Education System Turkey & NL

Education system
Turkey
The Turkish education system

described and compared with
the Dutch system
Education system | Evaluation chart
Education system Turkey
This document provides information about the education system of Turkey. It also
includes the Dutch comparison of qualifications obtained in Turkey.
Except where expressly stated otherwise and with the exception of images and
illustrations, this publication is subject to the Creative Commons Attribution Non-
Commercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) Licence. For more information about the reuse
of this publication please visit https://www.nuffic.nl/en/home/copyright.
Education system Turkey | EP-Nuffic | 2e edition December 2010 | version 3, January 2015 2
Doktora Diplomasi L8
(university education)
2-5
postgraduate
Yksek Lisans Diplomasi L7
1.5-2
Ihtisas Sertifikasi L7
1
undergraduate
Vertical Transfer Examination L6 Lisans Diplomasi L6

n Lisans Diplomasi L5
(associate degree)
(higher professional education)
2 4-5
entrance examination L6
Meslek Lisesi Diplomasi L2 Teknik Lisesi Diplomasi L2 Lise Diplomasi L2

(secondary vocational education) (general secondary and vocational (general secondary education)
education)
4 5 4
Ilkgretim Okulu L1
(primary education)
8
L0 Education level
0 Duration of education
Click here to view a sample of

the diploma
National Qualifications Framework
Qualifications' Profiles for NQF-HETR Levels
1. Academically-oriented associate's degree educational programmes which are

related to or within undergraduate programmes.
2. Vocationally-oriented associate's degree educational programmes which are
related to or within undergraduate programmes.
3. Vocationally-oriented associate's degree educational programmes of Vocational
Higher Schools.
4. Academically-oriented programmes.
5. Vocationally-oriented bachelor's degree programmes.
6. Academically-oriented master's degree programmes with or without thesis.
7. Vocationally-oriented master's degree programmes with thesis or without thesis.
8. Doctoral programmes.
Source: Yksekretim Kurulu (YK), the Council for Higher Education

(www.tyyc.yok.gov.tr)
Evaluation chart
In the following chart, the left part lists foreign qualifications with corresponding levels in
the national and European qualification frameworks. The right part lists the Dutch
comparisons, with corresponding levels in the Netherlands and European qualifications
frameworks.
Degree or qualification and NQF- EQF- Dutch equivalent and NLQF level EQF level
HETR level level
Meslek Lisesi Diplomasi - - MBO diploma (qualification level 2 or 3) 2/3 2/3
Teknik Lisesi Diplomasi - - HAVO diploma for the general education 4 4

component
Lise Diplomasi (3 years) - - HAVO diploma 4 4
Lise Diplomasi (4 years) - - at least a HAVO diploma 4 4
n Lisans Diplomasi (Associate 5 5 associate degree or 2 years of HBO 5 5

Degree)
Lisans Diplomasi (4 years) 6 6 HBO or WO bachelors degree 6 6
Lisans Diplomasi (5 years) 6 6 at least a WO bachelors degree 6 6
Iktsas Sertifikas - - at least a WO bachelors degree 6 6
Yksek Lisans Diplomasi (1-2 7 7 HBO or WO masters degree 7 7

years)
NB
The information provided in the table is a general recommendation from which no
rights may be derived.
NQF-HETR = National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education in Turkey.
NLQF = Netherlands Qualifications Framework. EQF = European Qualifications
Framework.
The evaluation of a foreign qualification in terms of the EQF/NLQF does not
necessarily mean that all of the learning outcomes associated with these levels have
been achieved.
Information on the Dutch equivalent qualifications is available in the Netherlands
Education System. See: http://www.nuffic.nl/en/library/education-system-
netherlands.pdf
The information regarding international study programmes at VMBO and MBO level
is issued by SBB, the foundation for Co-operation on Vocational Education, Training
and the Labour Market.
Introduction
The republic of Turkey is made up of 81 provinces, spread out across the

following 7 regions: Black Sea, Marmara, Aegean Sea, Mediterranean,
Central Anatolia, and Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia.
The founder of the modern Turkish state was Mustafa Kemal Atatrk it was under his
leadership that Turkey was declared a Republic in 1923. In his vision, education had to
be made available to the entire population in order to form the basis for the country's
progress. The Law on Unification of Education was passed in 1924, and the dual system
consisting of religious and secular schools was replaced by a single secular system.
Compulsory education was also introduced at that time, although the government did not
possess the means for rigorous enforcement. It was not until the 1960s that serious
attempts were made to make primary education generally accessible.
The Ministry of National Education is responsible for all types of education, with one
exception: higher education, which falls under the Yksekretim Kurulu (the Council for
Higher Education, YK), a body responsible for the planning, coordination and policy of
higher education.
The YK is authorized for a number of important tasks, including negotiation of university

