Foreign student admission exams in Turkey: YÖS and SAT

known as YÖS, SAT, and others, are among the most important steps international students face in achieving their dream of studying in Turkey.

Turkish universities vary in their requirements, making preparation for these exams a challenge that deserves attention.

In this article, we will review the details of the most popular exams and how to prepare for them effectively.

Keep reading until the end to learn about the different types of admission tests for foreign students in Turkey…

The YÖS exam for foreign student admission in Turkey

The YÖS exam (Yabancı Uyruklu Öğrenci Sınavı), or what is known as the Foreign Student Exam, is a local test required for admission to most public and private universities in Turkey.

The YÖS exam includes a set of questions in the fields of mathematics and logic, designed to assess students’ thinking and analytical abilities.
Students must register for the YÖS exam at the university they wish to study at, as each university sets its own date and exam conditions.
After successfully passing the YÖS exam, students receive a certificate qualifying them to apply to various Turkish universities.
Proper preparation for this exam requires focusing on developing skills in mathematics and logic, as well as reviewing previous exam samples.

Remember, excelling in the YÖS exam is your key to joining a prestigious university in Turkey and achieving your academic ambitions.

YÖS exam date in Turkey

Each Turkish university sets the YÖS exam date individually.

These exams are usually held between the end of April and June. It is recommended to check the official university websites for exact dates and registration procedures.

Do you need to know the YÖS exam date while reading the article?

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YÖS Exam Requirements

Registering for the YÖS exam requires a set of conditions and documents.

Here are the YÖS exam requirements:

• Translated and certified high school diploma.
• A valid passport or residence permit.
• Recent personal photos.
• Proof of payment for the required registration fees.

University Admission Test Questions in Turkey (YÖS)

The YÖS exam includes a set of questions focusing on different areas:

• Mathematics questions: Cover topics such as equations, mathematical sequences, mathematical analysis, and quadratic identities.
• Geometry questions: Include theories, principles, geometric shapes, and equations.
• Logic and intelligence questions: Aim to assess the student’s mental and analytical abilities, such as understanding patterns in mathematical operations and number sequences.

Proper preparation for the YÖS exam requires focusing on these key areas and reviewing past exam samples to ensure success.

Read also: What is the Unified YÖS Exam (TR-YÖS)? A Comprehensive Guide

Which Turkish Universities Require the YÖS Exam?

Most Turkish public universities require passing the YÖS exam for foreign student admission.

The YÖS exam is one of the main criteria these universities use to assess students’ abilities and verify their academic readiness for studying in Turkey.

Here are the top public universities that require the YÖS exam:

• Istanbul University
• Ankara University
• Hacettepe University
• Bilkent University
• Gazi University

On the other hand, most private universities in Turkey do not require the YÖS exam.

They rely on the high school diploma and academic grades for registration.

• Sabancı University
• Bahçeşehir University
• Istinye University

Private universities offer a flexible option for students who may find it difficult to pass the YÖS exam, providing them with the opportunity for admission based on their high school grades.

Read also: Is the high school GPA important for studying in Turkey?

The SAT Exam in Turkey

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is one of the most important international exams that foreign students can rely on for admission to Turkish universities.

This exam, known as the “Scholastic Assessment Test,” is an American test that measures students’ skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Here are the main locations for taking the SAT in Turkey:

• Bilkent University in Ankara
• Turkish-American Association in Ankara
• Robert College in Istanbul
• İzmir American High School in İzmir
• Tarsus American College in Tarsus

The SAT is conducted six times a year, giving students multiple opportunities to register and prepare well.

The SAT Exam System in Turkey

The SAT system in Turkey consists of two main tests: SAT 1 and SAT 2.

Most Turkish universities rely on the SAT 1 exam for foreign student admissions.

SAT 1 Sections:

Reading section: Tests comprehension and critical analysis of texts.

Writing and Language section: Assesses writing skills and grammar proficiency.

