A master’s degree in Turkey takes about two years (four semesters) on a thesis track, or one to one and a half years (two to three semesters) on a non-thesis track. To apply, international students usually need a bachelor’s degree that Turkey recognises, official transcripts and proof of English or Turkish. Many universities do not ask foreign applicants for the Turkish ALES exam. This guide covers the two types of programme, the usual requirements, the 2026 application periods and what to expect after you are accepted.
Important: each university’s graduate school (enstitü) sets its own detailed rules within the national regulation. Requirements, deadlines and fees change every year, so always check the official page of the programme you want before you apply.
Thesis or non-thesis: two kinds of master’s degree in Turkey
Master’s programmes in Turkey follow the national Graduate Education Regulation (Lisansüstü Eğitim ve Öğretim Yönetmeliği) published by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). It sets out two types of programme:
| Thesis master’s (tezli) | Non-thesis master’s (tezsiz) | |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | At least 7 courses and 21 credits, plus a seminar | At least 10 courses and 30 credits |
| Final work | A research thesis, defended before a jury | A term project |
| Normal length | 4 semesters (maximum 6) | 2 to 3 semesters |
| Total workload | At least 120 ECTS | Varies by programme |
| Good for | Research careers, a later PhD, academic jobs | Professional careers, faster entry to work |
A thesis programme suits you if you want to do research or plan a PhD later. A non-thesis programme is shorter and more practical, and it is popular for business, management and other professional fields. Some universities run non-thesis programmes in the evening for working students. Istanbul Technical University, for example, has evening non-thesis programmes with a separate application call.
Typical requirements for a master’s degree in Turkey
A bachelor’s degree, and its recognition
To start a master’s degree in Turkey, you need a completed bachelor’s degree. Many graduate schools also accept a provisional graduation certificate while your diploma is being issued. If your bachelor’s degree is from outside Turkey, you will usually need a recognition (tanınma) or equivalency document from YÖK. Doğuş University and Istanbul Medeniyet University both list this document for foreign graduates. If your bachelor’s degree is in a different field, the university may ask you to complete a scientific preparation programme (bilimsel hazırlık) before your master’s courses begin.
ALES, GRE or GMAT
For thesis programmes, the national rule asks for an ALES score of at least 55 (the university can set a higher minimum). For non-thesis programmes, universities may choose not to ask for ALES at all. However, the regulation lets each university’s senate set its own admission rules for foreign nationals. In practice, this means:
- Some graduate schools do not ask foreign applicants for ALES or an equivalent exam at all. Doğuş University and Istanbul Medeniyet University both state this for thesis and non-thesis programmes.
- Some accept GRE or GMAT instead of ALES. Istanbul Technical University accepts ALES, GRE or GMAT (valid for five years). It also lets applicants in its international student quota apply without a score. If admitted, they must submit the score or reach a BB average by the end of the second semester.
- Some private universities apply ALES only to thesis programmes and have removed it for non-thesis programmes.
So check the rule for foreign applicants on your programme’s page, not only the general rule.
English or Turkish level
For English-taught programmes, you usually need a recognised test score. Accepted tests and minimum scores differ. For example, Istanbul Gedik University lists TOEFL iBT 66, PTE 50 or YDS/YÖKDİL 55 as minimums for its graduate programmes. Some universities let you register without a certificate and then take their own proficiency exam or an English preparatory year. Graduates of programmes taught fully in English are often exempt.
For Turkish-taught programmes, you usually need a Turkish certificate. Gedik University asks for B2 for most graduate students, while Doğuş University and Istanbul Medeniyet University ask for C1 from a TÖMER centre. If you need a Turkish certificate, see our guide to the Ankara University TÖMER exam.
Common documents
- Passport copy and a photo
- Bachelor’s diploma (or provisional certificate) and official transcript
- YÖK recognition or equivalency document (for foreign degrees, often at registration)
- English or Turkish proficiency certificate
- ALES, GRE or GMAT result, if your programme asks for one
- CV and a statement of purpose (Medipol University limits it to 500 words)
- Usually two recommendation letters (ITU asks for one from an academic)
- Portfolio, for design and architecture programmes
- Notarised Turkish translations, when the university asks for them
How long a master’s degree in Turkey takes
Under the regulation, a thesis master’s lasts four semesters and must be completed within six. A non-thesis master’s lasts at least two and at most three semesters. Time spent in scientific preparation does not count towards these limits. Remember that a language preparatory year, if you need one, adds to your total time in Turkey, so plan your budget and your residence permit for it.
