How to Apply for Turkish University Preferences on ÖSYM AİS

The university preference stage (Tercih İşlemleri) following the announcement of Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS) results is one of the most critical turning points in a student’s academic journey. University admission does not rely solely on test scores and rankings; it depends heavily on the accuracy and strategic organization of your preference list.

In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through the step-by-step process of submitting your online university choices via the Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) portal in Turkey, explaining how to select majors and avoid critical mistakes that could cost you a university seat.

1. Prerequisites and Preparations Before Applying

Before logging into the preference system, make sure you have the following essentials ready to ensure a smooth application process without technical glitches:

Active ÖSYM AİS Account: Verify that your password for the Candidate Transaction System (Aday İşlemleri Sistemi – AİS) is valid, or ensure you can log in the e-Devlet portal.
Official Preference Guide (Tercih Kılavuzu): Download the current year’s official guide published by ÖSYM. It is the only authoritative reference containing program codes (Program Kodu), quotas, special requirements, and minimum entry threshold rankings from previous years.
Draft Choice List Offline: Prepare your target universities, departments, and their corresponding program codes on paper before inputting them into the online system.

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Online YKS Tercih on ÖSYM AİS

Follow these sequential steps to correctly enter your preference list:

Step 1: System Login

Visit the official website ais.osym.gov.tr and log in using your Turkish ID Number (T.C. Kimlik) and password, or choose the e-Devlet login option.

Step 2: Accessing the Preference Screen

From the main menu, navigate to the “Başvuru / Tercih Yap” tab and select the current year’s YKS preference process (YKS Tercih İşlemleri).

Step 3: Entering Program Codes (Program Kodları)

The system allows you to submit up to 24 university choices.
Enter the 9-digit program code in the designated field. The system will automatically display the university name, faculty, and department to help you verify your selection.
Arrange your choices based on priority and safety strategies (from highest preference/ranking to lowest).

**Step 4: Reviewing Special Conditions (Özel Koşullar)**

Next to each program, special condition numbers are displayed (e.g., physical fitness requirements, language of instruction, tuition fees for special programs, or campus location). Click on these numbers and read the details carefully to prevent disqualification later.

**Step 5: Review and Final Confirmation (Başvuru Kontrol ve Onay)**

Click on the “Başvuru Kontrol ve Önizleme” button to review your full selection list. If all details are correct, click “ONAYLA” to finalize and submit your application.

3. Common Errors to Avoid During YKS Tercih

Common Mistake	Result / Consequence	Correct Action
Failing to click the confirmation button (Onayla)	The application is not registered and remains an unapproved draft.	Ensure you receive the final confirmation message, see the successful registration notice, and save your receipt.
Ignoring minimum ranking thresholds (Baraj)	Automatic rejection of the selection by the system.	Strictly comply with the minimum competitive ranking requirements for fields like Medicine, Law, Engineering, etc.
Overlooking faculty special conditions	Cancellation of admission during final university enrollment.	Read the specific condition codes (Madde ve Koşul) for every program added to your list.
Relying on score points instead of rankings	Miscalculation of actual admission chances.	Compare your personal competitive ranking (Sıralama) exclusively against past years’ ranking trends.

4. What to Do After Submitting and Confirming Your Choices

Modifications within the official period: You can edit or reorder your preference list multiple times on the system as long as the preference window remains open. Remember to click “ONAYLA” after every modification.
Print registration receipt: Download and save a PDF copy of your confirmed preference list or print it out as proof of submission.
Track results announcement: Admission results are typically announced on the ÖSYM AİS portal within two weeks after the closing date, after which online or on-campus university enrollment begins.

Conclusion

Applying for Turkish university preferences (Tercih) requires focus, accuracy, and thorough attention to instructions. Investing sufficient time in building a balanced choice list and reviewing special conditions ensures a seamless transition to university life.

Get Expert Help for Your Tercih List with Emisa Academy

At Emisa Akademi, our educational consultants offer personalized guidance sessions to help you strategically arrange and submit your choice list on the ÖSYM system—maximizing your chances of acceptance into top Turkish universities.

Contact us today and let us help you take the right step toward your academic future!