Yes, you can study in Turkey without exam results at many universities. There is no single entrance exam that every international student must take: each university sets its own admission criteria, and many private (foundation) universities accept international students on their high school diploma and grades. Exams such as TR-YÖS or the SAT are mostly needed for competitive programs like medicine and dentistry, and at many state universities.
This guide explains how admission works, when an exam is still required, and what you need to prepare. Rules and minimum scores change every year, so always check the current requirements of the university you choose.
How admission works for international students
International undergraduate admission in Turkey is decentralised. Under the principles of YÖK (the Council of Higher Education), universities admit students from abroad with YÖK approval and within quotas that YÖK reviews before each academic year. Each university then chooses how to assess applicants. YÖK’s principles list the methods a university may use:
- the national exams of the student’s own country,
- international exams (such as the SAT),
- high school grade averages,
- exams run by the university itself.
The university sets the minimum score for each method in a directive approved by its senate. YÖK also asks all universities to use TR-YÖS results, the Turkish exam for international applicants, in their admissions. In practice, this means TR-YÖS is one accepted option, not the only route: many universities also accept high school grades.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are in the final year of high school or have already graduated. YÖK’s rules also look at where you studied. For the 2026 cycle, foreign nationals who are studying at, or graduated from, a high school in Turkey are generally not eligible through the international route, with exceptions such as embassy schools and listed international schools. Turkish citizens who completed high school in Turkey or North Cyprus cannot apply as international students, while Turkish citizens who completed all of high school abroad can. Dual citizens have their own rules, so check the full YÖK text if this applies to you.
Private universities: study in Turkey without exam on your grades
Foundation universities often admit international students on their high school record. Here are real examples from official university pages:
- Istanbul Gedik University says applicants “can apply with high school diploma and transcripts”. SAT, ACT and IB results are accepted, but they are an option, not a requirement.
- Başkent University in Ankara accepts a high school diploma with at least 60/100 for most programs, or exam results such as TR-YÖS, SAT, ACT or IB.
- Atılım University in Ankara asks for a high school diploma and a transcript showing at least 50% success; exam results such as YÖS are optional.
So, for many programs such as business, engineering, psychology, architecture or computer science, you can study in Turkey without exam results, as long as you meet the grade minimum and the language requirement. To see which programs fit your grades, use our program search.
When an exam is still required
Medicine and dentistry
Medicine and dentistry have limited places, and YÖK does not allow unfilled international quotas in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law and teaching to be moved to other programs. Many universities set higher requirements for these fields, often including an exam. Two examples:
- Başkent University does not accept a high school diploma alone for Medicine and Dentistry. Applicants must present at least one accepted exam or diploma result with a minimum score. For Medicine these include TR-YÖS 375/500, SAT 1200/1600, ACT 24/36 or IB 28/45, and Iranian applicants can use the Pişdaneşgahi diploma with 16/20.
- İzmir University of Economics asks Medicine applicants for a national or international exam result along with the diploma. Its published minimums include SAT 1360/1600 (Math at least 600) and IB 38/45.
Requirements differ a lot between universities, and some private universities may accept strong grades for health programs. Ask before you apply. Our guide to studying medicine in Turkey in English explains the options.
State universities
State universities often ask for an exam or a national exam result. ÖSYM’s 2026 TR-YÖS guide says state universities consider TR-YÖS results together with high school grades, the applicant’s national exam and international exam results, as their senates decide. Some examples:
- Istanbul Technical University publishes minimum scores for each accepted result, for example SAT 1200/1600 (with Math 650/800), ACT 26, IB 30, TR-YÖS 400/500, or an 80% average in Pakistan’s HSSC.
- Bursa Uludağ University, a large state university, has run its own international student exam (ULUYOS), alongside other accepted results.
So high school grades can count at some state universities, but each one publishes its own list of accepted results and minimum scores, and places are limited. Check the current list before you apply.
TR-YÖS in brief
TR-YÖS (Türkiye Yurt Dışından Öğrenci Kabul Sınavı) is run by ÖSYM, Turkey’s official exam centre. Key facts from the 2026 TR-YÖS/2 guide:
- It is held twice a year. For 2026 TR-YÖS/2, applications ran from 9 July to 3 August 2026 (late applications 7–11 August), and the exam was on 11 October 2026.
