06.03.2026 09:21
YÖK has implemented a centralized written exam system for student selection in doctoral programs in priority areas. Candidates will be eligible to take the exam based on 40% of the ALES score, 30% of the foreign language score, and 30% of the graduation grade. The final evaluation score will be calculated using a different weighting system, and candidates scoring below 70 will be considered unsuccessful.
A centralized written exam system has been introduced for the selection of candidates who will receive doctoral education in priority areas determined by the Higher Education Council. According to the regulation published in the Official Gazette, successful candidates can be appointed to research assistant positions.
PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE
With the amendment published in the Official Gazette dated March 6, 2026, significant changes were made to the "Regulation on the Procedures and Principles Regarding the Central Exam and Entrance Exams to be Applied in Appointments to Academic Staff Positions Other than Faculty Members." The Higher Education Council has established a new evaluation system to determine candidates who will pursue doctoral studies, especially in strategic and priority areas. In this context, a new clause was added to Article 15 of the regulation.
FOUR TIMES THE QUOTA CAN TAKE THE EXAM
According to the regulation, student admissions to doctoral programs in universities determined by YÖK and in priority areas identified by YÖK will be carried out based on specific criteria. A maximum of four times the announced quota can participate in the written exam for doctoral candidates.
The ranking of candidates who will take the written exam will be based on 40% of the ALES score, 30% of the foreign language score, and 30% of the undergraduate graduation grade. Candidates determined as a result of this evaluation will be entitled to take the centralized written exam. Candidates who score below 70 in the written exam will be considered unsuccessful.
NEW CALCULATION IN FINAL EVALUATION SCORE
The final evaluation score in the selection of doctoral students will be calculated using a different weighting system. Accordingly, the success score will be determined by considering 25% of ALES, 25% of the undergraduate graduation grade, 20% of the foreign language score, and 30% of the written exam score. Candidates who score below 70 as a result of the calculation will be considered unsuccessful.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES CAN BE APPOINTED AS RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
Under the new system, candidates accepted into the doctoral program can be appointed to research assistant positions in line with the priority areas determined by YÖK. The appointment processes will be carried out within the framework of the current legislation. Other processes related to doctoral education will be governed by the provisions of the Graduate Education and Training Regulation.
The regulation aims to train qualified academic human resources in strategically important areas and to direct research assistant positions to these areas, as stated. Thus, it is aimed to conduct the admission process to doctoral programs through a more centralized and measurable exam system.
NEW REGULATION ADDED TO GRADUATE REGULATION
On the same day, the "Regulation on the Amendment of the Graduate Education and Training Regulation" published in the Official Gazette also included this system for doctoral student selection in the graduate education legislation. Accordingly, student admissions to doctoral programs in universities determined by YÖK and in priority areas will be carried out within the framework of the provisions of the regulation regarding the appointment of academic staff for Turkish citizens. Applications from foreign candidates will be evaluated according to the procedures and principles determined by YÖK.
ADDITIONAL TWO TERMS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS WHO GIVE BIRTH
Additionally, another change made in the graduate education regulation granted a new right to female graduate students who give birth. Accordingly, students who give birth can request an additional two terms after childbirth. These periods will not be included in the maximum duration calculation for graduate education.