Mathematics section: Covers various topics in mathematics, such as algebra, geometry, and statistics.

Many Turkish universities consider SAT results alongside other criteria for admitting foreign students, making it an important step toward achieving the dream of studying in Turkey.

Which is better: YÖS or SAT?

To determine the best option between the YÖS (Foreign Student Exam) and the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), several factors should be considered:

Purpose and Recognition

• YÖS (Foreign Student Exam): Designed for students who want to study at Turkish public universities.
• SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): Used internationally for university admissions, especially in the U.S. and Canada, and recognized by many universities worldwide.

Exam Content

• YÖS: Focuses on academic abilities and basic skills such as mathematics, logic, and geometry. It may include sections related to Turkish culture and language.
• SAT: Measures proficiency in mathematics, reading, and writing, with a focus on text analysis and solving math problems.

Language

• YÖS: Usually offered in Turkish, though it may be available in other languages.
• SAT: Offered in English.

Cost and Availability

• YÖS: Generally more affordable and held in several countries, with a primary focus on Turkey.
• SAT: Conducted in many countries worldwide and may be more expensive.

Academic Goals

• If you plan to study in Turkey and prefer Turkish universities, YÖS might be the better option.
• If you are targeting universities in the U.S. or seeking broader international educational opportunities, the SAT may be more suitable.

Choosing between YÖS and SAT depends on your educational goals and the universities you aim to apply to. You should select the exam that aligns with your academic plans and future aspirations.

Contact us now on WhatsApp here to get your free consultation

Studying in Turkey: Universities, Requirements, and Costs.

The GMAT Exam

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is essential for admission to MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs in Turkey and around the world. The exam measures skills in:

• Analytical Writing: Analytical essay (30 minutes, 0-6 points).
• Integrated Reasoning: Data analysis (30 minutes, 1-8 points).
• Quantitative Section: Solving math problems (31 questions, 62 minutes, 0-60 points).
• Verbal Section: Reading and critical reasoning (36 questions, 65 minutes, 0-60 points).

The exam takes less than 3.5 hours in total and is considered an international standard for admission to business programs.

The STS Exam

The STS (Specialist Training Examination) is required for foreign doctors wishing to practice medicine in Turkey. It aims to validate foreign medical degrees to ensure competency. The exam includes four main sections:

• General Medicine
• Pediatrics
• General Surgery
• Obstetrics and Gynecology

It is offered in Turkish only, and candidates must pass each section to obtain their license.

The DUS Exam

The DUS (Dental Specialization Examination) targets dentists wishing to specialize in Turkey. It is organized by the Student Selection and Placement Center and covers various topics in dentistry.

The exam is held once a year and assesses the knowledge and skills of dentists to determine their eligibility for specialization programs. Success in the DUS is essential for achieving professional ambitions in specialized dentistry.

Language Tests for Admission to Turkish Universities

TOEFL Exam

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a globally recognized exam that measures the English language skills of foreign students. It is used for admission to many Turkish universities that require proof of English proficiency. The exam consists of four sections:

• Reading
• Listening
• Speaking
• Writing

IELTS Exam

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is another alternative for measuring English language skills. Many Turkish universities accept it as a requirement for admission. It includes four sections:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

TÖMER Exam

The TÖMER (Türkçe Öğrenim Merkezi) is an exam for evaluating proficiency in the Turkish language, often required for foreign students whose courses are taught in Turkish.

The TÖMER Exam (Test of Turkish as a Foreign Language) is designed to assess the Turkish language proficiency of foreign students wishing to study at Turkish universities that teach in Turkish. It is offered at several levels from beginner to advanced and includes the following sections:

• Reading
• Listening
• Speaking
• Writing

Passing these exams helps meet the language requirements for admission to Turkish universities and achieve academic success.

If you are seeking university admission in Turkey and need assistance with preparing documents and submitting applications, you can contact Directly from here.

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