The Department of Educational Sciences accepts international students to its master's and doctoral programs. However, unlike the practice in many countries, applications for graduate study at METU are not accepted on a rolling basis but at periodic intervals. Applicants do not correspond with faculty members and follow an individual application process as they might at universities in the US or Europe. Instead, they submit an online application within a set period. The university's relevant units then review each application and decide whether the candidate is admitted.
How the Process Works
Application dates
The university announces the application dates for international students every year. Applicants must apply within these dates. Applications are generally accepted twice a year; however, in periods when the number of applications is high, they are accepted only once a year. The dates are published on the International Students Office website: https://iso.metu.edu.tr/en
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet certain criteria. Candidates who meet these requirements may apply to METU's graduate programs. The greatest convenience offered to international applicants is conditional admission. Under this arrangement, applicants who do not hold a GRE or equivalent exam score may still apply, and if admitted to the relevant program, may begin their studies. However, they must then achieve a certain level of success in the courses assigned to them. Students who reach this level continue their studies; otherwise, their enrollment is terminated. The criteria are available here: https://iso.metu.edu.tr/en/system/files/odtu_iso_requirements.pdf
Application
Applications are received through an online system, and each applicant must submit their own application in person. Application link: https://application.metu.edu.tr
Registration
Admitted candidates should follow the announcements on the International Students Office website to complete their registration.
Tuition
A tuition fee is set each year for international students. Depending on the applicant's circumstances, an exemption may apply, and scholarships offered by METU are also available. Details: https://iso.metu.edu.tr/en/tuition-fee
English proficiency
The language of instruction at METU is English. Proof of English proficiency is not required at the time of application. However, admitted students who cannot submit a valid exam result (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic; see https://iso.metu.edu.tr/en/english-proficiency) may take the METU English Proficiency Exam. Students who do not achieve a sufficient score on this exam attend a one-year English preparatory program in the Department of Basic English. Students with a valid English proficiency score begin their courses directly.
Useful Links
- Application steps: https://iso.metu.edu.tr/en/5-step-application-undergraduate-programs-metu-international-student
- Required documents: https://iso.metu.edu.tr/en/required-documents
- Application criteria: https://iso.metu.edu.tr/en/application-requirements
- General Application Process for the Graduate School of Social Sciences: https://sbe.metu.edu.tr/tr/genel-basvuru-sureci
If you need assistance, please contact the International Students Office directly: https://iso.metu.edu.tr/en/contact
