Thanks to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which has been implemented in Turkish universities since 2001 as part of the Bologna Process, all students can continue their education in other countries and receive diplomas accepted by countries applying to ECTS.  
Higher education in Turkey consists of universities with associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, faculties, institution, conservatories and vocational schools. In total, 206 of 129 universities are state universities, 77 are private and foundation universities. According to data recorded in recent years, the total number of university students in formal education and distance education in Turkey is about 7,5 million.

The applicants who want to study in any undergraduate programs should make an application directly to the university. Each university accepts international students on the basis of their own requirements that are published on their official websites.

Graduate programs in Turkey contain master, PhD and specialization in medicine programs. which are carried out via institutions.

Diploma and course contents of the previously completed degrees , letter of reference and statement of purpose are required in the application procedures of the graduate programs Students who graduated in Turkey must submit Graduate Entrance Exam’s (ALES) result in addition to the given documents, . English-medium universities can ask for additional exam results such as TOEFL, GRE or GMAT which have international validity. Each university and program may have different admission criteria. Therefore, those who wants to have graduate education has to apply directly to the institutions of the universities.

Two types of master degrees as mastes with thesis and non-thesis programs are offered for students. Whereas master’s programs with thesis consist of at least seven courses, one seminar and a thesis study. non-thesis master programs contain at least ten courses and a semester project. The required period to complete the master degree is 2 years.

Doctorate programs have at least seven courses, proficiency exam and a thesis. The period to complete the courses are four semesters at most and the period to finish the doctorate program is eight semesters. To be able to apply for doctorate programs, it is an obligation to have a master’s degree. The applicants can apply with their undergraduate diploma to the joint doctorate programs which consists of both master and doctorate education.

Specialization in medicine programs are equivalent to doctorate programs and it is carried out by the faculty of the medicine of universities and by the research hospitals which are subject to the ministry of health. The students, who want to have an education in medicine and dentistry, must succeed in DUS or TUS exams. 
 

Universities in Turkey run on a two semester system, known as fall and spring semesters. Some universities additionally have summer school programs.
 

Academic performances at the universities are determined on success and attendance. Universities test students’ academic success with different examinations such as two midterm and one final or one midterm and one final. Some universities implement different different systems such as make-up exams or summer schools. In addition to exams, various homeworks and reports are efficient in taking grades. Passmarks in the universities are usually 60/100 (2.00/4.00) (These grades may differ among universities).
 

The applicants must prove their efficiency in the universities’ course language which is usually in Turkish (Also in English, French and German). The students, who are accepted to university but not able to get the efficiency in the required language, are given language course for a year. Also, Turkish lessons are given to international students.

 

For more information on the education in Turkey as well as details about Turkish universities and their programs, you may visit the official Study in Turkey website administered by the official authority on higher education in Turkey, The Council of Higher Education (YÖK): www.studyinturkey.gov.tr