budgets with the Ministry of Finance, setting the number of students that may be admitted
to higher education based on proposals from universities, setting the basic requirements
for the content of bachelors programmes, and appointing faculty heads. The YK is also
responsible for the supervision of non-profit foundation universities, and accreditation of
their programmes.
Compulsory education has been set at 8 years of primary education and 4 years of
secondary education since 2013. Before that time only primary education was
compulsory. The language of education is usually Turkish. Some higher education
programmes are given in English, German or French.
The academic year consists of 2 semesters, and runs from September until June.
Primary and secondary education
Secondary education follows 8 years of primary education (Ilkgretim Okulu) and is

aimed at pupils aged 6-14.
The nominal duration of Turkish general secondary education was extended in 2005 from
3 to 4 years. This type of education has 6 subject clusters: fen bilimleri (natural sciences),
Trke-matematik (Turkish-mathematics), yabani dil (foreign language), sosyal bilimler
(social sciences), sanat (art) and spor (physical education). Pupils who complete
secondary education are awarded the Lise Diplomasi, which grants the right to take
university entrance examinations.
In terms of level, the Lise Diplomasi

following a nominal 3-year programme is
comparable to a HAVO diploma in the
Netherlands.
In terms of level, the Lise Diplomasi

following a nominal 4-year programme is at
least comparable to a HAVO diploma in the
Netherlands.
Alternative schools for general secondary education

International schools, called yabanci okulu, are schools sponsored by other countries or
cultural groups that use a foreign language as the language of instruction for some
subjects. Admission often requires a 1-year hazrlk (preparatory) class involving
intensive language instruction. These schools include English, Italian, French and
German schools. Certificates from these types of schools generally grant access to
university entrance examinations.
Classes at the Anadolu Lise are also given in a modern European language (usually
English). Prior to starting the Anadolu Lise, pupils must complete a year of intensive
language instruction. The general education component at this type of senior secondary
school is the same as at a Lise.
The Imam-Hatip Lisesi offers the same general education as the Lise, but also educates
pupils to become an imam (boys) or religious education teacher (girls), with a nominal
duration of 4 years.
The Meslek Lisesi Diplomasi is awarded after 4 years of secondary vocational education.
This diploma only grants access to the university entrance examinations following a
compulsory additional year at a Teknik Lise.
In terms of level, the Meslek Lisesi

Diplomasi is comparable to an MBO diploma
at qualification level 2 or 3 in the
Netherlands, depending on the
specialisation.
In addition to the general Lise subjects, the nominal 5-year Teknik Lise provides a
vocational component. Graduates are awarded the Teknik Lis esi Diplomasi, which grants
access to university entrance examinations for all specialisations.
In terms of level, theTeknik Lisesi Diplomasi

is comparable in the Netherlands to a HAVO
diploma for the general education
component.
Admission to higher education
For admission to a Turkish university, candidates must dispose of a diploma of secondary

education and are required to take 2 central entrance examinations. These are the
Yksekretime Geis Snav (Higher Education Examination, YGS) and the Lisans
Yerletirme Snav (Undergraduate Placement Examination, LYS). The entrance
examinations are organized and managed by the grenci Seme ve Yerlestirme Merkezi
(Student Selection and Placement Centre, SYM), that is affiliated with the YK.
The results of the YGS entrance examination are used for acceptance to 2-year
programmes of post- secondary vocational education and for computing the composite
scores of the LYS entrance examination.
The score of the LYS entrance examination is a composite of the results of the LYS
entrance examination, the results of the YGS entrance examination and the average of
the secondary education school grades.
For admission to art, sport and music programmes candidates can be required to audition
or past tests.
Higher education
All higher education in Turkey is provided by universities. The YK is responsible for

