TR-YÖS 2026 Complete Exam Application Guide (April 12, 2026)

If you’re planning to study at a Turkish university as an international student, you’ve probably heard about TR-YÖS. The Exam for Foreign Students for Higher Education in Türkiye (TR-YÖS) is Turkey’s centralized entrance examination for international students seeking undergraduate (bachelor’s) or associate degree programs at Turkish public universities.

Here’s what makes TR-YÖS different from other entrance exams: it’s not about memorizing facts or specific subject knowledge. Instead, TR-YÖS tests your numerical reasoning and basic mathematics skills, essentially measuring your ability to think logically and solve problems. Think of it as Turkey’s version of the SAT, but focused specifically on quantitative abilities.

Starting from the 2024-2025 academic year, public universities in Turkey must consider TR-YÖS results (along with your high school grades and potentially other exams) when admitting international students. Private (foundation) universities can use TR-YÖS scores but often conduct their own entrance exams as well.

The exam is administered by ÖSYM (Centre for Assessment, Selection and Placement), Turkey’s official testing organization. A good TR-YÖS score opens doors to hundreds of programs across Turkey’s top universities, from engineering at Middle East Technical University to medicine at Hacettepe University.

TR-YÖS 2026: Critical Dates You Cannot Miss

Let’s start with the most important information: when everything happens. Missing these deadlines means waiting another year.

Application Period: January 14 – February 3, 2026
Late Application: February 9-11, 2026 (with penalty fee)
Exam Fee Payment Deadline: February 4, 2026 (11:59 PM Turkish time)
Exam Date: April 12, 2026
Exam Time: 11:15 AM Turkey time (varies by country, see details below)
Results Announcement: Approximately 4-6 weeks after exam date

Important Timing Details:

The exam starts at 11:15 AM Turkey local time in most locations. However, if you’re taking the exam in the United States, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, or Senegal, your exam starts at 9:15 AM local time. In Malaysia and Mongolia, it starts at 3:15 PM local time.

You must arrive at the exam building at least 1 hour early, that’s 10:15 AM in most locations. Entry to exam buildings closes 15 minutes before exam time (11:00 AM), and you absolutely will not be admitted after this cutoff, even if you arrive at 11:01 AM.

The exam duration is 100 minutes (1 hour and 40 minutes). You cannot leave the exam hall during the first 75 minutes or the last 15 minutes of the exam, plan accordingly, including bathroom breaks before entering.

Who Can Actually Take TR-YÖS? Eligibility Requirements Explained

Not every international student qualifies for TR-YÖS. Here’s who can apply:

1. Foreign Nationals

If you hold foreign nationality and have not studied at or graduated from a Turkish high school (with specific exceptions for embassy schools and certain international schools), you can apply. You must be in your final year of high school or already graduated.

2. Former Turkish Citizens

If you were born as a Turkish citizen but renounced your citizenship through official channels or hold a Blue Card issued to former Turkish citizens, you’re eligible, provided you didn’t attend high school in Turkey.

3. Dual Citizens

If you acquired Turkish citizenship later while originally being a foreign national, or hold dual nationality, you can apply if you didn’t complete high school in Turkey.

4. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Citizens

TRNC citizens who completed all of their high school education in a foreign country (not TRNC, not Turkey) are eligible.

5. Turkish Citizens Who Studied Abroad

Turkish citizens who completed their entire high school education abroad (excluding TRNC Turkish schools) and can prove they physically resided in that country during their high school years may apply.

Important Note: Starting in 2026, TRNC citizens, former Turkish citizens with Blue Cards, and foreign nationals who attended Turkish high schools (with certain exceptions) can only apply to Turkish universities through the YKS (Higher Education Institutions Examination), the exam for Turkish domestic students, not through TR-YÖS.

Special Case: Open Education High School Abroad

Students who graduated from Turkey’s Open Education High School Abroad program can apply for TR-YÖS if they document that they physically resided in the relevant foreign country during their high school years.

