University Degree Equivalency in Turkey

Turkey boasts a large number of prestigious universities, both public and private, making it a prime educational destination for international and local students. University degree equivalency in Türkiye is an essential step in achieving a student's academic and professional goals, ensuring the level of education meets local standards.

This process involves gathering the necessary documents and submitting them to the relevant authorities, requiring precision and care.

In this article, we review the steps necessary for University Degree Equivalency in Turkey, the required documents, and the responsible authorities, providing you with the information needed to facilitate this process. Our message here is that if you are seeking to study or work in Turkey, we at New Horizons are dedicated to completing these procedures to help you achieve your ambitions with success and brilliance.

The Importance of University Degree Equivalency in Turkey

University degrees are equivalent in Turkey in accordance with Law No. 2547 issued by the Turkish Higher Education Institution.

University Degree Equivalency in Turkey has many benefits, including:

• This equivalence allows the holder to work in their specialized field within Turkey, providing them with equal employment opportunities as holders of degrees issued by Turkish universities
• With the University Degree Equivalency in Turkey, foreigners can obtain a work permit. Companies, organizations, and government agencies in Turkey require the equivalency certificate when applying for jobs abroad.
• University degree equivalency opens doors to formal employment in Turkey, especially for foreigners.
• The equivalency grants the right to start private businesses in accordance with Turkish law.
• The equivalency allows doctors and pharmacists to officially practice their profession.
• The equivalency qualified applicants for government jobs in the education sector.
• The equivalency increases employment opportunities in private companies.
• The equivalency opens the door to enrolling in graduate studies.
• The equivalency is a condition for obtaining project funding (startups and entrepreneurial companies).
• The equivalency facilitates registration with the Ministry of Health and professional associations.

Requirements for University Degree Equivalency in Turkey

• Applicants for university degree equivalency in Turkey must have earned a bachelor's degree (4 years of study) or higher in other disciplines such as medicine, engineering, and pharmacy.
• The Turkish Council of Higher Education does not accept the equivalency of certificates from institutions that have completed only two years of study.
• Exams are available for all university departments and branches (both scientific and literary) to obtain equivalency.
• Documents must be original and free of any scratches or wear.
• Certificates must be the applicant's.
• The university and program must be well-known.
• The program must be equivalent to the level of education in Türkiye.

Documents required to apply for university degree equivalency in Turkey

• Original high school diploma, along with its Turkish translation and certification.
• Original bachelor's degree, along with its Turkish translation and certification.
• Transcript of grades, along with its translation and certification (if subjects were studied at a university or other country, they must be translated and certified).
• A copy of the residence permit for residents of Türkiye, or a valid passport.
• A completed and signed consent form.
• Manual registration form (downloadable from the Higher Education website).
• Additional copies of any relevant documents.
• Two (2) recent passport-sized photographs.

Applicants must choose an appointment to submit their application in person or through a legal representative to the Council of Higher Education in Ankara, within 15 days from the date of the electronic application, at the following address: Higher Education Council Headquarters – Education Ministry Office – Bilkent – Ankara

Steps for University Degree equivalence in Turkey

1. Equivalence Process

The Turkish Higher Education Institution conducts the equivalence process for university degrees in Ankara. This process aims to verify the authenticity of degrees obtained by the student (person) outside Turkey.

The institution contacts the universities granting the degrees to ensure their authenticity. Applicants then take a comprehensive exam in their specializations.

Accordingly, and based on the results of this exam, the student is awarded an equivalency certificate known as "Dinçlik", which is held twice a year in Ankara.

2. Denklik Certificate

This document proves that academic degrees from outside Turkey are recognized. International students must apply for this certificate via this link: edenklik.meb.gov.tr

3. Online Application

Applicants for degree equivalency must log into the Turkish Higher Education website via the e-Government (e-Devlet) and click on the link for modification. A personal code can be obtained from the PTT office for a small fee. The e-Government code is called e-devlet sifresi.

The online application contains fields for filling out personal information, such as the national ID number and full name, as shown on the university certificate after translation and certification. The applicant must also enter the place and date of issuance of the certificate. Documents must be uploaded in PDF format.

How to book a certification appointment in Turkey?

• Access the website by visiting the following link: Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı – e-Denklik
• Select the online application by clicking on the Online Application option.
• Select your nationality from the Nationality page.
• Fill in personal information by entering data such as your date of birth, the applicant's school of study, language of instruction, degree type, phone number, mobile number, and email address.
• Click on the "Continue" icon to access the available appointments page, then choose the appropriate appointment and click on the "Continue" icon again to confirm the appointment.

Read also: Advantages of studying in Turkey

The timeframe for equivalence of a university degree in Turkey

A university degree equivalence in Turkey requires a period of 7-12 months after submitting the required documents to the Turkish Ministry of Higher Education (YÖK). During this period, the university that issued the degree is contacted to verify and validate the degree. The duration of communication with the university ranges from 2-5 months.

you can expedite verification of your certificate's validity within one month through the New Horizons Center, thus speeding up the equivalency of your university degree in Turkey.

