Koç University Admission Requirements — Overview for International Applicants

Koç University evaluates international undergraduate applicants primarily on a combination of international exam results, academic records, a motivation letter and standard application documents. Key points to know:

• Application windows:
  • All undergraduate programs (except Medicine): October 1, 2024 – July 2, 2025.
  • Medicine program: March 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025.
• Required international exam: SAT or ACT, or an approved international diploma (IB, French Baccalaureate, Abitur, etc.). SAT scores must be from the past 2 years.
• Core application documents: high school diploma (translated to Turkish or English if necessary), official transcript(s), motivation letter, and a non-refundable application fee (250 TL).
• Language policy: Koç University does not use IELTS/TOEFL as a deciding factor; alternative evidence of English proficiency may be required later.
• Additional steps: Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a video interview (often used in scholarship decisions). Applications submitted by May 31, 2025, are guaranteed on-campus housing.

Detailed Checklist — Documents and Academic Criteria

To streamline recruitment and admissions, use this ready-to-deploy checklist for every international undergraduate applicant.

Mandatory Documents

• Recognized international exam score: SAT or ACT, OR approved international diploma (IB, French Baccalaureate, Abitur).
  • SAT results must be issued within the last 2 years.
• High school diploma: original and a certified translation into Turkish or English if the original is in another language.
• Official high school transcripts: preferably covering the last three years or the final transcript showing GPA/grades.
• Motivation letter: a concise personal statement explaining interest in Koç University and intended major.
• Application fee: 250 TL (non-refundable) paid through Koç’s online application portal.

Optional or Conditional Documents

• English/Turkish proficiency evidence: optional at the application stage; Koç may request proof after admission or for placement in language programs. Note Koç does not accept IELTS/TOEFL for admission decisions.
• Supplementary materials: portfolios or additional essays only if a program explicitly requests them.

Program-Specific Academic Thresholds (SAT Examples)

Koç uses program-specific minimums for standardized tests. Recruiters should advise applicants of these benchmarks before submission:

• Medicine: SAT minimum total 1450 (Math 620 / Reading & Writing 560)
• Law: SAT minimum total 1410 (Math 620 / Reading & Writing 560)
• Engineering: SAT minimum total 1200 (Math 620 / Reading & Writing 560)
• Sciences / Social Sciences / Economics / Nursing: SAT minimum total 1180 (Math 620 / Reading & Writing 560)

Timeline and Process Map — for Recruiters and Admissions Teams

A clear timeline helps avoid missed deadlines and increases conversion. Use the timeline below for fall 2025 intake management.

Recommended Campaign Timeline

• T-minus 10–12 months (August–October 2024):
  • Launch awareness activities, gather candidate documents, promote scholarship opportunities.
• T-minus 6–9 months (November 2024 – February 2025):
  • Ensure candidates take or have valid SAT/ACT scores (remember the 2-year validity window).
  • Pre-screen transcripts, translations, and motivation letters.
• T-minus 3–6 months (March – May 2025):
  • Finalize and submit applications. Note: Medicine applications are only open March 1 – May 31, 2025.
  • Applications submitted by May 31 are guaranteed on-campus housing.
• T-minus 1–2 months (June – July 2025):
  • Monitor shortlist notifications; prepare candidates for potential video interviews.
  • Follow scholarship and admission notifications.
• Post-admission:
  • Collect any additional documentation requested for enrollment and visa processes.

Quick Operational Checklist for Admissions Teams

• Confirm candidate’s SAT/ACT validity and program minimums.
• Verify translations and notarizations for diplomas and transcripts.
• Prepare a clear motivation-letter rubric for quality control.
• Ensure application fee payment is processed and documented.
• Track submission deadlines in your CRM or automation platform.

Scholarships, Housing, and Interviews — What Recruiters Should Communicate

Understanding how Koç evaluates merit and manages student services is crucial for setting applicant expectations.

Merit Scholarships

• Merit-based scholarships are awarded automatically to eligible undergraduate applicants—no separate scholarship application is usually needed.
• Typical scholarship ranges: partial (50%) to full (100%) tuition coverage.
• Important: scholarships generally do not apply to the Medicine program; advise medical applicants accordingly.

Housing

• Applicants who complete their application by May 31, 2025, are guaranteed on-campus housing. This is a significant enrollment incentive for international students and should be highlighted in communications.

Interviews and Evaluation

• Shortlisted applicants—particularly those being assessed for competitive scholarships or selective programs—may be invited to a video interview.
• Prepare candidates with mock interviews, competency questions and program-specific talking points.