TR-YÖS Application Process: Step-by-Step Instructions

The application happens entirely online through ÖSYM’s official portal. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents (Before January 14)

Valid passport or national ID document
High school transcripts and diploma (or proof you’re in final year)
Recent passport-sized photograph (digital copy)
International exam results if you have them (SAT, GCSE, etc.) not mandatory but helpful
Language test scores if available (TOEFL, IELTS) not required but can strengthen university applications later
Credit/debit card for payment (international cards accepted)

Step 2: Create Your TR-YÖS Account

Visit https://tryos.osym.gov.tr starting January 14, 2026.

If you don’t have a Turkish ID number, you’ll need to register for a TR-YÖS Number:

Click “Register” on the website
Fill in your identity information (exactly as shown on your passport)
Enter your email address and verify it
You’ll receive your TR-YÖS Number and temporary password via email
Save these credentials carefully, you’ll need them for everything related to your exam

If you’re already in Turkey and don’t have a TR-YÖS Number, you can visit an ÖSYM Application Center to obtain one in person.

Step 3: Complete Your Application

Log into https://tryos.osym.gov.tr with your TR-YÖS Number and password:

Personal Information: Verify all details match your passport exactly
Contact Information: Provide current address, phone number with country code, and email
Exam Language: Choose your question booklet language, Turkish with translations available in German, English, French, Russian, or Arabic
Photo Upload: If you don’t have a Turkish ID card with photo, you’ll use the TR-YÖS mobile app to take your photo, plus upload photos of both sides of your identification document
Exam Center Selection: This is crucial, choose up to 5 exam centers in order of preference

Step 4: Choose Your Exam Centers Strategically

You must select at least one exam center in Turkey among your preferences. You can also choose international exam centers if available in your country or region.

Important: You’ll pay the exam fee based on your first-preference exam center. Once you pay, you cannot change this first preference.

TR-YÖS 2026 Exam Centers in Turkey:

Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Edirne, Gaziantep, Hatay
Istanbul (multiple zones), İzmir, Kahramanmaraş
Kayseri, Kilis, Konya, Mardin, Mersin
Şanlıurfa, Trabzon, Van

International Exam Centers: Over 60 locations worldwide including major cities in Afghanistan, Germany, USA, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, France, Iraq, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and many more. Check the official guide for the complete list.

Strategic Tip: If an international exam center receives fewer than 15 applicants, ÖSYM may cancel it. You’ll automatically be assigned to your next available preference, so always include Turkish cities in your list.

Step 5: Pay the Exam Fee

After saving your application, you must pay the exam fee to complete registration. Payment is only through credit card or debit card via the ÖSYM website (www.osym.gov.tr → e-TRANSACTIONS → PAYMENTS).

Exam Fee Structure (2026):

The fee depends on where you take the exam:

Turkey, TRNC, Germany, USA, Albania, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, France, Netherlands, Iraq, Colombia, Switzerland, Montenegro, Qatar, Libya, Malaysia, Egypt, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia: 3,500 TRY (~$83 USD at 42 TRY/USD)
Algeria, Indonesia, Morocco, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Mongolia, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tatarstan, Tunisia, Jordan: 1,500 TRY (~$36 USD)
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Chad, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Cameroon, Kenya, DR Congo, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, Hargeisa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda: 1,100 TRY (~$26 USD)

Payment in USD or EUR will be converted to TRY based on the Central Bank of Turkey exchange rate at the time of payment.

Payment Deadline: February 4, 2026 (23:59 Turkish time)

Critical Warning: If you complete the application form but don’t pay by February 4, your application will be deleted and you won’t be assigned an exam location. Payment is what finalizes your registration.

Step 6: Print Your Application Confirmation

After payment, log back into https://tryos.osym.gov.tr and print your application confirmation. Keep this document safe, you may need it if any issues arise.

Step 7: Download Your Exam Entrance Document

About 2-3 weeks before the exam (late March 2026), your Exam Entrance Document will be available on the ÖSYM website. This document shows:

Your exam center, building, and hall assignment
Your seat number
Your photograph
Your TR-YÖS Number

You cannot take the exam without this document. Print it in color or black-and-white, either works, but your photo must be clearly visible.