It's worth noting that the deadlines for submitting university degree equivalency applications in Turkey vary between different institutions. Therefore, it's important to check the official website of the relevant institution for accurate information and the latest updates.

Turkish Equivalency Exam

• The Turkish Equivalency Exam is a comprehensive exam covering all undergraduate subjects.
• Preparation for the exam involves reviewing the practical material specific to the major.
• The exam is held twice a year, and the pass rate varies depending on the major.
• The pass rate is 50% in arts majors.
• The pass rate is 40% in science majors.
• The difficulty of the exam lies in its being in Turkish, which requires careful preparation and study of the Turkish language alongside the curriculum. 
• It is recommended to take advantage of Turkish language learning resources, such as training courses and online materials.

Accreditation of Specialized Certificates in Turkey

Specialized certificates, such as those in human medicine and dentistry, require precise procedures to ensure graduates are competent to practice these professions.

Dental Certificate Equivalency

• Documents must be submitted, including academic certificates, transcripts, and experience certificates, along with certified and notarized translations.
• Knowledge and practical skills assessment exams must be passed.
• Registration with the Dental Association must be completed after passing the equivalency.

Medical Degree Equivalency

• Basic medical documents include submitting a university degree and transcript, along with a training certificate and certified translations.
• Register with the Medical Syndicate to obtain the necessary licenses.
• Passing assessment exams, such as the STS exam, which covers basic medical knowledge and clinical skills.

STS Exam

• The STS exam is held twice a year, in February and August. 
• The applicant is asked 120 questions, most of which relate to clinical medicine. 
• 40 questions cover internal medicine, and 30 each cover pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology.

Note: Our New Horizons educational center provides review and guidance services to expedite and facilitate the equivalency process and ensure its effectiveness.

Read also: Top 10 Private Universities In Turkey

Tips for speeding up university degree equivalency in Turkey

• Start the university degree equivalency process early to avoid any delays that could affect your university enrollment.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of all required documents before submitting. Ensure all documents meet the specified requirements.
• Ensure that translations of documents are certified and authenticated according to the required standards. 
• New Horizons can assist you through certified translators who have experience in accrediting translated documents with the relevant authorities.
• Benefit from the experience of previous students who have gone through the same process. 
• New Horizon provides qualified consultants with the ability to provide reliable and accurate legal and educational advice free of charge to students and stakeholders.
• Corresponding with the relevant authority at the university where the student will be studying will expedite the equivalency of the university degree.
• If a "Dilkasha" request is sent from the university requiring equivalency or from the employer seeking to employ the student to the Turkish Ministry, this will expedite the equivalency of the university degree.
• Studying at universities ranked among the world's top 1,000 universities expedites equivalency. If a university is ranked among the top 1,000 universities in the world, students are exempt from taking the degree equivalency exam, thus expediting their certification.
• Through direct communication with the relevant authorities according to the specified websites, our New Horizons center can assist students by providing them with ongoing information.

How can New Horizons help you expedite your university degree equivalency in Turkey?

New Horizons offers several services to students seeking university admission, including:

• New Horizons provides comprehensive support to students in equivalency of their university degrees in Turkey.
• The company provides a service for translating documents and certificates into Turkish with notarization.
• New Horizons guarantees the official certification of all documents, detailing the costs of authentication at embassies.
• The company helps you book an appointment for the equivalency of your diploma (denklik) with the relevant Turkish education authority.
• New Horizons provides support including transportation services and free legal and educational consultations.
• Consultations are also provided regarding partial or full scholarships, depending on the university system.
• Assistance in choosing the most appropriate major for the student abilities and interests.
• A service to meet and greet the student's family at the airport and host them in suitable accommodation.
• A letter of support is provided to embassies to facilitate students' obtaining a student visa.
• Special discounts of up to 50% on language learning costs in Europe are offered to students.
• We provide a search service for students looking for permanent or temporary housing options.
• New Horizons is constantly updating information about universities and academic studies on its website.

Contact us now for more information about studying in Turkey.

Conclusion

Are you ready to take the first step toward achieving your academic and professional goals in Turkey? Don't let the degree equivalency process seem complicated or overwhelming anymore. New Horizons is here to guide and support you every step of the way. From initial information to receiving your equivalency document, our team is ready to provide the assistance and guidance you need. Contact us now.

Frequently asked questions about university degree equivalency in Türkiye

How long does it take to get your certificate recognized in Turkey?

The process for equivalency in Turkey ranges from one to one and a half months for university degrees.

For high school diploma equivalency, the process is shortened to two to three weeks.

Who is eligible for degree equivalency in Turkey?

University graduates who have completed four-year or more programs in all scientific and literary disciplines are eligible to have their university degrees equivalency in Turkey.

Is it necessary to have university degrees recognized in Turkey?

Yes, having university degrees recognized in Turkey is necessary for international students who wish to continue their higher education, work in their field of specialization, or for academic and professional recognition purposes within the country.