- Students enrolled in programs abroad that do not require attendance will not be able to transfer to in-person programs in Türkiye

- Applicants transferring from abroad will be required to prove that they resided in the relevant country during their studies with official documents such as a passport or e-Government records

February 28, 2026

Two amendments concerning equivalence and transfer procedures issued by the Council of Higher Education were published in the Official Gazette.

According to the amendment to the Regulation on Recognition and Equivalence of Foreign Higher Education Diplomas, the language proficiency certificate required for equivalence applications will no longer be requested if the medium of instruction is the same as the applicant’s native language.

In addition, the foreign language score that may be requested by the Council of Higher Education from applicants studying in language and literature fields will also no longer be required if the medium of instruction is the same as the applicant’s native language.

These regulations eliminate the language exam requirement and make the equivalency application process more practical.

– Minimum success score for transfers increased from 80 to 90

Another decision concerns amendments to the Regulation on the Principles Regarding Transfers Between Associate and Undergraduate Programs, Double Major, Minor Programs, and Inter-Institutional Credit Transfer in Higher Education Institutions, issued by the Council of Higher Education.

When evaluating transfer applications, university boards will compare programs based on all compulsory courses required for graduation. Not only the total number of credits but also the alignment of the program’s core compulsory courses will be taken into account.

The minimum success score required for transfers was increased from 80 to 90.

For transfers to universities that provide education fully or partially in a foreign language, students will be required to pass the university’s language exam or obtain a sufficient score from a national or international exam recognized by the Council of Higher Education.

Students will not be allowed to transfer to a year below their current level.

Transfer evaluation results will be listed according to score rankings. The number of principal and reserve candidates will be determined equally. Adaptation programs will begin simultaneously with other students at the start of the new academic term.

Students enrolled in programs abroad that do not require attendance will not be able to transfer to in-person programs in Türkiye.

Applicants transferring from abroad will be required to prove that they resided in the relevant country during their studies with official documents such as passports or e-Government records.

Students coming from abroad who wish to pursue a double major will also be subject to the same requirements as other students.

On the other hand, if a student’s parent or spouse is a public official and their assignment ends, or if they are a worker returning permanently to Türkiye, an “evaluation outside the quota” may be conducted provided that the student has studied for at least one year and passed the end-of-year exams. However, all other general requirements must still be met.

Detailed information and the full texts of the regulatory amendments can be accessed in the Official Gazette at the following links:

Regulation Amending the Regulation on the Recognition and Equivalence of Foreign Higher Education Diplomas:       
https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2026/02/20260228-2.htm

Regulation Amending the Regulation on the Principles Regarding Transfers Between Associate and Undergraduate Programs, Double Major, Minor Programs, and Inter-Institutional Credit Transfer in Higher Education Institutions:    
https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2026/02/20260228-3.htm