Obtaining YÖK School Recognition and Diploma Equivalence

     We remind you that the information presented here has been taken from the official website of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and is shared solely for informational purposes. YÖK does not collaborate with our association in this process. In case of any inconsistency or contradiction in the information, we recommend that you rely on the official YÖK website (https://denklik.yok.gov.tr/).

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     Recognition – means the acknowledgment of a qualification obtained in a foreign country. This refers to the right of the person to continue education at a higher education institution in the Republic of Turkey or to engage in professional activities based on a qualification deemed equivalent.
This process is called the "equivalence process" (denklik alma süreci) in Turkey and is carried out by the "Department of Recognition and Equivalence" under the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). Note that recognition and equivalence are often confused, but they are different procedures.

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     UNİVERSİTY RECOGNITION

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     "School Recognition Certificate" is a document requested by some universities from candidates who wish to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in Turkey. While some universities obtain this document through the system on their own, most consider it essential for admission.
This document shows whether the higher education institution is recognized by the Republic of Turkey.

Required documents: Passport and the English name of the university.

How to obtain the document:

a) Those residing in Turkey can instantly and freely obtain this document via the e-Devlet platform.
b) Those who cannot access e-Devlet may apply in person or by post to YÖK to obtain the document free of charge. In physical applications, the document is provided the same day or the next day, depending on the workload at YÖK, or it may be sent via email.

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     EQUIVALENCE

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     The equivalence process is often confused with recognition, but it is completely different and a longer procedure. Equivalence is the process of verifying whether a diploma obtained abroad is equivalent to a diploma and specialization in Turkey. The duration is not fixed – it can take from 3 months to 10 years.
The process varies depending on factors such as country, university, courses taken, Turkey’s needs, and other criteria.

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Documents required for Bachelor's diploma equivalence (may vary by year):

• Translation of the passport (if translated by a notary outside Turkey, confirmation from the Turkish Embassy is required)

• Residence permit and YKN/TC ID number

• Original diploma and notarized Turkish translation

• Original transcript or diploma supplement and Turkish translation

• If participated in exchange programs such as Mevlana/Erasmus: original stamped and signed transcript and translation

• Payment receipt – 1000 TL for 2025

  • Account Holder: YÖK Strategy Development Department

  • Bank: Ziraat Bankası

  • Account Number: 5386419-5057

  • IBAN: TR4500 0100 1745 0538 6419 5057

• Consent form (downloadable from the YÖK website)

• Application form (provided after completing the online application)

• YÖK may request additional documents if needed

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    Equivalence Process

Submission of documents to YÖK: This can be done in person or via a notarized power of attorney. The original and wet-signed diploma must be submitted, and all documents must be scanned and returned. No documents are retained by YÖK.

Verification of document authenticity: YÖK sends a formal inquiry to the university through the Education Attaché at the relevant country's Turkish Embassy.

Evaluation: The data received from the embassy is reviewed by a subcommittee and a commission composed of professors from the relevant faculties makes the final decision.

Decision: YÖK can issue five different decisions:
a) Equivalence is granted
b) Equivalence is denied
c) Equivalence is granted after an internship
d) Equivalence is granted after an exam
e) Equivalence is granted after taking specific courses in Turkey
f) A combination of C, D, and E may be required

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     Examples:
– Medicine: exam + internship
– Law: 16 courses
– Psychology: 5 courses
– Pharmacy: courses + exam + internship

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Even for graduates of the same faculty from the same university, different requirements may apply. For example, a graduate from Khazar University may be required to complete 1 course, while a graduate from Baku State University may be assigned 5 or even 6 courses. A faculty that required an exam in 2020 may not require anything in 2025.

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      When Will Equivalence Be Granted?

     There is no legal maximum time limit for this process. Our research shows that for graduates applying from Azerbaijani universities, the timeline may look like this:

• Document verification and embassy response: 3–4 months

• Commission decision: ~3 months

• After meeting additional requirements (exam, internship, etc.): ~45 days

• Preparation of the equivalence document: 15–30 days

Total duration: Approximately 8–9 months

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     Recommendations

     YÖK is one of the strictest institutions in Turkey in terms of procedures. This strictness can also be seen in the attitude of its staff. Based on our observations, one reason for this may be the persistence of previous applicants in making unjustified demands.
You may witness emotional situations, even tears. In such moments, it is advisable to be patient and remember that the officials are also human.
Delays in the equivalence process are usually caused by correspondence delays between the university and the embassy.
As an institution of high authority, YÖK’s decisions can only be appealed through legal channels.

Although the procedures may seem difficult, none of the requirements are impossible to fulfill.