What Is TR-YÖS? What Is It Used For? Exam and Administration Guide
What is TR-YÖS? TR-YÖS, which stands for the Türkiye Examination for International Student Admission, is an exam administered by ÖSYM for candidates who wish to pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree at universities in Türkiye and meet the eligibility requirements for international student admission. Candidates use their exam scores when applying for admission to universities. TR-YÖS provides a centralized exam result; however, ÖSYM does not collect university preferences or place candidates in programs based on this score.
TR-YÖS is not a Turkish language proficiency exam either. The exam includes Numerical Aptitude and Basic Mathematics tests. University admission, proficiency in the language of instruction, and final registration procedures are carried out according to the respective university’s own requirements.
What Is TR-YÖS? Its Full Name and Key Features
TR-YÖS provides an exam result calculated by ÖSYM for use in university applications for international student admission. ÖSYM prepares and administers the exam and announces the results. The higher education institution to which the candidate applies, rather than ÖSYM, decides which university or program the candidate will be admitted to.
The key features of the current system are as follows:
| Feature | Current Practice |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Türkiye Examination for International Student Admission |
| Administering Institution | ÖSYM |
| Main Purpose | To provide an exam score for use in international student admission applications |
| Education Level | Associate and Bachelor’s Degree Programs |
| Tests | Numerical Aptitude and Basic Mathematics |
| Session Format | According to YÖK’s current guidelines, two exams per year: TR-YÖS/1 and TR-YÖS/2 |
| Result Validity | Two years from the exam date |
| Placement | Universities use their own application and evaluation systems |
There is no single nationwide “passing score” set by ÖSYM for TR-YÖS. Universities and programs specify the minimum score required to apply, the quota, and the evaluation method in their current announcements.
What Is TR-YÖS Used For?
The main function of TR-YÖS is to generate a score based on candidates’ performance in the Numerical Aptitude and Basic Mathematics tests that can be used in university admission applications. The same score can be used in separate applications to multiple universities, provided that its validity period and the institutions’ requirements allow it.
It is necessary to distinguish between the result TR-YÖS provides and the procedures it does not cover:
| What Does TR-YÖS Provide? | What Does TR-YÖS Not Provide? |
| A standardized exam score calculated by ÖSYM | Centralized university preference submission through ÖSYM |
| A score report that can be used in university applications | Automatic Program Placement |
| Standardization of raw scores within the same exam session | A common minimum score for all universities and departments |
| One of the admission criteria a university may consider | A guarantee of admission or enrollment |
| An exam result valid for two years | A certificate of proficiency in Turkish or a foreign language |
The word “admission” in the exam’s name does not mean that ÖSYM makes the admission decision. It means that the result can be used in applications for international student admission to universities. Even if a candidate achieves a score they consider sufficient, the university separately evaluates the program’s quota, other candidates’ results, diploma or exam criteria, and the validity of the submitted documents.
ÖSYM’s role is to administer the exam and announce the results. University applications, program preferences, admission letters, enrollment, scholarships, accommodation, and residence procedures are not part of the TR-YÖS procedures conducted by ÖSYM; they are separate processes handled by the relevant institutions.
Which Institution Does What in the TR-YÖS Process?
The division of responsibilities in the TR-YÖS process shows why the exam and university admission are not the same procedure:
| Institution | Main Responsibility |
| ÖSYM | Publishes the exam guide and schedule, accepts applications, administers the exam, and announces the results. |
| YÖK | Establishes the general principles for international student admission; evaluates and approves proposed quotas, universities’ admission methods, and minimum scores within the framework of the relevant legislation. |
| University | Proposes quotas; announces available places and application requirements, evaluates the candidate’s documents and score, and handles admission and enrollment procedures. |
Candidates should therefore follow two different sets of announcements. ÖSYM is the reference for exam applications, exam administration rules, and results; the target university is the reference for program selection, minimum scores, documents, application dates, and final enrollment. Completing a procedure at one institution does not automatically initiate an application at the other.
Who Is TR-YÖS For?
Candidates who are in their final year of high school or have graduated and qualify for international student admission may apply for TR-YÖS. The current guide covers foreign nationals who meet the high school education requirements, candidates who have renounced Turkish citizenship or hold a Blue Card, those who subsequently acquired Turkish citizenship and the relevant dual nationals, Turkish citizens who completed their entire high school education in a foreign country other than the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and TRNC citizens who meet specific conditions. Those who subsequently acquired Turkish citizenship and the relevant dual nationals must meet the requirement of not having attended high school in Türkiye or the TRNC or not having graduated from high schools in these countries.
As of 2026, TRNC citizens, those who have renounced Turkish citizenship or hold a Blue Card, and foreign nationals who have enrolled in or graduated from secondary education institutions in Türkiye are, as a rule, placed in higher education through YKS. Exceptions to this rule include embassy schools, foreign nationals who completed their entire high school education at international private education institutions in the MOBİS system, foreign nationals who came to Türkiye through MEB or YÖK projects, and, for 2026 and 2027 only, Blue Card holders who enrolled in a high school preparatory class in 2021–2022. Since citizenship alone is not sufficient and taking the exam does not establish eligibility for admission, compare your specific circumstances with the current requirements in the Who can take TR-YÖS? guide.
How Is TR-YÖS Administered?
According to YÖK’s current guidelines, TR-YÖS has been administered twice a year since 2024 under the names TR-YÖS/1 and TR-YÖS/2. ÖSYM publishes the guide and schedule for each session; candidates complete their applications through the TR-YÖS Candidate Processing System and take the exam at the center specified on their exam admission document. Results are announced through ÖSYM’s results system; printed score reports are not sent to candidates by post.
