Study at University in Turkey Without a High School Diploma?

 Studying at Turkish universities is a dream for many international students due to the country’s rich history, diverse culture, and high-quality education system.

However, one common concern among prospective students is whether they can attend university without a high school diploma.

This article seeks to answer this question and clarify the admission requirements for international students at Turkish universities. It aims to empower aspiring students to pursue their academic aspirations in Turkey with confidence and clarity. 

Why Study in Turkey?

Studying in Turkey is becoming increasingly popular among international students thanks to its unique blend of quality education and cultural richness. Here are the top reasons why:

• Strategic location between Europe and Asia
• High-quality education at affordable tuition fees
• Wide range of programs in English and Turkish
• Rich cultural and social student life
• Government support and international recognition

Read More: Best Cities for International Students to Study in Turkey

Can you study at university in Turkey without a high school diploma? 

 Studying at a university without a high school diploma is generally not accepted in Turkey, despite significant reforms in the higher education system in recent years, making it more accessible to international students.

While a high school diploma is a basic requirement for university admission in Turkey and many other countries, you can submit an equivalency certificate during enrollment in Turkish universities. This serves as an alternative option for students who were unable to obtain a high school diploma.

Submitting the equivalency certificate allows foreign students to enroll in Turkish universities by taking the YÖS exam and achieving a good score to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Turkish universities. 

Read More: Success in Studies: 10 Practical Tips for Excelling in High School

 What is the YÖS Exam?

 The YÖS exam is the entrance exam for those wishing to study at Turkish universities, and it differs from regular exams during the educational process. The YÖS exam assesses the general intellectual level of the student and consists of two sections:

1. First section: Basic learning skills test: This section evaluates the student’s abstract reasoning. It includes 40 questions to determine the IQ level.
2. Second section: Algebra and Geometry test: Typically consists of 40 questions, with 30 questions in algebra and 10 questions in geometry.

The exam is usually administered in Turkish and requires a good command of the language, though many private universities offer an English translation of the exam. Turkish public universities only accept the official/general YÖS exam.

Do you need to take exams to equate a high school diploma in Turkey, or can you skip it?

Many students ask about the idea of an exam to equate their high school diploma when applying for an equivalency certificate if their diploma is from outside Turkey, and the answer is very simple.

There is no exam required for equivalency; it is sufficient to submit the required documents to the Turkish cultural attaché in your country or to the Directorate of Education in the province where you reside.

However, an equivalency exam is conducted for transfer grades if the Turkish Board of Education does not recognize the validity of the diploma, in which case the student’s level and appropriate grade will be determined. 

What are the required documents for high school diploma equivalency in Turkey?  

The required documents for high school diploma equivalency in Turkey include the following:

Common documents:

• Application form
• Transparent folder

For Turkish citizens:

• National ID and a copy
• A copy of the personal information page of the passport
• Copies of the stamped passport pages showing arrival and departure dates

For foreign citizens:

• Residence permit in Turkey or educational visa and a copy
• A copy of the personal information page of the passport

For those who have not completed high school:

• Academic transcript or report card for the last grade attended, along with a copy

Special cases considered:

• Those unable to provide their documents due to fleeing war or disasters or are in a refugee situation
• Those with an “International Protection Status Identity Document” or “International Protection Application Document”

Note: If educational documents are unavailable, providing protection documents along with a judicial education ruling is sufficient.

Additional documents required if you are one of the aforementioned special cases and under 18:

• ID card or passport of the mother or father for those under 18
• Original and certified translation (if necessary) of the parental consent letter, pre-registration document from the university, and application for pre-registration at the university for applicants under 18. 

Special Cases:

• If the student’s parents are divorced: An original and certified translation of the custody document proving that the student is under the custody of one of the parents mentioned in the application.
• In case of a name change on the educational certificate and ID card or passport due to reasons such as marriage or divorce: A copy of the marriage certificate and/or identity record must be submitted.

