The YÖS Exam: Your Gateway to Public Universities in Turkey
If you’re an international student dreaming of studying at a prestigious public university in Turkey, understanding the YÖS exam is your first step toward that goal.
What is the YÖS Exam?
YÖS (Yabancı Uyruklu Öğrenci Sınavı) is a standardized exam for international students who wish to apply for undergraduate programs at Turkish public universities.
- Each university organizes its own version of the exam (some may accept results from other universities).
- It includes questions on mathematical reasoning (IQ), mathematics, and occasionally geometry.
- There is no unified exam date—each university sets its own schedule.
Who Can Apply?
Any student who holds a non-Turkish nationality and has either completed high school or is in their final year can apply for the YÖS exam.
Sections of the YÖS Exam
| Section | Approx. No. of Questions | Content |
|---|---|---|
| IQ (Logic) | 30–40 | Logical reasoning, patterns, number series |
| Mathematics | 30–40 | Algebra, equations, applied problem-solving |
| Geometry | 5–10 (optional) | Basic geometry concepts |
💡 There is no Turkish or English language section in the exam, but some universities may require a separate language test later.
Which Universities Accept the YÖS Exam?
| Type of University | Admission Policy |
|---|---|
| Accept only their own YÖS | e.g., Istanbul University, Ankara University |
| Accept YÖS results from other universities | e.g., Erciyes University, Gaziantep University |
| Accept YÖS or SAT scores | e.g., Hacettepe University, Gazi University |
📌 Al-Fateh Tip: Take the YÖS exam organized by a well-known university recognized by multiple institutions.
Majors Available After Passing YÖS
With a strong YÖS score, you can apply for most available programs in Turkish public universities, including:
- Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
- All branches of Engineering
- Economics and Business Administration
- Sciences and Humanities
- Media, Education, and Social Sciences
⚠️ Note: Medical-related majors require a very high score and are highly competitive with limited seats.
Expected YÖS Exam Dates for 2025
| University | Approx. Exam Date | Application Opens |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul University | April 2025 | February 2025 |
| Ankara University | May 2025 | March 2025 |
| Gazi University | June 2025 | April 2025 |
Note: Al-Fateh shares updated exam dates regularly on our platforms and student groups.
Top Tips for YÖS Preparation
- Start studying at least 4–6 months in advance.
- Use reliable resources such as: Metropol, Puza, Final.
- Focus on IQ and logic questions—they’re often what distinguish top students.
- Practice time management and train with full-length mock exams.
- If your math is weak, start there before moving on to IQ sections.
Do I Need a Preparatory Course?
It’s not mandatory, but YÖS prep courses (in-person or online) can help with:
- Understanding the question format
- Practicing previous exam models
- Structuring your study plan and materials
Al-Fateh provides recommendations for the best and most affordable accredited YÖS centers, tailored to your budget.
Al-Fateh Summary
- The YÖS exam is essential for admission to Turkish public universities.
- Proper preparation is the key to getting accepted into competitive programs.
- We help you with registration, preparation, and university selection after you succeed.
📞 Need help registering for the YÖS or selecting a university?
Contact us now and get a free consultation!