Application periods in 2026
There is no single national deadline for a master’s degree in Turkey. Each university publishes its own academic calendar, and most have two intakes:
- Fall (September) intake: applications usually open in spring and close in summer. For fall 2026, Istanbul Technical University accepted international master’s applications from 24 April to 26 June 2026, and Istanbul Medipol University from 25 May to 23 July 2026.
- Spring (February) intake: many universities also admit students for the spring semester. For spring 2026, ITU accepted applications from 10 November 2025 to 26 January 2026.
Dates change every year. Apply early, because you need time for your visa or residence permit, and some programmes interview applicants (often online and in English).
Private or state university?
State universities usually charge lower fees, but places for international students are limited, competition is strong, and many programmes are taught in Turkish. Their calendars are strict and late applications are not accepted.
Private (foundation) universities charge higher tuition, but many offer English-taught master’s programmes, more flexible application periods and international offices that guide you through the process. Fees are set each year and differ by programme, so compare them carefully. Our guide to the cost of studying in Turkey helps you plan tuition and living costs together.
If you want to study for free, the Türkiye Bursları programme also funds master’s degrees. Read our guide to scholarships in Turkey for international students.
English-taught master’s programmes in Istanbul
If you want an English-taught master’s degree in Turkey, Istanbul is a good place to start. The city has a wide choice of programmes, for example in business administration, engineering, information technology and international relations. Universities with active international graduate admissions include Istanbul Medipol University, Altınbaş University, Istanbul Gedik University and the state-run Istanbul Technical University.
Before you choose, check three things on the programme page: the language of instruction, whether it is thesis or non-thesis, and whether your bachelor’s field is accepted. Some programmes are open to graduates of any field, while others require a related degree. You can compare options with our program search or read about private universities in Istanbul.
Student visa and residence permit
After you are accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter. Some private universities first ask for a tuition deposit before they issue the official letter. Read the refund rules first. Istanbul Gedik University, for example, says its pre-payment is non-refundable except when a Turkish embassy or consulate refuses the visa.
With the acceptance letter, you apply for a student visa if your nationality needs one. After you arrive and register, you apply for a student residence permit (ikamet) through the e-İkamet system. You will need proof of address, such as a dormitory letter or a notarised rental contract, and health insurance for the whole permit period. Full details are in our Turkey student visa guide.
Step-by-step: applying for a master’s in Turkey
- Choose a field and decide between thesis and non-thesis.
- Shortlist programmes and read each graduate school’s rules for foreign applicants.
- Prepare your diploma, transcript, CV, statement of purpose and references.
- Take an English test (or a Turkish test for Turkish-taught programmes), and ALES, GRE or GMAT if required.
- Apply online before the deadline and attend an interview if invited.
- Accept your offer, pay any deposit, and apply for your visa.
- Register on arrival, start your YÖK recognition process if needed, and apply for your residence permit.
How Lord Agency can help
Since 2017, Lord Agency has helped international students choose programmes and apply to more than 70 private universities in Turkey and North Cyprus. For a master’s, we help you compare English-taught programmes, check whether your bachelor’s field and documents fit each programme’s rules, and prepare a complete application before the deadline. We also guide you through the acceptance letter, visa and residence permit steps.
Request a free consultation or start your free application in our student portal. We give honest advice, but admission decisions are always made by the universities.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need ALES for a master’s degree in Turkey as a foreign student?
Not always. The national rule asks for ALES for thesis programmes, but each university sets its own rules for foreign nationals. Some do not ask foreign applicants for ALES at all, and others accept GRE or GMAT instead. Check your programme’s page.
How long is a master’s in Turkey?
A thesis master’s normally takes four semesters (two years), with a maximum of six. A non-thesis master’s takes two to three semesters. A language preparatory year, if needed, comes on top of this.
Can I study a master’s in English in Turkey?
Yes. Many private universities and some state universities in Istanbul offer English-taught master’s programmes. You usually need a test score such as TOEFL or PTE, or you take the university’s own exam.
When should I apply for a fall intake?
Usually between April and July. For fall 2026, for example, ITU’s international window closed on 26 June and Medipol’s on 23 July. Dates change each year, so check your university’s calendar.
Is a non-thesis master’s recognised?
Both thesis and non-thesis programmes are master’s degrees under YÖK regulations. If you plan to do a PhD or work in academia later, a thesis programme is usually the better choice. If you plan to use the degree at home, check recognition rules in your own country too.
Can Lord Agency guarantee my admission?
No. Admission decisions belong to each university. We help you choose suitable programmes and submit a complete, well-prepared application.
