Yes, you can study in Turkey without IELTS. Most private universities in Turkey and North Cyprus let you take their own English proficiency exam after you arrive. If you do not pass, you join a one-year English preparatory programme before your degree starts. Some universities also exempt students based on where they finished high school or on other accepted tests.
This guide explains how the system works, which options you have, and what to check before you apply. Rules are set by each university, so always confirm the details for your chosen programme.
Why IELTS is not always required in Turkey
Turkish universities follow a national regulation from YÖK (the Council of Higher Education) on teaching in foreign languages. Under this regulation, students in English-taught programmes must prove their English level before starting their degree. But the regulation does not say this proof must be IELTS.
Instead, each university decides which tests it accepts and what score you need. Students who cannot show an accepted score take the university’s own proficiency exam. Those who do not pass it attend an English preparatory class (often called “prep school” or “hazırlık”).
The same regulation gives two common ways to be exempt from the prep class:
- You completed at least the last three years of secondary school in a country where the language of instruction (here, English) is spoken as a native language.
- You have a score from a recognised exam, at the level set by the university.
So for many international students, IELTS is just one option, not a requirement.
Your options if you do not have IELTS
1. Take the university’s own English proficiency exam
Almost every private university with English-taught programmes runs its own English exam for new students. You usually sit it after registration, at the start of the academic year. Some examples from official university pages:
- Istanbul Medipol University runs an exemption exam for its English preparatory programme. Students who reach the required score can go straight to their department.
- Bahçeşehir University (BAU) lets students without an accepted certificate take the BAU Proficiency Exam after registration. Note that BAU says you can take this exam only once.
- Istanbul Okan University holds its exam at the start of each academic year. Students who score below 80 out of 100 attend at least one semester of English preparatory study.
- İstinye University uses its own exam, called ISTEP. Students who do not reach the required score are placed in the English Preparatory Program.
2. Join the English preparatory year
If your English is not strong yet, this is not a problem. The prep year is designed for you. You study English full-time, usually for up to two semesters, and then move to your degree.
Important points to know:
- Under the YÖK regulation, students who do not complete the prep class within two years are dismissed from the programme. Take it seriously from day one.
- Strong students can sometimes finish early. For example, at Near East University in North Cyprus, the prep programme has four levels, and students who reach B1+ can start their department courses after one semester.
- The prep year adds time and living costs to your studies. Plan your budget with our guide to the cost of studying in Turkey.
3. Use another accepted English test
Many universities accept tests other than IELTS. Common examples are TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, Oxford Test of English, and the Turkish national exams YDS and YÖKDİL. Each university lists its own accepted tests and minimum scores.
Be careful with home and online versions. For example, Medipol says it does not accept IELTS Online or TOEFL iBT Home Edition. Bahçeşehir says it does not accept IELTS, TOEFL Special Home Edition, PTE Academic Online or Duolingo results. Never book a test before checking your university’s current list.
4. Get an exemption from your school background
Some students do not need any English test. Bahçeşehir, for example, exempts students who completed the last three years of high school in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK, New Zealand, South Africa or the USA. Medipol also has an exemption for students who finished secondary school in a country where English is a native language, within the last three years.
Some universities in North Cyprus go further. Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) lists accepted grades from many school-leaving exams, including WAEC/WASSCE, NECO and NABTEB. This is very useful for students from Nigeria and other West African countries. The minimum grade depends on the department, and Medicine and Dentistry ask for higher grades.
Can you skip IELTS for medicine and dentistry?
Yes, the same routes usually apply, but the bar is higher. Universities often ask for a higher English score for Medicine, Dentistry and some other programmes. For example:
| University | General programmes | Higher requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Bahçeşehir University | TOEFL iBT 72 or BAU exam 60 | Medicine: TOEFL iBT 96 or BAU exam 80; Dentistry and Pharmacy: TOEFL iBT 85 or BAU exam 70 |
| Eastern Mediterranean University | IELTS 5.0 or WAEC/WASSCE D7 | Medicine: IELTS 6.0 or WAEC/WASSCE C5; Dentistry: IELTS 5.5 or WAEC/WASSCE C6 |
Scores are taken from the universities’ official pages at the time of writing and can change. Always check the latest rules before you apply.