Understanding the TR-YÖS Exam Format

TR-YÖS consists of 80 multiple-choice questions divided into two sections:

Section 1: Numerical Aptitude Test (40 questions)

This section tests your logical reasoning and pattern recognition abilities:

Number sequences: Identifying patterns in series of numbers
Problem-solving: Word problems requiring logical thinking
Data interpretation: Understanding charts, tables, and graphs
Analytical reasoning: Drawing conclusions from given information

Example concept: If the sequence is 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, what comes next? (Answer: 42, the pattern adds consecutive even numbers: +4, +6, +8, +10, +12)

Section 2: Basic Mathematics Test (40 questions)

This section covers fundamental mathematics concepts:

Algebra: Equations, inequalities, functions, polynomials
Geometry: Triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, solid geometry, coordinate geometry
Numbers: Integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions
Basic operations: Arithmetic, exponents, roots, factorization

The math level is approximately equivalent to 9th-11th grade in most education systems, challenging but not university-level calculus.

Answer Format

Each question has 5 answer choices (A, B, C, D, E)
Only one correct answer per question
You mark answers on a separate optical answer sheet by filling in bubbles
Marks on the exam booklet itself don’t count, only the answer sheet
You can use blank spaces in the exam booklet for calculations

Scoring System

Correct answer: +1 point
Wrong answer: -0.25 points (quarter-point penalty)
Blank answer: 0 points

Your raw score = (Correct answers) – (Wrong answers × 0.25)

This raw score is then converted to a standard score (mean 50, standard deviation 10) for each section separately. The two section scores are combined with weights:

Numerical Aptitude: 45%
Basic Mathematics: 55%

Finally, your weighted score is converted to the TR-YÖS Score scale: 100 to 500 points.

Minimum requirement: You must score at least 0.5 raw points in at least one of the two sections for your score to be calculated. If you score below 0.5 in both sections, you receive no TR-YÖS score.

What You Can and Cannot Bring to the Exam

Required Items (Must Bring):

Exam Entrance Document (printed)
Valid photo ID:
- Original passport (not expired)
- OR Turkish ID card with photo
- OR TRNC ID card with photo
- OR national ID card from your country with photo
- OR Blue Card (for former Turkish citizens)
- OR certain official residence/protection documents

Important: Your ID document must have your photograph. Driver’s licenses, student cards, and professional IDs are not accepted.

Clear plastic water bottle (transparent only)

Provided by ÖSYM:

Pencils, erasers, sharpener
Napkins/tissues
Wall clock in exam hall
Exam booklet and answer sheet

Strictly Prohibited Items:

You cannot bring into the exam building:

Bags, wallets, purses of any kind
Mobile phones, smartwatches, any electronic devices
Calculators (not allowed!)
Dictionaries, books, notes, scrap paper
Pens, pencils, erasers (ÖSYM provides these)
Jewelry (except simple wedding rings)
Keys with keychains (simple keys without attachments are OK)
Food or drinks (except water in transparent bottle)
Sunglasses (prescription glasses are fine)
Medicines in boxes/bottles (special health accommodations available with documentation)

Why so strict? ÖSYM takes exam security extremely seriously. Violating these rules results in immediate disqualification and potential legal consequences under Turkish law.

Security officers will search you manually and with metal detectors at the building entrance. If you bring prohibited items, you’ll be turned away, there are no lockers or storage facilities.

Exam Day: What to Expect

Arrival (10:15 AM in most locations)

Arrive at least 1 hour early. You’ll go through:

Security check (manual and detector search)
ID and Exam Entrance Document verification
Assignment to your exam hall
Seating at your designated seat number

Before the Exam Starts (11:00-11:15 AM)

Proctors check IDs and collect Exam Entrance Documents
Chief proctor reads exam rules aloud
Answer sheets are distributed (has your photo and information—verify it’s yours!)
Stationery boxes distributed (2 pencils, eraser, sharpener, napkin)
Exam booklets distributed

Critical Pre-Exam Steps (Your Responsibility):

Check your answer sheet: Does it have YOUR photo and information?
Fill in required information on the answer sheet
Write your information on the exam booklet cover (TR-YÖS Number, name, hall number, seat number)
Most important: Write and correctly code the Exam Booklet Number from your booklet onto your answer sheet

Why this matters: Each exam booklet has a unique number with a unique answer key. The optical scanner needs this booklet number to grade your answers correctly. If you don’t code it properly, your exam cannot be scored even if you answered everything perfectly.

