Looking to study in Turkey [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/studying-in-turkey]but don’t want to take the YÖS exam? In 2025, many Turkish universities offer direct admission based on your high school diploma, making it easier for international students to apply and start their studies without extra entrance exams. This guide highlights the top universities in Turkey that accept students without requiring the YÖS exam, simplifying your path to higher education abroad. Find out how you can apply directly and begin your academic journey at one of Turkey’s leading universities today! Contact Itqan now for expert guidance and personalized support to secure your admission at a top Turkish university—no YÖS exam needed! WHAT IS THE YÖS EXAM? YÖS (Yabancı Uyruklu Öğrenci Sınavı) is the Foreign Student Entrance Exam used by many Turkish universities to evaluate and select international students for undergraduate programs. This exam tests your skills in areas like mathematics, science, and Turkish or English language proficiency, depending on the university. If you are an international student wanting to study in Turkey, passing the YÖS exam is often a key requirement for admission. However, some Turkish universities now offer direct admission without the YÖS exam, allowing you to apply using just your high school diploma. Understanding the YÖS exam and your options can help you choose the best university and admission pathway in Turkey for 2025 and beyond. STUDYING SYSTEMS AT TURKISH UNIVERSITIES ACCEPT STUDENTS WITHOUT YÖS The study system at Turkish universities that accept students without the YÖS exam is similar to those that require it. While many public universities in Turkey mandate the YÖS certificate, several private universities offer easier admission without it. These universities provide quality education with advanced curricula and experienced faculty. Some Turkish universities that accept students without the YÖS exam use the open education system called Açık Öğretim,which is a distance learning program first launched in Turkey in 1982 at Anadolu University. Later, it was adopted by universities such as Atatürk, Istanbul, and Ankara. Other universities offer direct admission based on the high school diploma and provide traditional (on-campus) education or a blended model combining in-person and online learning, depending on the university and study program. ADVANTAGES OF TURKISH UNIVERSITIES ACCEPT STUDENTS WITHOUT YÖS Many international students seek Turkish universities that offer admission without requiring the YÖS exam. These universities provide several key advantages: * Easier admission process: No need to take the YÖS exam simplifies the application process for international students. * Direct admission based on high school diploma: Students can apply directly using their high school results. * Quality education: These universities follow advanced curricula and modern teaching methods. * Flexible learning options: Some universities offer digital education systems like Açık Öğretim, allowing for more flexible study schedules. * Recognized degrees: Degrees from these universities are accredited and recognized by the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK) and internationally. * Experienced faculty: Access to qualified and experienced teaching staff ensures a supportive learning environment. * Affordable tuition fees: Many universities offer competitive tuition fees compared to other countries. These advantages make Turkish universities without YÖS a popular choice for international students seeking quality education with a simpler admission process. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR TURKISH UNIVERSITIES THAT ACCEPT STUDENTS WITHOUT YÖS The admission requirements for Turkish universities vary from one university to another, but here are some common conditions: * A valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration. * High school graduation certificate with the minimum GPA required by the university. * Official high school transcripts. * Student visa for studying in Turkey. * A passport-sized photo (4x6 cm) with a white background. * SAT test certificate (if required). * Language proficiency certificate: Turkish (TÖMER) or English (TOEFL or IELTS [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/toefl-vs-ielts]). TOP TURKISH UNIVERSITIES THAT ACCEPT STUDENTS WITHOUT YÖS Many Turkish universities accept students without the YÖS or SAT exams. Below is a list of some of the most important public and private universities that offer admission without YÖS: University Name (English / Turkish) University Type Aksaray University / Aksaray Üniversitesi Public Altınbaş University / Altınbaş Üniversitesi Private Ankara Social Sciences University / Ankara Sosyal Bilimler Üniversitesi Public Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University / Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi Public Atılım University / Atılım Üniversitesi Private Bartın University / Bartın Üniversitesi Public Bahçeşehir University / Bahçeşehir