If you are an Iranian student aiming to study at a public university in Turkey, passing the TR-YÖS (Türkiye Yurt Dışından Öğrenci Kabul Sınavı) is the most critical step in your journey. While private universities often accept students based solely on their high school GPA, Turkey’s prestigious and highly subsidized public universities rely heavily on the TR-YÖS to filter thousands of international applicants.
In recent years, the Turkish government centralized this exam under ÖSYM (the Student Selection and Placement Center), replacing the chaotic system where every university held its own test. For 2026, the TR-YÖS is more standardized, accessible, and transparent than ever before.
This guide breaks down everything Iranian students need to know about the 2026 TR-YÖS, including how to register, what to study, and how to take the exam right in Tehran.
Quick Summary
The 2026 TR-YÖS consists of 80 multiple-choice questions focusing on Mathematics and Logic (IQ), with a 100-minute time limit. Iranian students can register online through the ÖSYM portal and take the exam at official test centers in Tehran. High scores are essential for competitive programs like Medicine or Software Engineering.
For a broader view of your study options, including pathways that don’t require this exam, read our Study in Turkey for Iranian Students: Complete Guide (2026).
What is the TR-YÖS Exam?
The TR-YÖS is the official university entrance examination for foreign students wishing to enroll in undergraduate (bachelor’s) or associate degree programs at Turkish higher education institutions .
Unlike the Iranian Konkur, which tests a wide range of high school subjects including physics, chemistry, and literature, the TR-YÖS is designed to overcome language barriers by focusing entirely on universal, non-verbal subjects: Mathematics and Logic.
Exam Structure and Format
The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and lasts for 100 minutes . It is divided into two main sections:
- Basic Learning Skills (Logic/IQ) – 40 Questions: These questions test abstract reasoning, pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills. They require almost no language proficiency.
- Mathematics and Geometry – 40 Questions: This section covers algebra, arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, and basic calculus. The math level is roughly equivalent to the 10th and 11th-grade curriculum in the Iranian education system.
Note: The exam is offered in six languages, including Turkish, English, Arabic, French, German, and Russian . Most Iranian students choose to take the exam in English or Turkish.
Taking the Exam in Iran: Tehran Test Centers
One of the biggest advantages of the centralized TR-YÖS system is that you no longer need to travel to Turkey just to take the test. ÖSYM conducts the exam in 88 centers across 60 countries, including Iran .
Tehran Test Centers
In 2026, the primary test centers for Iranian students are located in Tehran. The exact venues (usually large universities or international schools) are announced on your Exam Entrance Document (Sınava Giriş Belgesi), which you can download from the ÖSYM portal about one week before the exam date.
Taking the exam in Tehran saves you significant travel and accommodation costs, allowing you to take the test in a familiar environment.
2026 Registration Process and Important Dates
The TR-YÖS is typically held twice a year (TR-YÖS/1 in May and TR-YÖS/2 in October/November). To secure your spot, you must follow the strict ÖSYM registration timeline.
Important Dates for TR-YÖS/1 (2026)
- Application Period: January 14 – February 3, 2026 .
- Late Application Period: February 9 – February 11, 2026 (Late fees apply).
- Exam Date: May 11, 2026.
Step-by-Step Registration for Iranian Students
- Create an ÖSYM Account: Visit the official ÖSYM TR-YÖS portal (tryos.osym.gov.tr) and create a candidate profile using your passport number .
- Fill Out the Application: Select your preferred exam language and choose “Tehran” as your test center.
- Upload Documents: You will need to upload a recent biometric photo and a scanned copy of your valid Iranian passport.
- Pay the Exam Fee: The exam fee must be paid online via credit card. Since Iranian bank cards are not connected to the international banking system, you will need to use a friend’s international card or a reputable exchange service in Iran to complete the payment.
- Download the Entrance Document: A week before the exam, log back into the portal to print your Exam Entrance Document. You cannot enter the test center without this printed document and your original passport.
Minimum Scores and University Placement
After receiving your TR-YÖS score (which is calculated out of 500 points), you will use it to apply directly to public universities during their respective application windows.
What Score Do You Need?
Each university sets its own minimum cutoff scores (baraj puanı) and calculates admissions based on its available quotas for Iranian students. Generally, the required scores are:
- Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy: 450+ out of 500. Competition for these spots is fierce.
- Engineering (e.g., Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering): 350 to 400 out of 500.
- Business, Architecture, and Social Sciences: 250 to 350 out of 500.
If your score is not high enough for a public medical faculty, you can still pursue your dream. Read our guide on Turkish Medical Universities Approved by Iran Ministry of Health (2026) to explore private university options that do not require the YÖS.
How to Prepare: Study Strategies for Iranian Students
While the math in the TR-YÖS is familiar to Iranian students, the logic/IQ section and the extreme time pressure are major challenges.
- Enroll in a YÖS Preparation Course (Dershane): Many Iranian students enroll in specialized YÖS institutes in Tehran or take online courses from Turkish academies. These courses provide specific YÖS textbooks (like Metropol or Puza publications) which are essential for mastering the IQ section.
- Practice Time Management: You have 100 minutes for 80 questions—just 1.25 minutes per question. You must learn to skip difficult questions and return to them later.
- Solve Past Papers: The best way to understand the exam format is to solve previous years’ TR-YÖS questions. ÖSYM occasionally publishes sample questions, and preparation institutes provide extensive mock exams (Deneme Sınavları) .
What If You Don’t Want to Take the YÖS?
If the intense preparation, high competition, and strict quotas of the TR-YÖS system sound overwhelming, you have an excellent alternative. Over 90% of private universities in Turkey accept Iranian students based only on their high school GPA, with no entrance exam required.
To learn exactly how this process works, read our detailed guide: How to Apply to Turkish Universities Without YÖS for Iranian Students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use my TR-YÖS score for private universities?
Yes, private universities accept TR-YÖS scores, and a high score can often secure you a significant tuition scholarship (Burs). However, a YÖS score is not mandatory for admission to private institutions.
How long is the TR-YÖS score valid?
The TR-YÖS score is valid for two years from the date of the exam. You can use it to apply for the current academic year or the following year.
Does the TR-YÖS test my Turkish language skills?
No. The TR-YÖS only tests Math and Logic. However, if you are accepted into a Turkish-medium program, you will need to prove your Turkish proficiency (usually with a TÖMER C1 certificate). If you don’t have one, you will spend your first year in a Turkish preparatory class (Hazırlık).
Can I take the exam with my Iranian National ID (Melli Card)?
No. International students must register and present a valid Passport to enter the exam hall. Your Iranian National ID will not be accepted at the test center.