During the Exam (11:15 AM – 12:55 PM)

100 minutes to complete 80 questions
Work at your own pace—about 75 seconds per question
You can use blank booklet spaces for calculations
Cannot leave during first 75 minutes or last 15 minutes
Cannot ask proctors questions about exam content
Cannot share materials with other students
Proctors may be silent even if they see violations (they report after)

Changing Answers

You can change answers, but you must erase cleanly. The optical reader may detect poorly erased marks, counting both answers as marked (which scores as wrong). Use the provided eraser carefully.

After the Exam

Hand your exam booklet AND answer sheet to proctors
Don’t leave these on your desk, personally give them to proctors
You’re responsible if documents aren’t collected
Missing pages from booklet = disqualification
Exam booklets are checked page-by-page at ÖSYM

TR-YÖS Score Validity and University Applications

TR-YÖS results are valid for 2 years from the exam date. So TR-YÖS 2026 scores (April 12, 2026) remain valid through April 2028.

How Universities Use TR-YÖS Scores

Each university sets its own:

Minimum TR-YÖS score requirements (varies by program)
High school GPA requirements
Additional criteria (language tests, interviews, portfolios)
Application deadlines (usually May-August for Fall enrollment)

Example: Boğaziçi University Computer Engineering might require:

TR-YÖS score: minimum 400/500
High school GPA: minimum 80%
English proficiency: TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.5

While Ankara University Economics might require:

TR-YÖS score: minimum 300/500
High school GPA: minimum 70%
Language: English or Turkish program options

Application Process to Universities

Take TR-YÖS in April 2026
Receive your score (late May/early June 2026)
Research universities and programs that accept TR-YÖS
Apply directly to universities (not through ÖSYM), each university has its own application portal and deadlines
Submit required documents: TR-YÖS score report, high school transcripts, language tests, etc.
Universities evaluate your complete application
Receive acceptance decisions (usually June-August)
Complete enrollment at your chosen university

Important: TR-YÖS is just the entrance exam. You must still apply to individual universities separately. Check each university’s international admissions website for their specific requirements and deadlines.

Where to Find University Requirements

Visit EduTürkiye University Database for comprehensive information about:

Which universities accept TR-YÖS scores
Minimum score requirements by program
Application deadlines and procedures
Tuition fees for international students
Available scholarships

Special Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

ÖSYM provides accommodations for students with documented disabilities or health conditions. Available accommodations include:

Reader assistance for visually impaired students
Scribe/marker assistance for students who cannot write
Large-print exam booklets (14-point font vs. standard 9-point)
Additional time (30 extra minutes)
Single-person exam hall
Ground floor or elevator-accessible buildings
Permission to bring medical equipment (wheelchair, insulin pump, hearing aid, medications, etc.)

How to Request Accommodations

You must have a valid Disability Health Board Report (ESKR) or Special Needs Report (ÇÖZGER) registered in Turkey’s Ministry of Health e-report system.

Application process:

Complete your regular TR-YÖS application first
Apply for accommodations through ÖSYM Candidate Transactions System (web) or at ÖSYM Application Centers
If needed, mail supporting documents to: ÖSYM-Department for Candidates with Disabilities, 06800 Bilkent Çankaya / ANKARA
Deadline: Same as regular application period (February 3, 2026)

For sudden health problems arising after the application deadline, submit documentation by Wednesday during exam week for consideration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Based on experiences of thousands of previous test-takers, here are critical errors to avoid:

1. Missing Payment Deadline

Completing the application form but forgetting to pay by February 4 means your registration is deleted. Set multiple reminders.

