Switching Majors During Your Bachelor’s Degree in Turkiye: Is it Possible?
When Can You Change Your Major?
After the First Year
Most Turkish universities permit students to change their major after the completion of their first academic year. This timeframe is the most common for students seeking a new academic direction.
Not During Mid-Year
Students cannot change majors after the first semester or during the spring semester. A full academic year must be completed before applying for a major change.
Not Immediately After Enrollment
Newly enrolled students are generally not allowed to change their majors right after starting university; they must first complete at least one year of study in their initial program.
Methods for Changing Majors
Lateral Transfer
The most common method is through a lateral transfer process governed by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). This process includes:
- Transfers within the same institution: Students can transfer between programs at their university.
- Transfers between universities in Turkiye: Students have the flexibility to change their major at a different university within the country.
- Transfers from international institutions: Students from foreign universities can also transfer to Turkish universities, adhering to local regulations.
Application Requirements
To successfully change your major, you typically need to:
- Submit a New Application: A new application is necessary for the desired major.
- Meet Minimum GPA Requirements: Students must fulfill the GPA benchmarks set by the university.
- Obtain Approval: Approval from university administration is mandatory.
- Additional Requirements: Depending on the university and program, there may be extra requirements to fulfill.
Important Considerations
Before deciding to change majors, students should carefully consider several factors:
- Credit Transfer: When switching majors, only courses that overlap between the two programs will transfer. Therefore, it is essential to verify which credits will be recognized to avoid losing valuable academic progress.
- GPA Requirements: Some universities could impose a GPA threshold for eligibility to change majors. Students should check specific university policies.
- Program-Specific Requirements: Certain programs may have additional entry criteria, particularly for those containing highly sought-after subjects.
- Timing: Applications for major changes often occur during defined periods, usually at the end of the academic year. It is crucial to stay informed about these timelines to avoid missing out.
- Impact on Scholarships: International students holding scholarships (like Turkey Scholarships) need to notify the scholarship authority of their major change within one month post-change.
Special Cases
Double Major Option
Instead of completely changing majors, many Turkish universities offer an attractive double major program that allows students to:
- Simultaneously Study Two Majors: This enables students to diversify their education and skill set.
- Complete Degrees within an Extended Timeframe: Students can manage their studies across both majors effectively.
- Receive the Second Major Education Free: In many cases, students do not incur additional costs for the second major, a significant financial benefit.
It is worth noting that both majors usually must be within the same faculty or college.
Special Circumstances
In exceptional cases, such as program unavailability or specific academic challenges, students may make requests to change their major:
- Request by the End of the First Semester: Compelling circumstances allow students to apply for changes until the end of the first semester, barring language training programs.
- Evaluation by Relevant Authorities: Such requests are reviewed by authorities, including Turkey Scholarships (for scholarship holders), and submitted to YÖK for the final decision.
Conclusion
Switching majors during your bachelor’s degree in Turkiye is attainable with appropriate planning and adherence to established procedures. It can potentially extend your study duration but also serves as a valuable opportunity to realign your academic journey with your interests and professional aspirations.
Students looking for a supportive learning environment while pursuing diverse educational paths may explore reputable institutions like Antalya Bilim University, Aydin University, and Istinye University. These universities offer varied programs and robust academic support for students, including those wishing to switch majors.
For international student recruiters, university admissions teams, HR professionals, and education marketers, understanding the nuances of major-switching processes can significantly enhance their engagement strategies and support systems. As a leading platform dedicated to helping international students in Turkiye, Study in Turkiye is ready to assist you or your organization in navigating these processes seamlessly.
Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye
Explore further to find out about your options and get on the path that suits your academic goals best.