Universities require foreign students to pass the English language proficiency test in Turkish universities, to ensure the students’ linguistic proficiency and their ability to study in that language. Therefore, he is registered directly in the academic program of study as soon as the admission levels are achieved. In the event of failure, the student is registered in the preparatory year to study the language at the university before starting his specialized studies.
Overview about English language proficiency test in Turkish universities
The English language proficiency exam in Turkish universities is a test to measure a student’s proficiency in the English language, for study in Turkish universities for students who do not have English as a mother tongue - provided that they obtain the minimum admission threshold to qualify for admission to the university.
Students who possess linguistic proficiency undergo this test to obtain an exemption from the preparatory year that the university imposes on students who do not possess the linguistic level required for study, and only 4 years of specialized university study are sufficient.
As for students who do not meet the minimum level for admission, they must attend the preparatory year imposed by the university for one year.
However, if the student presents an accredited certificate in the English language, this is sufficient to pass the preparatory year without an English language proficiency test.
The wellness test is conducted after your university admission, not before.
The English test is divided into four main sections: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The test time and number of questions are divided between them to measure the student’s proficiency and level in the English language, and to evaluate his linguistic level during the registration stage at the university. Thus, determining his ability to absorb study materials and lectures.
The test format and minimum admission requirements vary from one university to another, But at least he must obtain 60 points out of 100 from each stage of the test.
2 leveling stages of English language proficiency test in Turkish universities
Turkish universities conduct the English language test in two stages:
The first stage: determining the level
The university requires students to provide an approved language certificate in the English language, such as the TOEFL English language certificate.
If an approved language certificate is not available, the university will schedule a language test for the student. To ensure his competence, linguistic level, and willingness to study in that language. The minimum admission level is determined by the university, and if the student passes the test, he is registered as a new student directly into the academic program. In the event of failure, he is registered to study a preparatory year in the language before studying the specialization.
The second stage: English proficiency test, students who successfully pass the qualification stage are subject to a proficiency test, which is divided into:
Written test: It includes a set of multiple-choice questions to measure the student’s skills in reading, writing, and listening.
The reading test consists of 20-50 questions In the form of written texts, questions are asked about them and takes between 30-75 minutes.
While the Listening section aims to evaluate the student’s abilities to understand audio texts and answer the questions asked, the number of which ranges between 20-40 questions, lasting 30-60 minutes.
Then comes the writing section to evaluate the student’s ability to narrate and express. He is asked to write several topics in a period ranging between 30-60 minutes.
Speaking test: About half an hour after completing the written test, the student takes a speaking test, to evaluate his ability to form correct sentences and listen effectively.
It consists of two sections; The first is in which the student speaks freely about a specific topic, and the second is a discussion between the student and the teacher.
Types of English language proficiency test in Turkish universities
There are several tests to measure proficiency in the English language, to prove your ability to study at Turkish universities, including:
TOEFL: It is one of the most famous English language exams in many countries of the world, to evaluate the student’s ability to communicate and study at the lowest level of the English language. The test includes 4 sections; reading, listening, speaking, and writing. It is conducted in American English, takes about 4 hours via computer, and has a total score of 120 points, with a maximum of 30 points for each section.
IELTS: The test is offered in more than 130 countries and is the international system for measuring English language proficiency for those wishing to study in Turkish universities or work. The IELTS test for those wishing to study is known as IELTS Academic, using the British English language, and it consists of four sections: Reading, listening, speaking, and writing take about three hours. It includes personal interactions between the student and the examiner. IELTS uses a 9-point scoring system, ranging from 0 for candidates who have attempted the test, to 9 for students who are experts in the language.
YDS Turkish Test: The test is designated for Turkish students and foreign students who wish to study in Türkiye. It is a mandatory test for students to pass the graduate program. The test consists of four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing in the form of multiple-choice questions and a measurement of the student’s grammatical skills and linguistic proficiency.
Erasmus test for studying abroad: The test determines the level of English language proficiency of students studying at universities in Turkey and wishing to study abroad within the European Union's Erasmus student exchange project. Listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary, writing and speaking skills are assessed in the test.
Minimum score requirements for different types of programs
The minimum score to pass the test varies from one university to another. But in general, students who take the English language proficiency test in Turkish universities should obtain at least 60 points out of 100 points from each stage.
Turkish universities accept applicants with a score of 79 on the TOEFL test.
For the admission scores required by universities for the IELTS test, they are between 6 or 7 degrees ranging from competent practitioner to good practitioner, and the score varies according to specialization and stage of study.
The YDS Turkish test is evaluated on 100 points, of which the student must obtain at least 65 points.
5 preparation tips for english language proficiency tests
As is the case with most tests, English language test forms are available on the website of the university you are applying to, or online. But there are some steps that must be followed when preparing to take the language test, including the following:
Know your test, and examine university exam questions from previous years. This helps in identifying the style of the questions and allocating the appropriate time for the solution.
Evaluate your current level, and determine the improvement required.Undergo exercises appropriate to your level. As you begin to improve, you can move on to higher-level exercises.
Read many articles in English to improve language proficiency and make it easier to read and understand the questions in the exam.
Improve listening skill, by listening to subtitled programs, TV series, and films.
Improve your vocabulary، and ensure you have a large vocabulary
After ensuring that you follow these steps, some strategies may help you do your best during the test, such as time management, educated guessing, simulating test conditions, and staying calm during the test.
Application requirements for turkish universities
First, you must select the major you want and the university you want to attend, and then check the admission requirements through the university’s official website.
The Turkish language is the main language of study in Turkish public universities, while some universities require English language proficiency tests in Turkish universities to study in the English language.
Some universities require students to pass admission tests such as the SAT and the YÖS test.
Application form
High school diploma
A certificate attesting you had a secondary school exit exam (SAT).
Motivation letter.
Private universities in Turkey are characterized by the ease of applying and increasing the probability of acceptance, while admission to public universities is somewhat more difficult and the application conditions constitute an obstacle for the student during the registration stage, the most important of which is passing the “yös” test.
Conclusion
English language proficiency test in Turkish universities is absolutely necessary, especially for international students who do not wish to attend the preparatory year at the university. The test aims to measure the student’s proficiency in the language, obtain admission to the university, and his ability to continue studying.
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