higher education institutions. The only exception are some institutions that fall directly
under the Turkish Ministry of Defence, The Police Academy falls under the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. some institutions fall directly under the Turkish Ministry of Defence,
whereas the Police Academy falls under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The YK is
responsible for higher education institutions.
Turkey currently has 104 state universities and 72 non-profit foundation universities
(September 2014). At some universities English is the language of instruction, such as
the Boazii niversitesi, the Orta Dogu Teknik niversitesi and the Bilkent niversitesi.
There are also universities that offer certain programmes in English, or bilingual
programmes. Very occasionally, programmes are offered in German or French.
Admission to these types of programmes requires a 1-year hazrlk (preparatory language
programme) for those for whom the relevant language was not the language of instruction
at the Lise. Following this preparatory year, the university programme lasts 4 years,
matching equivalent programmes at Turkish-language universities.
At many non-profit foundation universities, the language of instruction is also a foreign
language, usually English.
University education
Higher education in Turkey has a unified system, with no distinction between higher
professional education and academic education. For this reason, in some cases
university programmes are more comparable to an HBO programme in the Netherlands.
However, there are institutions that provide short HBO programmes. See under Higher
professional education.
Graduates of nominal 4-year university programmes (with a maximum length of 7 years)

are awarded the Lisans Diplomasi. It is also possible for graduates to be awarded the
Lisans Geici Mezuniyet Belgesi, or provisional Lisans certificate. Universities where
English is the language of instruction award a bachelors degree.
The name of the degree is sometimes combined with that of the title, such as Lisans
Diplomasive Mimar Unvanni (architect) or Lisans Diplomasive Mhendis nvanni
(engineer). Graduates of the 4-year Pharmacology programme are awarded the Eczacilik
Lisans Diplomasi. The duration of study for Veterinary Science and Dentistry is 5 years
and graduates are awarded the Veterinerlik Yksek Lisans Diplomasi and the
Dihekimlii Lisans Diplomasi, respectively. Graduates from Medicine (with a nominal
duration of 6 years) are awarded the Tip Doktorluu Diplomasi.
The qualification in the fields of Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science are
considered to be equivalent of a Yksek Lisans Diplomasi (Higher Licenciate Diploma).In
principle, graduates in principle may continue on to a PhD programme.
In terms of level, the Lisans Diplomasi following a nominal 4-year programme (NQF-
HETR/EQF level 6) is comparable to an WO or HBO bachelor's degree in the
Netherlands, depending on the type of study.
Full description of NQF-HETR level 6: http://tyyc.yok.gov.tr/?pid=33
In terms of level, the Lisans Diplomasi following a nominal 5-year programme (NQF-
HETR/EQF level 6) is comparable to at least a WO bachelors degree in the
Netherlands in a similar specialisation.
After the Lisans Diplomasi, students can take a nominal 1-year programme and obtain
the Ihtsas Sertifikasi (certificate of specialisation). This programme does not fall under
the jurisdiction of the YK and therefore does not award an academic title, yet it is
accepted by Turkish industry as an advanced qualification.
In terms of level, the Ihtisas Sertifikasi is at

least comparable to a WO bachelors degree
in the Netherlands.
Obtaining the Yksek Lisans Diplomasi (Higher Licenciate Diploma) takes an additional
1 to 2 years of study following a Lisans Diplomasi. There are 2 types of programmes:
those including a final paper, and those without. The programmes including a final paper
take 2 years, those without a final paper take 1 year. Admission is regulated by the
institutions of higher education. Admission depends on the score that is a composite of
the average obtained during the bachelors programme and the results of the Graduate
Education Entrance Examination (ALES), and the results of a personal interview.
In terms of level, the Yksek Lisans Diplomasi (NQF-HETR/EQF level 7) is

comparable to an WO or HBO masters degree in the Netherlands, depending on the
type of study.
One specific equivalent to the Yksek Lisans Diplomasi is the Bilim Uzmanlgi Diplomasi,
a specialist diploma in the natural sciences that is also awarded after a nominal 2-year
postgraduate programme in the sciences.
In general, the Yksek Lisans Diplomasi is the admission requirement for PhD
programmes. Doktora Diplomasi programmes take between 2 and 5 years to complete,
and consist of course work, completion of a qualification exam, and the writing and public
defence of a doctoral thesis.
Students who perform exceptionally well in Lisans Diplomasi programmes may be

admitted directly to a PhD programme, with the extra requirement of additional
preparatory classes.
Higher professional education
Students can take 2-year technical or professional programmes at a Meslek Yksek

Okulu (School for Higher Professional Education). Administratively these institutions are
included among the universities, and their programmes are based on the first 2 years of a
bachelors programme. Graduates are awarded the n Lisans Diplomasi (Associate
Degree) certificate, which is a professional qualification providing entry to the labour
market. However, after completing the Dikey Gei Sinavi (Vertical Transfer Examination)
students are admitted to the third year of a nominal 4-year Lisans Diplomasi university
programme.
In terms of level, the n Lisans Diplomasi (Associate Degree) (NQF-HETR/EQF level