- It is offered in Turkish, English, German, French, Russian and Arabic.
- Exam centres are in Turkey, in North Cyprus (Lefkoşa) and in many other countries.
- Results are valid for two years from the exam date.
Some universities also run their own international student exams. Dates change every year, so check osym.gov.tr for the next sessions.
Minimum requirements to study in Turkey without exam scores
Even when you study in Turkey without exam scores, universities still check these points:
- High school diploma or final-year transcript. Many universities set a minimum average, such as 50% or 60% in the examples above.
- Passport copy.
- Language level. For English-taught programs, a certificate such as TOEFL or PTE, or the university’s own English test. Students below the level usually join an English preparatory year. Turkish-taught programs ask for a Turkish certificate (often B1 to C1, depending on the program), or a year of Turkish preparation. Read our guides to studying in Turkey without IELTS and the Ankara University TÖMER exam.
- Translations. Documents not in English or Turkish usually need a notarised translation.
- Equivalency certificate (denklik) after acceptance. Universities ask for a high school equivalency certificate at registration. It is issued by Turkish embassies abroad or by provincial directorates of the Ministry of National Education in Turkey, through an e-Denklik appointment. University offices say diplomas from Apostille Convention countries must be apostilled; otherwise they need approval from your country’s education or foreign ministry or the embassy.
A simple plan for applying with your grades
- Check your grades. Convert your high school average to a percentage or a score out of 100, because many universities publish minimums that way.
- Choose your field carefully. If you want medicine, dentistry or a state university, plan for an exam such as TR-YÖS or the SAT early. For most other fields, compare universities that accept grades.
- Decide on the language of study. Prepare an English or Turkish certificate, or accept that you may start with a preparatory year.
- Prepare your documents. Scan your passport, diploma or final-year transcript and any certificates, and arrange translations and the apostille or legalisation of your diploma.
- Apply early. Popular programs fill their international quotas, and you need time for the acceptance letter, the visa or residence permit and the equivalency certificate. Our Turkey student visa guide explains the next steps.
For the full process, see our guide on how to apply to Turkish universities.
What about North Cyprus?
Universities in North Cyprus set their own rules too. Eastern Mediterranean University, for example, asks international applicants for a certified copy of their secondary school certificate, and its main admission page lists no entrance exam for international students. Students whose first language is not English take EMU’s English Proficiency Exam. Program rules may differ, especially in health fields. Read more in our guide to studying in North Cyprus.
Can an exam still help you?
Yes. Even when it is not required, a good SAT, IB, A-level or TR-YÖS result can open more programs, including state universities, and some private universities link scholarships or discounts to exam scores. See our guide to Turkey scholarships for international students.
How Lord Agency can help
Since 2017, Lord Agency has helped students apply to 70+ private universities in Turkey and North Cyprus. If you want to study in Turkey without exam scores, we can check which programs accept your high school grades, tell you where an exam is needed, and help you prepare your documents and equivalency certificate. We give honest advice about your chances, but admission decisions are always made by the university.
Request a free consultation or start your free application in our student portal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study in Turkey without an entrance exam?
Yes, at many universities. Many private universities admit international students on their high school diploma and grades, plus a language requirement. Exams are more often needed for medicine, dentistry and state universities.
Is YÖS required for all Turkish universities?
No. YÖK asks universities to use TR-YÖS results, but its rules also allow high school grades, national exams, international exams and university exams. Each university decides which results it accepts and its minimum scores.
Can I study medicine in Turkey without an exam?
It depends on the university. Some, such as Başkent University, do not accept a diploma alone for Medicine and require a result such as TR-YÖS, SAT, IB or A-levels. Check each university’s current rules before you apply.
What minimum grade do I need?
There is no national minimum. Each university sets its own. For example, Başkent asks for 60/100 for most programs and Atılım for 50%, but competitive programs ask for more.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
For English-taught programs you need to prove your English level, but many universities accept their own English test or offer a preparatory year. For Turkish-taught programs you need a Turkish certificate or Turkish preparation.
Can Lord Agency guarantee my admission?
No. We help you choose suitable programs and prepare a strong, complete application, but the university makes the final decision.
