Entrance Exams for Turkish Universities: YÖS, TR-YÖS, SAT and Alternatives

State universities usually admit international students on an exam score; many private universities do not ask for one. Here is which exams count, the 2026 TR-YÖS dates, and how to choose.

By Burak Ünal, Director of University Admissions · 19 October 2026

Figures are typical values for the current academic year, checked against the official sources listed at the end. How we research and update our guides

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Why exams matter

State universities fill their international quotas mostly by ranking applicants on an exam score or recognised national results, so the exam you take decides where you can apply. Private universities often admit on your high school grades instead, which is why students without an exam usually start there.

TR-YÖS, the centralised exam

TR-YÖS (Türkiye Yabancı Öğrenci Sınavı) is run by ÖSYM, the state exam centre, and its score can be sent to the many universities that accept it. In 2026 it was held twice: on 12 April (applications 14 January to 11 February, after an extension) and on 11 October (applications 9 July to 11 August). You apply online at tryos.osym.gov.tr. It tests basic learning skills, mainly reasoning, geometry and mathematics, rather than a national school curriculum. The 2027 dates had not been published in October 2026; expect a similar pattern and check ÖSYM.

University YÖS exams

Many universities still run their own YÖS exam. Each sets its own content, language and dates, and the score usually counts only at that university (or a small group of universities). They are useful if you are aiming at one specific university.

SAT and other qualifications

Most universities also accept international qualifications and national exams, each with its own minimum: SAT and ACT, A levels, the IB Diploma, the German Abitur, and national results such as Tawjihi or WAEC. Minimum scores differ by university and program, and medicine asks for the highest. Check the university's current admission guide before you rely on a score.

Admission without an exam

Many foundation (private) universities admit international students on their high school grades alone, with higher minimum averages for competitive programs. If you have no exam score yet, this is often the fastest route, and you can still apply to state universities later with TR-YÖS or SAT.

How to choose

A simple way to decide:

Aiming at state universities in general: take TR-YÖS, or SAT if you already have a good score
Aiming at one particular state university: check whether its own YÖS is easier to reach
Strong national exam or A level or IB results: check which universities accept them directly
No exam and limited time: start with private universities that admit on grades

Entrance Exams for Turkish Universities: YÖS, TR-YÖS, SAT and Alternatives: frequently asked questions

Is YÖS required to study in Turkey?

Not always. Most state universities require TR-YÖS, their own YÖS or an accepted alternative such as SAT; many private universities admit on high school grades without an exam.

When is TR-YÖS?

In 2026 ÖSYM held TR-YÖS on 12 April and 11 October. The 2027 dates had not been announced in October 2026; check osym.gov.tr and apply at tryos.osym.gov.tr.

Can I use my SAT score for Turkish universities?

Yes. Most universities accept SAT, as well as ACT, A levels, the IB Diploma and some national exams, each with its own minimum score.

What is the difference between TR-YÖS and a university YÖS?

TR-YÖS is a single national exam run by ÖSYM whose score many universities accept; a university YÖS is set by one university and usually counts only there.

Official sources

Rules, fees and quotas are set by these institutions and change every year. Check them, or ask us, before you rely on a figure.