Language Policy and Common Concerns

Koç’s language approach differs from many institutions. Clarify this to applicants early to prevent confusion.

• Koç University does not rely on IELTS or TOEFL results for admission decisions.
• Alternative evidence of English proficiency (such as internal assessments or prior education in English) may be requested after admission or for placement in language support classes.
• Encourage applicants to document prior education in English, international program diplomas, or provide instructor references where appropriate.

Koç University Admission Requirements — Guidance for International Recruiters and Partners

Candidate Sourcing and Qualification

• Pre-qualify candidates against program SAT minima and diploma equivalency.
• Prioritize candidates with recent SAT scores (within 2 years) and strong academic transcripts.
• Screen motivation letters for alignment with Koç’s liberal arts and research ethos—look for intellectual curiosity, leadership and community engagement.

Application Management

• Use an application tracking system to log deadlines, document status and interview scheduling.
• Automate reminders for candidates to submit translations, pay the 250 TL fee and prepare for potential interviews.
• Maintain a centralized document repository for certified translations and notarized copies to speed up final enrollment.

Messaging and Conversion Tactics

• Highlight guaranteed housing for on-time applicants and the automatic scholarship consideration.
• Emphasize Koç’s global rankings, research environment and English-medium instruction where applicable.
• For medical applicants, be transparent about the separate medicine application window and the limited scholarship coverage.

How Study in Turkiye Supports Koç University Recruitment and Admission Automation

Services Tailored to Koç University Admissions

• Targeted international recruitment campaigns designed to attract high-calibre candidates who meet Koç’s SAT and diploma standards.
• Automated application workflows that track document completeness, deadline compliance and interview scheduling—reducing manual follow-up and application dropouts.
• Candidate pre-screening and coaching (motivation letters, interview preparation) to increase admission and scholarship success rates.

Why Partner with Study in Turkiye

• Domain expertise: deep knowledge of Koç University admission rules, scholarship mechanics and academic expectations.
• Full funnel support: from lead generation to visa guidance and student arrival coordination.
• Integration-ready automation: our systems integrate with institutional CRMs and portals to maintain data quality and reporting, enabling smoother admissions cycles for HR and marketing teams.

Comparisons and Alternatives — When Koç May Not Be the Best Fit

If an applicant’s profile does not align with Koç’s program minimums or specialization needs, Study in Turkiye can match candidates to other leading Turkish institutions within our network. Examples from our partner university listings:

• For applicants seeking strong health and medical programs: consider Medipol University, known for broad international outreach and established medical training pathways.
• Istinye University offers notable health sciences and medical programs for international students with a different entry profile or scholarship model: Istinye University.
• Lokman Hekim University: another option for applicants focused on medical fields: Lokman Hekim University.

For broader institution discovery, recruiters and agents can view our full directory: All Universities in Turkiye.

Practical Templates and Sample Messages (for Recruiters)

Candidate Pre-Qualification Email (Sample)

Subject: Quick pre-check for Koç University application — SAT and documents

Dear [Candidate Name],

Before we begin your Koç University application, please confirm the following:

• Do you have an SAT or ACT score issued within the last 2 years?
• Do you have your high school diploma and official transcripts? (Translation available in Turkish or English)
• Are you prepared to complete the motivation letter outlining your academic interests?

If yes, we’ll proceed to submit your application and pay the 250 TL fee. Applications for Medicine open March 1 and close May 31 (other undergraduate programs are open October – July 2). Applications submitted by May 31 are guaranteed on-campus housing.

Best regards,
[Agent / Recruiter Name]

University Clarification Request (Sample)

Subject: Document verification request for incoming Koç applicant — [Candidate Name]

Dear Admissions Team,

Please confirm receipt and acceptability of the attached:

• Translated high school diploma and transcripts
• SAT score report (issued [date])
• Motivation letter

We appreciate confirmation of any additional requirements for scholarship consideration and the expected timeline for interviews.

Kind regards,
[Partner / Agency Name]

Final Checklist — Ready to Submit

For rapid deployment, use this final checklist before hitting submit:

• Candidate has valid SAT/ACT or approved diploma (IB/Abitur).
• Translations of diploma and transcripts (Turkish or English) are certified.
• Motivation letter tailored to Koç University and the chosen program.
• Application fee (250 TL) prepared and payment method confirmed.
• For Medicine applicants: ensure submission between March 1 – May 31, 2025.
• Confirm whether candidate needs to prepare for a potential video interview.
• Submit before May 31, 2025 for guaranteed housing.

Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye

Explore further how we can assist you in navigating the admission process at Koç University and other institutions.