YKS and Turkish Universities — How to Smartly Choose Your Major and University?

Success in the YKS exam is only half the battle; the second and most crucial half is choosing the right academic major and universities in Turkey that align with your ambitions. Many students fall into the trap of losing out on excellent university seats due to ill-considered decisions during the preference (Tercih) phase, despite achieving good scores.

This comprehensive guide provides you with the complete roadmap to answer the question: How do I choose my major after the YKS? It offers a thorough review of the key points regarding YKS and universities, highlighting the best universities in Turkey for foreign students in 2026.

First: How Does the Admission System via the YKS Exam Work in Turkish Universities?

The result of the YKS exam is not measured by a traditional percentage. Instead, it is converted into a precise ranking score that determines your exact position among all applicants across the Republic of Turkey.

The Ranking Score Calculation Mechanism:

TYT Exam Score: Calculated fundamentally and mandatorily for all applicants without exception.
AYT Exam Score: Added to the total based on the chosen academic track (Scientific, Literary, or Language).
General Ranking: The final score determines your direct rank among millions of students.
Minimum Admission Requirements: Every university and major has a minimum score requirement (Taban Puanları) that changes annually based on demand and competition.

Practical Example:

If your ranking score places you within the top 10% of applicants, the doors open for you to apply to prestigious public universities in Turkey, specifically in Istanbul and Ankara. However, if your score is in the mid-range, you will have broad and excellent options among regional and private universities.

Second: Before Choosing a Major — Core Questions You Must Answer

The biggest mistake international students make when planning to study in Turkey is choosing a major based on their parents’ personal wishes or by copying their friends’ choices, rather than focusing on their true inclinations and personal capabilities. Before making a decision, ask yourself the following questions:

What professional activity do I enjoy doing daily and see myself doing for years to come?
Do I prefer an interactive work environment with people, or focusing on numbers, data, and technology?
Is my future plan to settle and work in Turkey, or to move to Europe?
What profession or position do I see myself in 10 years from now?
What are my academic strengths and the skills that set me apart?

Third: The Most Important Majors in Turkish Universities and Their Key Requirements

Higher education institutions for those who wish to study in Turkey offer great academic diversity. Here is a breakdown of the most prominent available majors and their conditions:

1. Human Medicine

Nature of Competition: It is one of the most competitive majors and requires obtaining very high scores in the YKS exam.
Duration of Study: 6 academic years.
Language of Instruction: Available in Turkish, and in English at a number of private universities.
International Recognition: Turkish medical degrees are widely recognized in Arab and European countries.
Top Universities: Hacettepe University, Marmara University, and Istanbul University.

2. Engineering Majors

Nature of Requirements: Includes multiple branches (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer) and requires high scores in the scientific AYT track.
Career Prospects: Provides excellent job opportunities in both the Turkish and European markets.
Top Universities: Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ), Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ), Boğaziçi University, and Sabancı University.

3. Business Administration and Economics

Demand: Ranked as one of the most in-demand and popular majors for foreign students.
Flexibility: Programs are available in English at many universities, making them suitable for both scientific and literary track students.
Top Universities: Koç University, Sabancı University, Bilkent University, and Marmara University.

4. Computer Science and Information Technology

Growth: One of the fastest-growing and evolving sectors in the global job market.
Advantages: Exceptional career opportunities in Turkey, Europe, and the Middle East, with most of its strong programs taught in English.
Top Universities: Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ), Sabancı University, Koç University, and Bilkent University.

5. Law

Requirements: Requires a high score in the literary AYT track.
Language: Curricula are taught entirely in Turkish at most public faculties.
Top Universities: Istanbul University, Ankara University, and Gazi University.

6. Architecture and Design

Reputation: Turkey possesses a very strong academic heritage and reputation in teaching architectural sciences.
Conditions: Requires good scores in either the scientific or literary AYT track, depending on the specific major.
Top Universities: Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ), Yıldız Technical University, and Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ).

7. Nursing and Health Sciences

Advantages: Demand is increasing in Turkish and European hospitals. They require relatively lower scores than Human Medicine while maintaining broad career prospects that include training and working in Europe later.

Fourth: Comparing Turkish Universities — Should You Choose Public or Private?

