Language Tests for Turkey University Admissions
A comprehensive guide to language proficiency requirements, accepted tests, and preparation resources for applying to universities in Turkey.
Many Turkish university programmes teach in English. Each university lists the tests it accepts, such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT or Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic. Without a valid score, bachelor's students usually study a year of English classes (the preparatory class) first.
- Bachelor's students at English-taught programmes: a score to skip the preparatory year.
- Master's and PhD applicants: METU does not accept an application without an English score.
- Boğaziçi University: some graduates of English-taught schools or degrees in English-speaking countries, within 2 years of graduating.
Important Considerations
Middle East Technical University (METU) does not accept IELTS. Boğaziçi University accepts IELTS Academic but not IELTS Online.
METU, Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and Boğaziçi University accept scores up to 2 years old.
Test Acceptance by University Type
TOEFL iBT has 4 sections. Since January 2026 the score is 1 to 6. For two years you also get the old 0 to 120 score. METU uses the 0 to 120 score.
Reading30 minutes
50
Listening29 minutes
47
Writing23 minutes
12
Speaking8 minutes
11
Check the test provider’s current test time.
Total Score
1 to 6 (average of the 4 sections). For two years you also get the old 0 to 120 score.
Score Requirements for Turkey Universities
| University Tier | Undergraduate | Graduate | Ph.D. Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| METU (0 to 120 scale) | 75 to skip the preparatory year | 79 | 79 |
| ITU (0 to 120 scale) | 72 or more | - | - |
These are general ranges. Always check the specific requirements of each institution and program.
Official Website & Registration
IELTS Academic takes 2 hours and 45 minutes. It has 4 parts: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Check that your university accepts it.
ListeningAbout 30 minutes
Reading60 minutes, including time to copy your answers
Check the test provider’s current test time.
Typical Minimum Requirements
e.g., IELTS Online is not accepted
Special Considerations
- • Graduate programs may require higher scores
- • Some schools require minimum scores in each section
- • English-focused majors often have higher requirements
Official Website & Registration
Some programmes teach in Turkish. Türkiye Scholarships (a Turkish government scholarship) holders without a C1 Turkish certificate (an advanced level on the CEFR, the European scale of language levels) take a 1 year Turkish course, even for English-taught programmes.
Important Considerations
ITU: ITU accepts Turkish certificates only from ITU's Turkish language centre (ITU TÖMER) or the Yunus Emre Institute (a Turkish language and culture body).
University tests: METU, ITU and Boğaziçi University run their own English tests. Students without a score can take them.
Minimum scores. Each university sets its own.
| University Category | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|
METU bachelor's (skip preparatory year) e.g., Middle East Technical University | 75 | Not accepted | 65 |
METU master's and PhD e.g., Middle East Technical University | 79 | Not accepted | 70 |
ITU bachelor's e.g., Istanbul Technical University | 72 | - | 59 (since fall 2026) |
Boğaziçi University bachelor's e.g., Boğaziçi University | - | 6.5 | - |
Score Requirements Variations
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