If your goal is to study at a public university in Turkey, you cannot rely solely on your high school grades. You must prove your academic abilities through standardized testing. For decades, this meant taking the YÖS exam. Today, the system has evolved into the centralized TR-YÖS exam.
For students taking the YOS exam Turkmenistan, the process can seem confusing. How do you register from Ashgabat? What language is the exam in? And how do you convert your 5-point Turkmenistan high school diploma into the Turkish grading system?
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the TR-YÖS exam, the university admissions process, and the critical Denklik (diploma equivalency) procedure.
Understanding the TR-YÖS Exam
In the past, every Turkish public university organized its own YÖS (Yabancı Uyruklu Öğrenci Sınavı) exam. This meant students had to travel to different cities and pay multiple exam fees.
To simplify this, the Turkish government introduced the TR-YÖS (Türkiye Yurt Dışından Öğrenci Kabul Sınavı), a centralized exam administered by ÖSYM (the Student Selection and Placement Center). Today, a high score on the TR-YÖS is accepted by almost all public universities in Turkey.
Exam Format and Content
The TR-YÖS does not test your knowledge of history, biology, or literature. It is designed to overcome language barriers by focusing purely on logic and mathematics.
- Total Questions: 80 questions.
- Content: 40 questions on Basic Mathematics and 40 questions on General Abilities (IQ/Logic).
- Duration: 100 minutes.
- Languages: The exam is offered in Turkish, English, German, French, Arabic, and Russian. Many Turkmen students choose to take the exam in Russian or Turkish.
How to Register from Turkmenistan
You can register for the TR-YÖS online through the official ÖSYM portal. The exam is held in various test centers worldwide. If there is no test center available in Ashgabat for a specific session, many Turkmen students travel to Istanbul or Ankara to take the exam.
High School Diploma Equivalency (Denklik Belgesi)
Even with a perfect TR-YÖS score, you cannot enroll in a Turkish university without a Denklik Belgesi (Equivalency Certificate). This document proves that your high school education in Turkmenistan is equal to a Turkish high school education.
The 5-Point Grading System Challenge
The Turkmenistan high school system grades students on a scale of 1 to 5, where a “4” is good and a “5” is excellent. The Turkish system uses a 100-point scale.
During the Denklik process, your grades will be officially converted. It is crucial that your transcripts are translated accurately by a sworn translator before submission to ensure your GPA is calculated correctly.
How to Get Your Denklik
You can apply for the Denklik certificate in two ways:
- In Turkmenistan: At the Educational Attaché office within the Turkish Embassy in Ashgabat.
- In Turkey: At the local Provincial Directorate of National Education (İl Milli Eğitim Müdürlüğü) in the city where your university is located.
Required Documents for Denklik:
- Original high school diploma and transcript (Apostilled).
- Official translations of the diploma and transcript.
- Original passport and a copy.
- A completed Denklik application form.
Required Documents for University Application
Once you have your TR-YÖS score and your Denklik certificate, you are ready to apply to universities. A complete application package typically includes:
- TR-YÖS Exam Results: Downloaded from the ÖSYM portal.
- High School Diploma and Transcripts: Translated and notarized.
- Denklik Belgesi: The equivalency certificate.
- Passport Copy: Valid for at least 6-12 months.
- Biometric Photographs.
- TÖMER Certificate (if applicable): If you already have your C1 Turkish language certificate, include it. If not, read our guide on TÖMER Courses for Turkmen Speakers.
Private University Admissions (No YÖS Required)
What if you do not want to take the TR-YÖS exam? You have excellent alternatives.
Most private (foundation) universities in Turkey do not require the YÖS exam. They will accept you based entirely on your Turkmenistan high school diploma and grades. These universities offer world-class facilities, programs taught 100% in English, and generous scholarships for international students.
If you are concerned about the costs, review our detailed guide on the Cost of Studying in Turkey and Money Transfers to see how private university scholarships can make your education highly affordable.
Additionally, always check our list of Turkish Universities Recognized in Turkmenistan to ensure your chosen private university’s diploma will be valid when you return home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the YOS exam online from Turkmenistan?
No, the TR-YÖS is strictly an in-person exam administered at official ÖSYM test centers. You must register and physically attend the exam.
What is the passing score for the TR-YOS exam for medical programs?
Medical programs (Medicine, Dentistry) are highly competitive. You generally need a score of 90 or above (out of 100) on the TR-YÖS to be considered for admission to a public medical faculty.
Do I need the YÖS exam to apply for the Turkiye Burslari scholarship?
No, the government scholarship evaluates your high school grades, not your YÖS score. However, submitting a high YÖS score can strengthen your application. Learn more in our Turkiye Burslari Scholarship Guide.