Aspect of Comparison	Public Universities	Private Universities
Features and Fees	Nominal and very affordable tuition fees compared to the private sector.	Easier and faster admission procedures without additional complications or conditions.
Environment and Language	A competitive academic environment, broad international recognition, and a deeply rooted historical reputation.	An international educational environment, modern and advanced facilities, and intensive teaching in English.
Scholarships and Opportunities	Building a broad network of alumni relations that benefits you in the job market.	Providing scholarships for outstanding students that reach up to 100% of the tuition fees.

Prominent Public Universities for Foreign Students:

Uludağ University (Bursa): The closest and most suitable choice for the foreign community settled in the city of Bursa.
Istanbul University: One of the oldest and most ancient academic institutions in Turkey.
Marmara University (Istanbul): Enjoys overwhelming popularity and high demand from foreign students.
Middle East Technical University ODTÜ (Ankara): The strongest institution in scientific and engineering fields.
Boğaziçi University (Istanbul): Characterized by offering very strong academic programs in English.

Prominent Private Universities:

Koç University: Tops the list as the strongest university in the field of scientific research.
Sabancı University: Offers world-class ranked engineering and management programs.
Bilkent University (Ankara): Famous for its comprehensive educational programs taught in English.
Atlas University (Istanbul): Provides accessible admission options and excellent scholarships for students.

Fifth: Geographical Comparison — Istanbul, Bursa, or Ankara?

The city you choose directly affects your entire living and university experience, not just your academic level:

1. Istanbul

Hosts the largest university gathering in Turkey, with more than 50 public and private universities.
Provides a huge job market and wider career opportunities after graduation.
Characterized by high living costs and a bustling social life along with a huge Arab community.

2. Bursa

Embraces a stable foreign community and a comfortable, conservative social environment.
Living costs are up to 40% lower compared to Istanbul.
Home to Uludağ University, which is one of the largest and most prominent universities in Turkey.
Provides a quiet and ideal environment that helps students focus academically.

3. Ankara

The political capital of Turkey and the center for decision-making and official institutions.
Home to an elite group of the strongest universities in Turkey, such as ODTÜ, Bilkent, and Gazi.
Offers promising opportunities for work and internship in international organizations and government sectors.

Sixth: How Do You Submit Your Application to University After the YKS Exam Results Appear?

The preference and application process in Turkey is characterized by being centralized, unified, and fully developed under the supervision of the ÖSYM body, meaning you will not need to apply to each university individually:

The Preference Phase (Tercih): This phase begins immediately after the official announcement of the exam results.
The ÖSYM Electronic Portal: The student logs into the official website and enters a wish list containing up to 24 majors and universities arranged by priority.
Automated Distribution: The software system automatically distributes students to available seats based on total scores and ranking.
Importance of Arrangement: The order of preferences plays a decisive role in admission; therefore, the most important and desired majors must be placed at the top of the list.
Utilizing Data: Students can use the admission rates and scores of previous years as a guide to predict their chances.

Seventh: Golden Rules for Successfully Choosing Your Major and University

Independence: Do not choose a major just to please those around you or your parents if it does not align with your passion; continuing requires genuine desire.
Market Study: Check thoroughly the volume of demand for the target major in the Turkish, regional, and international job markets.
Connect with Peers: Talk to students currently studying in the same major and university to get a glimpse of the real-world experience.
Language of Study: Think carefully and choose the language of study (Turkish or English) based on your current language skills and future plans.
Flexibility: Distribute your wishes and preferences smartly and based on a clear strategy; do not place all your bets on a single desire or a single university.
The Preference Rule: Choosing a major with a lower competitive rate at a strongly ranked university is much better than choosing a prestigious major at a weakly ranked university.

Emisa Academy — We Help You Make the Right Choice

Good preparation for the YKS exam and harvesting high scores is just the first step in your journey; making the correct and precise choice of major and university is the channel that shapes your professional future.

At Emisa Akademi, our role does not end when the exam preparation ends. Instead, we accompany you step-by-step through specialized consulting sessions to study your options accurately and build the ideal preference (Tercih) strategy that matches your total scores and goals:

Comprehensive and intensive preparatory programs for all YKS exam subjects.
Guided academic consultations to choose the most suitable major and universities in Turkey.
Full supervision over preparing and building the official preferences strategy.
Continuous administrative and academic follow-up that starts from the study phase and extends until university registration is complete.

Do not hesitate to contact our consultants via WhatsApp to get your free consultation.

Our expert team at our main headquarters in the city of Bursa is ready to help and guide you through every step toward your academic future.

Universities in Türkiye

YKS and Turkish Universities