5) is comparable to the Associate Degree, or to 2 years of higher professional
education (HBO) in the Netherlands in a similar specialisation.
Assessment systems
General secondary education uses the following system:
Numerical grade Letter grade 100-point system Description
5 A (85-100) Excellent
4 B (70-84) Good
3 C (55-69) Fair
2 D (45-54) Satisfactory
1 E (25-44) Unsatisfactory
0 F ( 0-24) Poor
Professional education uses an assessment scale of 1-10, with a pass mark of 5 or

higher.
Numerical grade In words Description Meaning
1 Pek zayf Bir Very poor
2 Zayf Iki Poor
3 Peknoksan Most unsatisfactory
4 Noksan/yetersiz Drt Unsatisfactory
5 Orta Be Satisfactory
6 Orta Alti Satisfactory
7 Iyi Yedi gGood
8 Iyi Sekiz Good
9 Pek iyi Dokuz Very good
10 Pek iyi On Very good
Geer/baarl/basarsz - pass
(Aai)gemez - fail
Visesiz - permission denied (to take part in the final examination)
Turkish universities use various assessment scales:
0-10 (5 or higher is satisfactory) or

0-20 (10 or higher is satisfactory) or
0-100 (50 or higher is satisfactory).
An overview ECTS and student workload periods for each level of NQF-HETR is
available on the website of the Yksek gretim Kurulu, the Council for Higher Education:
http://tyyc.yok.gov.tr/?pid=36
Bologna process
Since the Meeting of European Ministers in Prague in 2001, Turkey has been taking a
very active part in the biannual Bologna Ministerial Conferences, and therefore also in the
Bologna Process. Information on the current situation can be found on the official
European Higher Education Area (EHEA) website: www.ehea.info/country-
details.aspx?countryId=47.
Qualification frameworks
More information on the National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education in

Turkey (NQF-HETR) is available on the website of the YK, the Council for Higher
Education: http://tyyc.yok.gov.tr/?pid=10
Quality assurance and accreditation
Universities are established by law. All state and non-profit foundation universities as well
as all degree programmes must be recognized centrally by the YK.
More information is available in the English version of the website of YK at:

www.yok.gov.tr/en/web/uluslararasi-iliskiler/anasayfa
International treaties
Turkey signed the Lisbon Convention in 2004, and ratified it in 2007.
Addresses
www.yok.gov.tr
Website of the Yksek gretim Kurulu (YK), the Council for Higher Education.
www.enic-naric.net/turkey.aspx
Website of the Turkish ENIC/NARIC.
www.s-bb.nl
Website of SBB, the foundation for Co-operation on Vocational Education, Training and
the Labour Market.
Diploma Supplement
A national template for a Diploma Supplement has been designed in conformance with
the UNESCO guidelines and distributed to all universities. The supplement is issued in
Turkish or English to all students who graduate(d) as of the 2005/2006 academic year.
Composition of file
A file from Turkey must include the diploma and grade list, as well as a translation of both
documents. Some Turkish higher education institutions issue certificates in English. For
administrative reasons, provisional certificates are sometimes also issued, which are
valid until the definitive certificate has been awarded. In some cases, the definitive
certificate can be issued up to 2 years after the graduation date.
List of Higher Education Institutions
www.yok.gov.tr/web/guest/universitelerimiz
Website of the Yksek gretim Kurulu, the Council for Higher Education, with an
overview of recognized higher education institutions.
Lise Diplomasi
Lise Diplomasi - transcript
Meslek Lisesi Diplomasi
Meslek Lisesi Diplomasi transcript
Teknik Lisesi Diplomasi
n Lisans Diplomasi
n Lisans Diplomasi transcript
Lisans Diplomasi
Lisans Diplomasi transcript (page 1)
Lisans Diplomasi transcript (page 2)
Yksek Lisans Diplomasi
Yksek Lisans Diplomasi - transcript
Qualification Turkey
Lise Diplomasi
(4 years)
general secondary education diploma

grants access in Turkey to all higher education programmes upon completion of
entrance examinations
This qualification is comparable to at least a HAVO diploma in the

