Transferring Universities or Degrees in Türkiye: Eligibility and Credit Recognition

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A university transfer, usually described as Yatay Geçiş, can help you change academic direction, reduce costs or find a better-suited programme. The process has two distinct parts: admission to the new programme and recognition of the courses you have already completed. Approval of one does not guarantee the other.

What can a transfer involve?​

  • Changing department or degree within the same institution.
  • Moving between universities in Türkiye, including public and foundation universities where the relevant route permits it.
  • Seeking exemptions for equivalent courses after admission to the receiving programme.
Internal transfers can involve fewer administrative steps, but they are still subject to eligibility, quotas and faculty approval. Do not assume they are automatically easier or guaranteed.

Start with the reason for moving​

Write down the problem you are trying to solve: subject choice, career direction, programme quality, language, tuition or living costs. Then compare the proposed degree against it. Include recognition and accreditation where relevant, curriculum, facilities and likely time to graduation.
Changing university without identifying the underlying problem may leave you facing the same difficulties in a new setting.

Check the precise eligibility route​

The receiving university's current transfer announcement should explain which applicants it accepts, the available places, eligible semesters, academic thresholds and required entrance results. Your nationality alone does not determine eligibility; the original admission route also matters.
Requirements may include a minimum cumulative GPA, completed semesters, passed compulsory courses, language proficiency and academic or disciplinary standing. Different rules can apply to GPA-based transfers, central-placement-score routes and transfers from abroad. Get written guidance on the route applicable to you instead of applying a general rule from another student.

How course recognition works​

The receiving department examines the syllabus, learning outcomes, level, credits or workload, and your grade. Similar course names are not sufficient evidence. A passed course may be recognised as a direct equivalent, count as an elective or receive no exemption.
Credit recognition also affects prerequisites and the semester into which you are placed. Ask about the resulting curriculum and remaining study period, not simply the total number of accepted credits.

Prepare the application file​

  • An official transcript and grading scale.
  • Detailed course descriptions and syllabuses for the courses taken.
  • An enrolment or academic-standing certificate.
  • Passport, residence and other identity documents requested in the announcement.
  • The relevant application form, entrance results and language evidence.
  • A reasoned statement or other supporting document if requested.
Use the required translations, certification and file formats. Check whether provisional documents are accepted and when originals must be produced.

A six-stage plan​

  1. Identify suitable target programmes and compare their curriculum and cost.
  2. Confirm eligibility, the application window and available quota.
  3. Collect the transcript, syllabuses and remaining documents.
  4. Submit through the official route and keep proof of submission.
  5. Review the admission and credit-recognition decisions, including any conditions.
  6. Coordinate withdrawal from the old programme, final enrolment, accommodation and residence procedures in the order required by both universities.
Do not cancel your existing place on the strength of an informal promise. Equally, do not assume you may keep two active same-level registrations: the new university may require cancellation of the old registration before enrolment. Confirm the sequence in advance.

Budget for the move​

Compare tuition, lost or changed scholarships, extra semesters, accommodation deposits, travel and commuting. A cheaper annual fee can still produce a higher total cost if many courses are not recognised.

Residence-permit follow-up​

A transfer within the same province and a move to another province involve different migration procedures. Ask the international office and Provincial Directorate of Migration Management before moving. Maintain continuity of student status and make the required notifications on time.

Four questions to answer before accepting​

  • Am I eligible under this exact transfer route?
  • Which courses have actually been recognised in writing?
  • What will the change cost, including any delayed graduation?
  • What must I do about registration, scholarship and residence status?
A clear answer to each makes the decision more reliable than a promise that the transfer will be straightforward.

Related guides​


Official references​

Information checked on 8 October 2026. Follow the current requirements of the responsible university or authority.
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