ALES

What is the ALES exam?

The ALES exam, or Academic Personnel and Graduate Education Entrance Examination, is a critical test for anyone looking to pursue graduate-level studies in Türkiye. It plays a central role in admissions to master's programs and doctoral studies, making it particularly relevant for students applying to Turkish universities offering programs for international students.

The exam focuses on analytical thinking, mathematics, and verbal reasoning, with a variety of questions designed to assess academic aptitude. Although the ALES is conducted only in Turkish, many resources, including sample materials, are available to help non-native speakers prepare. As a comprehensive entrance examination, the ALES is a gateway to some of the most competitive graduate programs in Türkiye.

Why the ALES exam matters

The ALES is one of the main requirements for admission to master's and doctoral programs in Türkiye. If you're planning to apply to a Turkish university, the exam is used to assess your analytical thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning skills, all essential for graduate-level study.

Even though the exam is only available in Turkish, practising with sample questions helps you understand the types of questions you'll face. Beyond determining your eligibility for graduate programs, your ALES score can also affect your chances of receiving a scholarship or admission to a top-ranked university, making it a key step in building an academic career in Türkiye.

Exam structure and content

The ALES is built around two main sections and a fixed, standardized format:

• Sections: Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning.
• Question count: 100 multiple-choice questions in total, 50 in each section.
• Quantitative section: mathematical problem-solving, logical thinking, and numerical data analysis.
• Verbal section: reading comprehension, critical thinking, and the ability to interpret and analyze written information.
• Language: offered only in Turkish.
• Format: a standardized structure that stays consistent across all sessions.
• Preparation: official-style sample questions are available to help you get familiar with the content and question types.

The structure is designed to assess both the verbal and numerical skills essential for graduate study at Turkish universities.

Eligibility, who can apply

The ALES is open to a wide range of applicants, including both Turkish nationals and international students. It is required for admission to master's and doctoral programs at universities in Türkiye, and individuals aiming for academic positions, such as research assistants or lecturers, are also eligible to apply.

Educational background requirements:

• Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or be in their final year of undergraduate studies.
• Applicants with degrees from foreign institutions must have their qualifications recognized by the relevant Turkish authorities.

How to register for the ALES

Registration is handled through ÖSYM (Türkiye's Student Selection and Placement Center), which administers the exam. The basic steps are:

• Visit the official ÖSYM website and create an account.
• Complete the online application form.
• Select your preferred exam date and test center.
• Pay the application fee through the online payment system (payment is mandatory to confirm your application).
• Download your exam admission document, which contains your test location and schedule.

Always follow the deadlines announced by ÖSYM, late applications are not accepted.

Required documents

Have the following ready for your application:

• Identification document: a valid passport for international students, or a Turkish ID card for local applicants.
• Educational background proof: a bachelor's degree certificate or proof of being in the final year of undergraduate studies.
• Photograph: a recent digital passport-sized photo to upload during the application.
• Payment receipt: proof that the exam fee has been paid.
• Degree recognition (if applicable): documentation proving that a foreign degree is recognized in Türkiye.

Schedule and key dates

• Application period: registration typically opens in early spring and in fall; exact dates are announced on the official ÖSYM website.
• Exam dates: the ALES is held twice a year, usually in May and November.
• Application deadline: the registration window generally lasts a few weeks, and late applications are not accepted, submit all documents and complete payment before the deadline.
• Admission document: your exam admission document (with date, location, and timing) is released a few weeks before the exam on the ÖSYM portal.
• Results: scores are typically released about 4–6 weeks after the test date.

Scoring system

The ALES is scored out of 100, with separate results reported for three categories: Quantitative, Verbal, and Equally Weighted. The Quantitative score is based on the quantitative section, the Verbal score on the verbal section, and the Equally Weighted score combines both sections with equal weight.

Scores are valid for 5 years and are used for applications to master's programs, doctoral studies, and academic roles at Turkish universities. Most graduate programs require a minimum ALES score of around 55, though competitive fields may set higher thresholds.

Preparation tips

Start by getting familiar with the exam's format and the two question types, quantitative and verbal reasoning. Because the ALES is not offered in English, international students should work on their Turkish language proficiency to handle the Verbal section effectively, and practise with sample materials to learn the structure and question style.

Set a clear study plan and allocate time to key skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. Practise under timed conditions, and use mock exams and past questions to identify weak areas and improve time management. Study groups or preparation courses can add structure and guidance. With consistent, targeted preparation you can earn a strong score and strengthen your application.

Results and validity

ALES results are valid for 5 years and are scored out of 100, with a 50/50 split between the verbal and quantitative sections. You can access your results online through the official ÖSYM portal a few weeks after the exam. These results matter not only for securing admission but also for determining eligibility for scholarships and other opportunities, and the long validity period gives candidates flexibility to plan their academic goals.

How SIT can help

Study in Türkiye is an authorized partner working with universities across Türkiye, offering free, all-inclusive support to students throughout the application process. If the ALES is required for your target program, our advisors can help you understand the score thresholds at the universities you're interested in, plan your registration and timeline around the ÖSYM schedule, and prepare a complete graduate application. Reach out to talk through your study plans and find programs that match your profile.

Frequently asked questions