Application and result dates, fees, exam centers, and local start times may vary by session. Since exam registration and university applications are separate procedures, you can follow the account, identification, photo, center selection, and payment steps in the How to apply for TR-YÖS? guide.
What Is the Structure of the TR-YÖS Exam?
According to the 2026-TR-YÖS/2 Guide, the exam is administered in a single session and consists of 80 questions in total. The standard time allowed is 100 minutes.
| Test | Number of Questions | Standard Score Coefficient |
| Numerical Aptitude Test | 40 | 0,45 |
| Basic Mathematics Test | 40 | 0,55 |
| Total | 80 | 1,00 |
These coefficients are not point values per question, but weights applied to the standard score calculated for each test. The exam questions are multiple-choice, with five options each. The detailed test format and administration rules are covered in the How many questions are on TR-YÖS, and how long does it last? guide.
In Which Languages Is TR-YÖS Administered?
According to the current guide, TR-YÖS is administered in Turkish, German, English, French, Russian, and Arabic. Candidates who select a language other than Turkish receive a booklet containing the questions in Turkish alongside a translation into their chosen language.
The language option does not make TR-YÖS a language exam. There is no separate Turkish test in the exam. The university’s proficiency requirement for Turkish or the program’s language of instruction may be applied separately during the admission and enrollment process.
How Is the TR-YÖS Score Calculated?
The two tests are evaluated separately, and the raw score for each test is calculated by subtracting one-quarter of the number of incorrect answers from the number of correct answers. These raw scores are standardized based on the mean and standard deviation of the candidates taking the exam; coefficients of 0.45 for Numerical Aptitude and 0.55 for Basic Mathematics are then applied, and the result is converted to a scale of 100–500.
Therefore, although the statement “four incorrect answers cancel out one correct answer” is true for the raw score, an exact result cannot be calculated from the net score alone. Fixed net-to-score tables can only provide a rough estimate; the detailed calculation method is explained in the How is the TR-YÖS score calculated? guide.
How Is the TR-YÖS Score Used in University Applications?
The TR-YÖS result is valid for two years from the exam date. However, this two-year validity does not mean that every university will accept all exam sessions or apply the same conditions to all programs. Each university specifies the exam periods it accepts, the minimum score, the quota, and any additional criteria in its own announcement. How the validity period is calculated and how previous results can be used are explained in the How many years is the TR-YÖS score valid? guide.
After the results are announced, candidates check their target university’s announcement, submit their score and other documents through the university’s own system, and follow the application outcome and final enrollment schedule through the relevant institution. These procedures are not carried out through ÖSYM’s centralized preference system. The stages from university application to final enrollment are explained step by step in the How to apply to a university with TR-YÖS? guide.
Is TR-YÖS Mandatory for University Applications?
TR-YÖS is one of the main exam results used in international student admission; however, it cannot be considered the only admission route for every candidate and every application. According to the current guide, state universities may evaluate high school grades, national exams, and international exams determined by their senates alongside TR-YÖS. In addition to these criteria, foundation universities may also use the results of their own international student admission exams.
Therefore, consulting only a general list of universities is not sufficient. Whether the program you intend to apply to is open for applications for that academic year, which results it accepts, and its minimum requirements must be verified through the university’s official announcement.
What Is the Difference Between TR-YÖS, YKS, and the Former University YÖS?
TR-YÖS is an exam administered by ÖSYM for international student admission that candidates use when applying directly to universities. YKS, on the other hand, is part of the centralized preference and placement system run by ÖSYM for candidates within its scope. The former university YÖS exams were institution-specific exams prepared by individual universities and used primarily for their own admissions.
Under the current system, state universities do not conduct their own international student admission exams; foundation universities may use their own exam results in addition to other criteria. A detailed comparison is provided in the Differences between TR-YÖS and the former university YÖS guide.
Since exam dates, fees, centers, eligibility requirements, and universities’ admission criteria may change, check the latest official announcements from ÖSYM and the relevant university before taking any action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does TR-YÖS Stand For?
TR-YÖS stands for the Türkiye Examination for International Student Admission. The exam is administered by ÖSYM for use in international student admission to associate and bachelor’s degree programs in Türkiye.
How Many Times a Year Is TR-YÖS Held?
According to YÖK’s current guidelines, TR-YÖS is held twice a year under the names TR-YÖS/1 and TR-YÖS/2. Application, exam, and result dates are announced separately by ÖSYM for each session.
Are There Any Turkish Language Questions on TR-YÖS?
There is no separate Turkish language test in TR-YÖS. The exam consists of Numerical Aptitude and Basic Mathematics tests; the university’s Turkish language proficiency requirement is a separate process.
Is TR-YÖS Mandatory for All International Students?
No. First, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for international student admission in terms of citizenship and high school education. In addition to TR-YÖS, universities may also consider other national or international results and high school grades specified in their announcements.
How Many Questions Are on TR-YÖS, and How Long Does It Last?
According to the current 2026-TR-YÖS/2 Guide, the exam contains 80 questions in total: 40 Numerical Aptitude questions and 40 Basic Mathematics questions. The standard time allowed is 100 minutes.
What Is the Passing Score for TR-YÖS?
There is no common passing score set by ÖSYM for all universities. Universities may set a minimum application score for each program; meeting this score does not guarantee admission.
Does TR-YÖS Place Candidates Directly into Universities?
No. ÖSYM administers the exam and announces the results; candidates apply separately to universities using their scores. The relevant university handles evaluation, admission, and enrollment procedures.