Koç University application process step by step for international students

The Koç University application process for international undergraduates is designed to be transparent, merit-focused, and centrally managed through an online portal. This guide provides a practical, actionable walkthrough for recruiters, admissions teams, HR and marketing professionals, and placement agencies advising international applicants.

Quick overview: what makes Koç University distinctive for international applicants

• English-medium instruction across undergraduate programs.
• Centralised application portal with the option to select up to three program choices.
• Automatic, merit-based scholarship evaluation (50% or 100% tuition) for international applicants — no separate scholarship form required, except for medicine.
• Standardised tests accepted: SAT or ACT accepted; IELTS/TOEFL are not accepted for undergraduate admission.
• Clear application windows with a dedicated period for medicine applicants.

Eligibility requirements — what to check first

Academic background

High school graduation or equivalent is required. Collect official transcripts and diploma copies. Transcripts must be translated into English or Turkish if the original language differs.

Language proficiency

Instruction is in English. Koç University does not accept IELTS or TOEFL for undergraduate admissions. Admissions teams should therefore rely on the applicant’s previous English-medium education, standardised test performance, or institutional assessments where applicable.

Standardised tests

SAT or ACT scores are accepted and commonly used in evaluation. Ensure candidates submit official score reports where available.

Special-case — Medicine applicants

Medicine has a separate application window (see timeline) and is excluded from automatic tuition scholarship consideration. Flag medicine applicants early and treat medical admissions as a distinct workflow.

Application timeline and critical deadlines

• General undergraduate window: January 1 – July 2, 2025.
• Medicine: March 1 – May 31, 2025.
• Application fees are non-refundable and must be paid to complete submission.
• Late submissions are typically not accepted — set reminders and use your CRM alerts to keep applicants on track.

Step-by-step application process (detailed)

1. Create an account on the Koç University application portal

• Register with a valid email and create a profile.
• Capture applicant details exactly as in passport to avoid verification delays.
• Recruiter tip: create a standard intake form on your side to gather required assets before portal registration.

2. Select program preferences (up to three)

Applicants can choose up to three undergraduate programs ordered by priority. Advise candidates to list their best-fit program first and realistic alternatives second and third. Remember medicine has a separate window and scholarship ineligibility.

3. Compile and upload required documents

Typical required documents include:

• High school transcripts and diploma (official translations if needed).
• Official SAT or ACT score report.
• Copy of passport (biographical page).
• Application fee payment receipt.

Ensure uploads meet portal formatting and size requirements. Best practice: maintain a checklist and verify file legibility before upload.

4. Pay the application fee

Applicants must complete the non-refundable fee payment to finalise submission. Recruiter tip: provide clear payment instructions and capture receipts in your applicant record.

5. Monitor portal and email communications

Koç University communicates updates, interview requests, and decisions via the application portal and email. Encourage applicants to check correspondence frequently and respond promptly.

6. Interview stage (if required)

Some programs may require interviews, online or in-person. Prepare candidates with sample questions, program-specific topics, and tips on presenting academic profile and motivations.

7. Admission decision and next steps

Decisions are communicated through the portal. If offered admission, follow the portal instructions to accept the offer, pay any required deposit, and proceed with visa and enrolment steps. For visa and arrival guidance, coordinate with Study in Turkiye’s advisory services for up-to-date procedural help.

Required documents — downloadable checklist for recruiters and applicants

• Completed online application form.
• High school transcripts (translated and certified where applicable).
• High school diploma or provisional certificate.
• Official SAT/ACT score report.
• Passport copy (photo/biographical page).
• Application fee payment receipt.
• Any program-specific documents requested by Koç University (e.g., portfolios, additional essays).

Scholarships and financial considerations

All international applicants (except medicine) are automatically evaluated for merit-based tuition waivers; no separate scholarship application is necessary.

Scholarship scope typically includes partial (50%) or full (100%) tuition waivers based on academic merit and the overall candidate profile.

Recruiter actions: highlight automatic scholarship consideration to qualified applicants and ensure academic records and test scores are submitted accurately to support scholarship assessment.

Interview and selection tips — positioning strong candidates

• Demonstrate academic readiness: emphasise SAT/ACT scores, high-school GPA, honours and relevant coursework.
• Showcase English proficiency through evidence of English-medium education or strong academic performance in English.
• For non-standard backgrounds, provide evaluative context (school ranking, national curriculum notes) to help admissions interpret credentials.
• Prepare candidates for behavioural and motivation-based questions: why Koç, career aspirations, and contribution to campus life.

After admission — visa, arrival, and enrolment

Visa & immigration

International students generally require a student visa to enter Turkiye. Guidelines vary by nationality — advise applicants to consult their nearest Turkish consulate. Study in Turkiye provides advisory support for visa procedures and documentation.

Enrollment and orientation

Follow Koç University’s instructions to confirm acceptance and complete registration and housing steps where available. Encourage early arrival for orientation to integrate into campus life and academic planning.

How admissions teams, recruiters and agencies can streamline the process

• Centralise applicant data: use a CRM that tracks document submission, fee payment, interview scheduling, and deadlines.
• Standardise pre-application checks: create templated emails and document checklists for candidates to follow.
• Use templated academic evaluations and school profiles when submitting non-standard transcripts to reduce review time.
• Leverage Study in Turkiye’s international recruitment services to manage high-volume applicants, provide localised counselling and visa assistance, and run outreach campaigns that drive qualified applicants.

Alternatives and medical program considerations

If advising applicants interested in medicine but wanting alternatives to Koç (given the separate application window and scholarship restrictions), consider other reputable universities listed on Study in Turkiye:

Best practices for HR and marketing professionals in education

• Align messaging: clearly communicate Koç’s automatic scholarship evaluation and accepted tests (SAT/ACT; no IELTS/TOEFL for undergraduate entry).
• Segment leads: prioritise high-achieving applicants and those with SAT/ACT scores for targeted scholarship messaging.
• Measure conversion: track metrics from initial inquiry to admission offer and enrolment; use automation in workflows to reduce manual follow-up.
• Partner with Study in Turkiye to access recruitment analytics, candidate verification support, and marketing campaigns that reach relevant student segments.

How Study in Turkiye supports your Koç University recruitment strategy

Study in Turkiye is the trusted authority guiding international students and education partners. Our services include expert counselling for candidates and agents aiming for Koç University, process support to streamline document collection and portal submission assistance, localised marketing to attract qualified applicants, and direct liaison with university recruitment teams to clarify eligibility, scholarship decisions, and program details.

Whether you are an admissions officer refining intake, an agency recruiting international students, or an HR/marketing professional building a campaign, Study in Turkiye can integrate with your workflows to increase yield and reduce time-to-offer.

Read more (selected resources)

• Yos Test
• Admission process
• Why to study in Turkiye

FAQ

Conclusion

The Koç University application process is straightforward when supported by a structured workflow: verify eligibility, prepare accurate documentation, submit within the correct window, and monitor communications. For recruiters and admissions professionals, preparation and timely follow-up reduce revision cycles and improve outcomes.

Study in Turkiye is ready to partner with you — offering recruitment expertise, process support, and hands-on advisory to guide candidates through Koç University admissions and beyond. Contact our team to discuss partnership opportunities, agent onboarding, or integration of our services into your recruitment pipeline.

Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye

Ready to accelerate international admissions and deliver better outcomes for your students? Explore our resources, apply, or contact Study in Turkiye for personalised support and expert counselling for Koç University applicants.