Üniversitesi Private Beykent University / Beykent Üniversitesi Private Beykoz University / Beykoz Üniversitesi Private Batman University / Batman Üniversitesi Public Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University / Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Public Bülent Ecevit University / Bülent Ecevit Üniversitesi Public Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University / Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Public Dicle University / Dicle Üniversitesi Public Eskişehir Technical University / Eskişehir Teknik Üniversitesi Public Gulf University / Gulf Üniversitesi Private Gaziantep University / Gaziantep Üniversitesi Public Istanbul Aydın University / İstanbul Aydın Üniversitesi Private Istanbul Atlas University / İstanbul Atlas Üniversitesi Private Istanbul Bilgi University / İstanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi Private Istanbul Gedik University / İstanbul Gedik Üniversitesi Private İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl Üniversitesi / İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl Üniversitesi Private Isparta University of Applied Sciences / Isparta Uygulamalı Bilimler Üniversitesi Public Kadir Has University / Kadir Has Üniversitesi Private Karadeniz Technical University / Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Public Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University / Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey Üniversitesi Public Kırklareli University / Kırklareli Üniversitesi Public Koç University / Koç Üniversitesi Private Lokman Hekim University / Lokman Hekim Üniversitesi Private Maltepe University / Maltepe Üniversitesi Private Mehmet Akif Ersoy University / Mehmet Akif Ersoy Üniversitesi Public Medipol University / Medipol Üniversitesi Private Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University / Muğla Sıtkı Koçman Üniversitesi Public Okan University / Okan Üniversitesi Private Ondokuz Mayıs University / Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Public Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University / Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Public Sakarya University / Sakarya Üniversitesi Public Süleyman Demirel University / Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Public TED University / TED Üniversitesi Private Üsküdar University / Üsküdar Üniversitesi Private Yalova University / Yalova Üniversitesi Public Yeditepe University / Yeditepe Üniversitesi Private Hitit University / Hitit Üniversitesi Public CAN I STUDY IN TURKEY WITHOUT THE YÖS EXAM? Yes, certain categories of students are eligible to study in Turkey without taking the YÖS (Foreign Student Exam). You may apply without YÖS if you fall into one of the following groups: * Turkish citizens who completed their entire secondary education abroad. * Foreign nationals who completed their secondary education in Turkey. * Dual citizens (including those who were Turkish citizens by birth but later renounced citizenship) who meet high school education criteria. * Students with Turkish Cypriot citizenship, especially those who passed the GCE AL (British Council) exam. * International students who do not hold Turkish citizenship. BEST MAJORS IN TURKISH UNIVERSITIES WITHOUT YÖS Not having the YÖS exam does not limit the choice of majors. Many important fields of study are available at Turkish universities that accept students without YÖS, including: * Medicine [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/medicine-major] * Pharmacy [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/pharmacy-major] * Civil Engineering [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/civil-engineering-major] * Architecture [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/architecture-major] * Computer Engineering * Economics * Psychology * Media and Communication * Fine Arts * Sociology Applying to Turkish Universities Without YÖS Through İtqan At İtqan Agency, we specialize in helping international students secure admission to leading Turkish universities — even without the YÖS exam. * Personalized application support * Expert guidance on required documents * Direct access to universities that do not require YÖS Contact İtqan today and let us guide you every step of the way toward studying in Turkey. Visit our website | Message us on WhatsApp | Start your application now FAQ Can I study in Turkey without IELTS? Yes, many Turkish universities accept students without IELTS if they provide proof of English proficiency or study in English-medium programs. Can I study in Turkey without SAT? Yes, several Turkish universities do not require the SAT and accept other international or local qualifications instead. Which Turkish university is best for international students? Top choices include Koç University, Bilkent University, and Istanbul University for their academic quality and international programs. Do Turkish universities accept IELTS? Yes, many Turkish universities accept IELTS scores for English-taught programs, especially private and top public institutions.
