Turkish Universities Update Academic Rules for Exams, Credits, and Graduate Admissions

Four Turkish universities published revised education and examination regulations in the Official Gazette between September 26 and 29, 2026. The changes affect associate, undergraduate, and graduate students across different institutions.

Atatürk University raised the credit cap to 175 ECTS for certain four-year health science programs with core curricula. Graduating students who need only one course to finish may now take an additional class beyond their ECTS limit in their final semester.

Turkish Aeronautical Association University allowed final-year students and those exceeding the standard study period to enroll in up to 42 ECTS per semester without a GPA requirement. Internships and capstone projects were excluded from the semester credit calculation.

Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University increased ALES score thresholds for doctoral applicants to 65 points for master's holders and 80 points for bachelor's holders. Master's applicants need a minimum 55 ALES score and 65 points on a written or oral exam, with ranking based equally on both scores.

Giresun University set minimum attendance at 70 percent for theoretical courses and 80 percent for applied, laboratory, and vocational courses to sit for exams. The regulation also broadened assessment methods to include projects, portfolios, and performances, and requires exam schedules to be announced at least 10 business days in advance.