The Foreign Student Exam (YÖS) in Turkey

The Foreign Student Exam(Yabancı Öğrenci Sınavı), or YÖS in abbreviation, is a mandatory exam for foreign students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s or associate’s degree at any university in Turkey.

Exam Administration

Prior to 2010, the YÖS exam was administered by the Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) on an annual basis in June. However, in 2010, the YÖS exam was transferred to the universities themselves, according to a decision made by ÖSYM on January 21, 2010.

Validity of Exam Results

The YÖS exam results are valid for either one or two years, depending on the university. These results are only valid at the university where the exam was taken, although there may be some exceptions in certain cases. Some university departments and associations accept YÖS scores from other institutions, allowing students to apply to different departments within the same university with the same exam score.

Eligibility for the YÖS Exam

• Foreign nationals
• Blue card holders
• Individuals who have acquired Turkish citizenship after previously being a foreign national
• Turkish citizens who have completed their secondary education abroad (excluding the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus)
• Individuals who have completed their entire high school education at MEB Turkish schools abroad (excluding the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus)
• Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus nationals who have completed their secondary education in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and have GCE AL exam results