Netherlands.
NB: This information is a general recommendation from which no rights may be

derived.
n Lisans Diplomasi
first cycle higher education diploma (QF-EHEA)

grants access in Turkey to the third year of the bachelors programme provided
additional entrance requirements of the (Dikey Gei Sinavi, Vertical Transfer
Examination) have been met
has a duration of 2 years
This qualification (NQF-HETR / EQF level 5 ) is comparable to an

Associate degree or 2 years of higher professional education (HBO).

derived.
Lisans Diplomasi
(4 years)

grants access in Turkey to masters programmes upon completion of entrance
examinations
This qualification (NQF-HETR / EQF level 6) is comparable to an HBO or

WO bachelors degree in the Netherlands, depending on the type of
study.

derived.
Lisans Diplomasi
(5 years)

grants access in Turkey to masters programmes upon completion of entrance
examinations
This qualification (NQF-HETR / EQF level 6) is comparable to at least a

WO bachelors degree in the Netherlands.

derived.
Yksek Lisans Diplomasi
second cycle higher education diploma (QF-EHEA)

grants access in Turkey to PhD programmes
has a nominal duration of 1-2 years
This qualification (NQF-HETR / EQF level 7) is comparable to a WO or

HBO masters degree in the Netherlands, depending on the type of study.

derived.

Education System Turkey &amp; NL

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Education system

The Turkish education system

Education system Turkey

Education system Turkey

Education system Turkey

Yksek Lisans Diplomasi L7

Vertical Transfer Examination L6 Lisans Diplomasi L6

Meslek Lisesi Diplomasi L2 Teknik Lisesi Diplomasi L2 Lise Diplomasi L2

Click here to view a sample of

Education system Turkey

National Qualifications Framework

Qualifications' Profiles for NQF-HETR Levels

1. Academically-oriented associate's degree educational programmes which are

Source: Yksekretim Kurulu (YK), the Council for Higher Education

Education system Turkey

Meslek Lisesi Diplomasi - - MBO diploma (qualification level 2 or 3) 2/3 2/3

Teknik Lisesi Diplomasi - - HAVO diploma for the general education 4 4

Lise Diplomasi (3 years) - - HAVO diploma 4 4

Lise Diplomasi (4 years) - - at least a HAVO diploma 4 4

n Lisans Diplomasi (Associate 5 5 associate degree or 2 years of HBO 5 5

Lisans Diplomasi (4 years) 6 6 HBO or WO bachelors degree 6 6

Lisans Diplomasi (5 years) 6 6 at least a WO bachelors degree 6 6

Iktsas Sertifikas - - at least a WO bachelors degree 6 6

Yksek Lisans Diplomasi (1-2 7 7 HBO or WO masters degree 7 7

Education system Turkey

The republic of Turkey is made up of 81 provinces, spread out across the

The YK is authorized for a number of important tasks, including negotiation of university

Education system Turkey

Primary and secondary education

Secondary education follows 8 years of primary education (Ilkgretim Okulu) and is

In terms of level, the Lise Diplomasi

In terms of level, the Lise Diplomasi

Alternative schools for general secondary education

Education system Turkey

In terms of level, the Meslek Lisesi

In terms of level, theTeknik Lisesi Diplomasi

Admission to higher education

For admission to a Turkish university, candidates must dispose of a diploma of secondary

Education system Turkey

All higher education in Turkey is provided by universities. The YK is responsible for

Graduates of nominal 4-year university programmes (with a maximum length of 7 years)

Education system Turkey

In terms of level, the Ihtisas Sertifikasi is at

In terms of level, the Yksek Lisans Diplomasi (NQF-HETR/EQF level 7) is

Education system Turkey

Students who perform exceptionally well in Lisans Diplomasi programmes may be

Higher professional education

Students can take 2-year technical or professional programmes at a Meslek Yksek

In terms of level, the n Lisans Diplomasi (Associate Degree) (NQF-HETR/EQF level

Education system Turkey

General secondary education uses the following system:

Numerical grade Letter grade 100-point system Description

Professional education uses an assessment scale of 1-10, with a pass mark of 5 or

Numerical grade In words Description Meaning

1 Pek zayf Bir Very poor

2 Zayf Iki Poor

3 Peknoksan Most unsatisfactory

4 Noksan/yetersiz Drt Unsatisfactory

6 Orta Alti Satisfactory

7 Iyi Yedi gGood

8 Iyi Sekiz Good

9 Pek iyi Dokuz Very good

10 Pek iyi On Very good

Education system Turkey

Education System Turkey & NL

Education System Turkey & NL