Language Proficiency

Students are required to study either Turkish, English, or both, depending on their department's language of instruction (70% Turkish, 30% English for bilingual programs). Placement into language classes is based on proficiency. After completing the Foundation Year or passing the exemption exam, students proceed to their academic programs.

Courses in the Language School vary according to the registered programs, and please note that the fee for materials (books, etc.) used during the Foundation Year is not included in the annual tuition fee. Students are responsible for making an extra payment for these materials.

Exemption from the English Foundation Year is granted to students with international English proficiency certificates (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, etc.) or those who have completed an English Foundation Year at another university. Transfer students and those who completed secondary education in English-speaking countries may also qualify for exemption.

Exemption from the Turkish Foundation Year is available to students who pass the Turkish Proficiency Exam, assessing listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The exam is conducted in two stages, and students who meet the required scores will be exempt from the preparatory program.

Please note that the final decision regarding exemption from the Foundation Year is at the discretion of the Language School Directorate.

Exemption Requirements for English Foundation Year

A. You will be exempted from the English Foundation Year if you possess one of the following certificates with the minimum required scores:

B. If you meet the requirements below, you will be exempted from the English Foundation year.

1. Those who have studied and successfully completed an English Foundation Year at another university in Türkiye or abroad, will be exempted from English Foundation Year on condition that they submit a certificate.

2. Domestic and international students who apply for lateral transfer will be exempted from the English Foundation Year providing that they have studied for at least one year at a college/university in Türkiye or abroad where the medium of instruction is English.

3. Those who have completed their secondary education at a secondary education institution in a country where the medium of instruction is deemed as mother-tongue, at least within the last three years, will be exempted. Students ought to submit their transcripts and diplomas to the Language School Directorate.

Exemption Requirements for Turkish Foundation Year

International students in departments where the medium of instruction is Turkish or partly Turkish will take a Turkish Proficiency Exam at the beginning of the academic year. Students who achieve the required score in listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections will be exempt from the Turkish Foundation Year. Those who do not pass will be placed in the appropriate level of Turkish language classes.
The exam is conducted in two stages:
Stage 1: The exam covers listening, reading, and writing skills. Students who score below 13 in any of these skills are not eligible to participate in the speaking exam. Students who score 80 or above out of 100 in the areas tested in the first stage are exempt from taking the second stage.
Stage 2: The names of students who score 13 or higher in all skills during the first stage will be announced on the website of Turkish . Students eligible for the speaking exam will be informed of the exam date and time. Students who score a total of at least 70 points in the speaking exam are exempt from the preparatory program and can begin their departmental courses. Students who do not achieve a score of 70 will be placed into classes suitable for their level in the Turkish Preparatory School and will start their education there.