If you want to study medicine, read our full guide to studying medicine in Turkey in English.
What about Turkish-taught programmes?
If you choose a programme taught in Turkish, you do not need IELTS at all. Instead, you must prove your Turkish level. Bahçeşehir, for example, asks for B2-level Turkish for its Turkish-taught programmes. Students without a valid certificate take the university’s Turkish exam, and those who do not pass usually join a Turkish preparatory programme.
Many students prove their Turkish level with a TÖMER certificate. You can learn more in our article about the Ankara University TÖMER exam in Istanbul.
If you plan to apply for Türkiye Bursları, the government scholarship, note that scholarship students take a one-year Turkish preparatory course in their first year, even if their degree is in English. Students with a C1 Turkish certificate are exempt. See our guide to Turkey scholarships for international students.
Study in North Cyprus without IELTS
The system in North Cyprus is similar. Universities such as EMU and Near East University run their own English proficiency exams and English preparatory programmes for students who do not meet the English requirement. At EMU, students who do not pass the proficiency exam are placed in the English Preparatory School for at least one semester.
Read more in our guide to studying in North Cyprus.
Step-by-step: applying without IELTS
- Choose your programme. Use our program search to see programmes, languages and live tuition fees.
- Check the English rules. Look at the accepted tests, minimum scores and exemptions for your exact department.
- Apply with your academic documents. Your application is usually assessed on your high school diploma and transcript. Learn how in our guide to applying to Turkish universities.
- Receive your acceptance letter. It may show that you will start with the English preparatory year.
- Apply for your student visa. Follow our Turkey student visa guide for documents and steps.
- Take the proficiency exam on arrival. Pass it and start your degree, or join the prep programme at your level.
Tips to prepare before you arrive
- Practise English every day for a few months before you travel. Even a small improvement can save you a semester of prep.
- Look for sample exams. Many universities publish sample papers for their own proficiency exam on their website.
- Focus on academic skills: reading long texts, writing short essays and listening to lectures.
- Keep your school certificates and transcripts ready. They may be needed for an exemption.
How Lord Agency can help
Since 2017, Lord Agency has guided international students to private universities in Turkey and North Cyprus. We work with 70+ private universities, and we know that English rules are different at each one. Our team can help you:
- Find universities that match your English level, budget and career goals.
- Check whether your school background or test score can give you an exemption.
- Prepare your application and documents correctly.
- Understand the prep year and plan your timeline and costs.
If you are still choosing a city, read our guide to private universities in Istanbul.
Ready to start? Request a free consultation or message us on WhatsApp. We will help you choose the right path.
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS mandatory to study in Turkey?
No. IELTS is not mandatory. Most private universities accept other tests or let you take their own English proficiency exam. If you do not pass, you can join the English preparatory year before starting your degree.
Do all Turkish universities accept IELTS?
No. Each university sets its own list of accepted tests. Some, like Medipol, accept IELTS Academic but not IELTS Online. Others, like Bahçeşehir, do not accept IELTS at all. Always check the current list for your university.
How long is the English preparatory year?
It is usually up to two semesters, depending on your starting level. Some students finish in one semester. Under YÖK rules, you must complete it within two years, or you will be dismissed from the programme.
Can I get a student visa without IELTS?
The visa process is separate from the university’s English requirement. You apply with your acceptance letter and the documents listed by the Turkish embassy or visa centre in your country. Our team can help you prepare them.
Is Duolingo accepted in Turkey?
It depends on the university. Bahçeşehir, for example, says it does not accept Duolingo results. Before you take any test, check the university’s official list or ask our team.