2. Wrong Exam Booklet Number

Not coding the booklet number correctly on your answer sheet makes your exam unscorable. Double and triple-check this.

3. Bringing Prohibited Items

Arriving with a mobile phone or calculator means you’re turned away at the door. Leave everything at your accommodation.

4. Arriving Late

The door closes at 11:00 AM sharp (or corresponding time for your location). Aim for 10:00 AM arrival to allow for traffic, security lines, and finding your building.

5. Poorly Erased Answer Changes

The optical reader detects faint marks. Erase changes completely and carefully, or don’t change at all if you’re not certain.

6. Forgetting ID or Exam Entrance Document

You cannot take the exam without both. Check you have them the night before.

7. Ignoring the Negative Marking

Random guessing hurts your score with -0.25 per wrong answer. If you can eliminate 2-3 options, guessing makes statistical sense. If you have no idea, leave it blank.

8. Not Practicing Answer Sheet Coding

Practice filling in optical bubbles neatly and completely. Partial shading or marks outside circles may not register correctly.

Preparing for TR-YÖS: Study Strategy

You have approximately 2-3 months from application (February) to exam day (April 12). Here’s a realistic preparation approach:

Months Before (Now – January):

Understand the exam format and question types
Assess your current math and reasoning skills
Gather study materials (past TR-YÖS questions, practice tests)
Consider joining a TR-YÖS preparation course or finding a study group

Application Period (January-February):

Complete application early (don’t wait until February 3!)
Continue studying fundamentals
Focus on weak areas identified in practice tests
Review basic algebra, geometry, and arithmetic

Final 2 Months (February-April):

Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions (100 minutes)
Practice answer sheet bubbling (speed and accuracy)
Review mistakes carefully—understand why answers are wrong
Memorize key formulas and concepts
Practice numerical sequence patterns
One week before: reduce study intensity, rest well
Day before: don’t study—prepare documents, relax, sleep early

Study Resources:

Past TR-YÖS exams (available online)
YÖS preparation books (widely available in Turkey and online)
Online YÖS preparation platforms
Math review books (algebra, geometry)
Logical reasoning practice questions
EduTürkiye TR-YÖS Preparation Guide

After the Exam: What Happens Next

Results Announcement (Late May/Early June)

Your TR-YÖS score will be posted on https://sonuc.osym.gov.tr. You’ll need your TR-YÖS Number and password to access results.

Score reports are not mailed, you must download them yourself from the website.

Objections to Results

If you believe there’s an error in your score, you can request a score review within 10 days of results announcement. There’s a fee for this service. Send your petition to ÖSYM with proof of payment.

University Applications Begin

With your TR-YÖS score in hand, you can now apply to Turkish universities. Most universities accept applications May-August for Fall semester enrollment starting in September/October 2026.

Quick Reference: TR-YÖS 2026 at a Glance

Application: January 14 – February 3, 2026
Exam Date: April 12, 2026
Exam Time: 11:15 AM (Turkey time, varies by country)
Duration: 100 minutes
Questions: 80 (40 Numerical Aptitude + 40 Basic Math)
Scoring: 100-500 scale
Fee: 1,100-3,500 TRY ($26-83) depending on exam location
Validity: 2 years
Website: https://tryos.osym.gov.tr

Final Thoughts: Your Path Forward

TR-YÖS is your gateway to quality higher education in Turkey at affordable costs. Turkish public universities offer excellent programs in engineering, medicine, business, and countless other fields, often at tuition rates 80-90% lower than Western universities.

A good TR-YÖS score combined with strong high school grades opens doors to:

Top-ranked universities (Boğaziçi, METU, Istanbul Technical University)
Competitive programs (medicine, engineering, architecture)
Scholarship opportunities
A degree recognized across Europe and beyond

The exam tests abilities you already have, you just need to practice the format and question types. Start preparing now, apply on time, and give yourself the best chance at success.

Ready to apply? Visit https://tryos.osym.gov.tr starting January 14, 2026.

Good luck with your TR-YÖS exam and your journey to studying in Turkey!

Last Updated: January 2026 | Official TR-YÖS Information: osym.gov.tr