You can obtain an “Equivalency Certificate” that verifies the equivalency of your high school diploma with the Turkish high school diploma either from the Turkish embassy in your home country or from the Ministry of National Education in Turkey.

Equivalency is processed through the Turkish education directorates in the province where you reside, which will contact the institution that issued the high school diploma to verify the authenticity of the certificate and the information contained within it.

All foreign nationalities residing in Turkey are entitled to have their high school diplomas equated, even those holding Turkish citizenship who obtained high school diplomas not issued by the Turkish Ministry of National Education.

Read More: Is the high school GPA important for studying in Turkey? (2025 Guide)

Admission Requirements for Turkish Universities

In general, admission to Turkish universities requires a recognized high school diploma (or an equivalency certificate), a minimum GPA of 50% for private universities, proof of language proficiency (TOEFL for English programs or TOMER for Turkish programs), and standard application documents such as a valid passport, personal photos, and academic transcripts.

What are the steps to equate a high school diploma in Turkey?

 In Turkey, the process of obtaining an equivalency certificate for a high school diploma involves several steps and requirements, which typically include submitting various documents to the Turkish Ministry of Education.

These documents are then reviewed and evaluated to determine the equivalency of the foreign high school education to the Turkish system.

Once the evaluation is completed and accepted, individuals are granted an equivalency certificate, allowing them to pursue further education or obtain job opportunities in Turkey.

Here are the practical steps for diploma equivalency:

• Online registration and form submission: Register for the equivalency of the high school diploma by accessing the following website:

 https://edenklik.meb.gov.tr/ 

• Preliminary Evaluation: After scheduling an appointment on the website, the application is submitted at the equivalency center in the provincial Directorate of Education, along with the original documents and copies, as well as the equivalency fee.
• Final Evaluation: The equivalency center usually sends the equivalency application to the Turkish Board of Education, which then responds with one of the following outcomes:

Approval, resulting in the issuance of a Turkish high school equivalency certificate.

Read More: 10 of the most important private turkish universities 

Scholarships & Financing in Turkey

Turkey offers generous funding opportunities for international students, making education more accessible and affordable. Key options include:

• Türkiye Scholarships (government-funded)
• University-specific merit scholarships
• Discounts through educational agencies
• Partial tuition fee waivers
• Private and NGO scholarships

Student Logistics & Support Services

International students benefit from a wide range of services that make studying and living in Turkey easier and more comfortable. These include:

• Student visa assistance
• University or private accommodation options
• Health insurance coverage
• Opening a Turkish bank account
• Guidance for residence permit applications

Cost of Living in Turkey

One of the main attractions for studying in Turkey is its affordable cost of living compared to Europe and North America. Average monthly expenses:

• Accommodation: $150–$300
• Food & groceries: $100–$150
• Transportation: $30–$50
• Health insurance: $40–$60
• Personal expenses: $100–$150

Read More: Golden Tips for Writing a Successful Scholarship CV

How to Register at Turkish Universities After Equating Your High School Diploma?

After obtaining the equivalency certificate for your high school diploma with the Turkish diploma, individuals can proceed with registering at Turkish universities with the help of a company like Directly Educational.

Directly Educational specializes in assisting international students navigate the application process for Turkish universities, whether they plan to travel to Turkey or are already in the country. We provide guidance on the application process, required documents, and deadlines for various universities.

We can also help prepare and translate necessary documents into Turkish. Additionally, we offer support in obtaining residence permits and all the subscriptions and documents needed for a smooth stay in Turkey.

With the full support of Directly Educational, students can confidently and easily navigate the sometimes complex application process to Turkish universities. 

In conclusion, Ultimately, a high school diploma or its equivalency remains an essential requirement for university admission in Turkey. Yet, the path is still open for international students through practical solutions such as diploma equivalency and preparatory programs. With the right guidance, navigating these steps becomes simple and achievable. At Directly Education, we are ready to support you at every stage—contact us now on WhatsApp and take the first step toward your academic future in Turkey.