If you're a doctor who has completed their medical studies abroad and wish to practice medicine in Turkey, then the STS exam is the first and most important step to achieving that goal.
In this article, we’ll explore the details of the STS exam, including its structure, components, and the essential information candidates need to ensure they pass and achieve their professional ambitions in the medical field.
The STS Medical Doctor Exam is Turkey’s medical equivalency test for those who wish to practice medicine in the country. This exam offers successful candidates the opportunity to have their medical degrees recognized, allowing them to work legally in the local healthcare sector.
Many Turkish students choose to complete their medical education abroad with the intention of returning to Turkey to practice after graduation. However, these graduates are not allowed to work in the medical field directly like their peers who studied in Turkey. They must meet specific requirements and provide necessary qualifications through the Turkish Ministry of Health.
(Note: This part was just a title with no explanation. If needed, I can expand on it.)
The primary goal of the STS exam is to ensure that doctors who studied medicine abroad possess the knowledge and competence required to practice medicine according to Turkish standards:
It enables students who studied abroad to have their degrees recognized and become eligible to work in Turkey.
It ensures that graduates from foreign universities have an educational level equivalent to that of graduates from Turkish medical schools.
It allows foreign-trained doctors to legally and officially integrate into Turkey’s medical system, helping meet the country’s need for skilled healthcare professionals.
It standardizes competency and skill levels among doctors—whether they graduated from Turkish or foreign universities—to ensure high-quality and integrated healthcare services.
The following categories are eligible to take the STS exam:
Foreign doctors who hold medical degrees from universities recognized outside Turkey.
Any physician who has completed their studies abroad and wishes to obtain degree equivalency to work in Turkey.
Doctors of any nationality can apply, provided their degree is from a recognized foreign university and they seek Turkish equivalency.
This exam is designed to verify that foreign-trained doctors have the required knowledge and skills to practice medicine in Turkey under the country's health standards.
To register for the STS exam in Turkey, applicants must meet the following requirements:
The medical degree must be issued by an internationally recognized university approved by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK).
Applicants must complete the equivalency process of their foreign degree to a Turkish-recognized degree.
A good command of the Turkish language is essential, as understanding and answering exam questions accurately requires proficiency. Language proficiency certificates such as TOMER, YÖKDİL, or YDS may be required.
Applicants must pay the registration fees within the specified deadlines.
Additional documents may be required, such as a health certificate or a certificate of good conduct, depending on the organizing body.
The ÖSYM (Student Selection and Placement Center) organizes the STS exam twice a year, giving foreign-trained doctors the opportunity to prove their competence and join Turkey’s healthcare system.
The exam is held in Ankara in two sessions (morning and afternoon), each containing 120 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 150 minutes. To pass, candidates must score at least 35 out of 100 in each session.
Candidates who pass the exam can begin the equivalency certification process with the Council of Higher Education, opening up new professional opportunities in Turkey.
If you wish to take the STS exam, follow these steps:
Ensure eligibility: Make sure you meet all requirements, including holding a recognized medical degree and completing the equivalency process.
Visit ÖSYM’s official website: This is the official site for exam registration, where you’ll find information on dates and fees.
Create an account: If you're new to the website, you'll need to register and enter your personal details.
Access the STS exam registration section: Fill out the form carefully and accurately.
Pay the exam fee: Ensure the payment is made on time to avoid disqualification.
Upload required documents: These may include a copy of your degree or equivalency certificate.
Confirm your registration: You should receive a confirmation via email or through your ÖSYM account.
Start your exam preparation: Review the expected content and structure of the exam.
The exam consists of two main phases, both designed to assess the candidate's medical knowledge in alignment with Turkish standards:
120 multiple-choice questions
Covers topics like Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Family Medicine, and Internal Medicine.
150 minutes to complete.
Tests foundational knowledge and clinical reasoning.
Similar format with 120 multiple-choice questions
Covers Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Emergency Medicine.
Another 150 minutes are allotted.
Focuses on clinical knowledge and decision-making.
Each phase is evaluated separately, and a minimum of 35/100 is required in each to pass.
ÖSYM typically releases exam results shortly afterward, allowing successful candidates to begin the certificate equivalency process—an essential step to legally practice medicine in Turkey.
The exam usually includes four major sections covering core medical fields and contains a total of 120 questions:
Internal Medicine – 40 questions (covers diseases of internal organs such as the heart, kidneys, and digestive system)
Pediatrics – 30 questions (focuses on child health and common childhood illnesses)
General Surgery – 30 questions (covers surgical procedures and techniques)
Obstetrics and Gynecology – 20 questions (covers pregnancy, childbirth, and women’s health)
Anatomy: Body structure and organ distribution
Histology & Embryology: Tissue structure and fetal development
Biochemistry: Chemical processes in living organisms
Medical Microbiology: Microorganisms and their effect on health
Pharmacology: Drug effects and mechanisms
Internal Medicine: Diseases affecting internal organs
Pathology: Disease processes and diagnosis
Pediatric Surgery: Surgical care for children
Obstetrics & Gynecology: Women’s health and childbirth
Physiology: Functions of body systems and organs
The STS exam contains a total of 240 questions, covering both basic and clinical sciences. Each section is assessed independently, and candidates must:
Score at least 35 out of 100 in each session (morning and afternoon).
Only upon passing both sessions can candidates move forward with the certificate equivalency process.
Let me know if you'd like this turned into a blog post, infographic, or PowerPoint-style content!
