocate places on a first come, first served basis dependent on the applicant's pre-existing qualifications, so it is advised that applicants apply as soon as possible. Some less popular courses at certain universities accept applications all year round but the most popular ones at the most credible institutions fill up quickly and competition for places is high. Each university's website provides details of when they start accepting applications and closing dates if applicable.

Unlike the UCAS system in the UK there is not a centralised application system in Turkey. Applications have to be made directly to the university. Universities are increasingly making their application forms available on their websites and encourage online applications. Some, however, do still insist upon a written application being sent to them.

The majority of applications are similar to those you would make if you were applying to study in the UK. They often require personal statements and details of extracurricular and volunteer activities undertaken. Turkish universities will require references as well as contact details of the institutions you have attended in the UK so that they can check your attendance record and details of qualifications you have achieved.

Fees and scholarships

Fees vary according to whether the university is private or state run, its location and the course chosen. At state universities, semester fees may be as little as around £300, ranging up to £750, while at private universities they can run into the thousands. Information about fees is best sought directly from the institution that you wish to apply to. Postgraduate study is more expensive than undergraduate study.

Study in Turkey  estimates that living expenses for international students are around £200-250 per month. The average cost of books and resources for international students living in Turkey is given at £60-90 per month.

There are three types of scholarship available in Turkey. The first two, the Ministry of Education-State Scholarship and the Ministry of Education-Government Scholarship, are only open to students who are Turkish or from Turkish-originated countries. There is also an Islamic Development Bank (IBD) Scholarship but that is only open to students from Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Maldives, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda. It is therefore very difficult for a UK student to obtain a scholarship at a Turkish University unless they find one that is being offered by an individual institution and meet that institution's criteria to apply.

Are there any exchange programmes?

Turkey participates in both the Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci programmes, as part of its involvement with the Lifelong Learning Programme  and connection with the EU. The programmes are coordinated by the Centre for European Union Education and Youth Programmes .

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

Before committing to studying in Turkey it is advisable to check that the qualification you would be working towards would be valid in the UK. UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom)  can assist you with working out the validity of qualifications and therefore whether or not you wish to spend time and money obtaining them.