Kocaeli University has opened its second international student application round for the 2026-2027 academic year. Applications are received through the university's online system, and the window is short.
Second Application Round Calendar
The dates published in the university's official application calendar are as follows:
- Online application and preferences: 1-10 September 2026
- Announcement of results: 15 September 2026
- Pre-registration and payment of the semester tuition fee: 16-22 September 2026
The critical point here is the third item. Although these dates are often referred to as "registration dates", the university's calendar defines this stage as pre-registration and payment of one semester's tuition fee. The calendar carries an explicit warning: students who do not pay the tuition fee on time cannot register at the university.
In other words, once results are announced you have only one week. Start the payment process the moment you learn you have been placed.
This is the year's second round. The university held its first round in June: applications ran 10-15 June, results were announced on 20 June, and pre-registration was completed between 23 June and 4 July.
Application Fee
There is an application fee of 20 US dollars or 20 euros. Since this is separate from tuition and non-refundable, it is worth choosing your preferences carefully.
Accepted Exams and Minimum Scores
Kocaeli University does not look only at TR-YÖS when admitting international students. Its published list of valid exams is broad, and the thresholds vary by program group. The university evaluates programs in three groups: medicine and dentistry, other undergraduate programs, and associate degree programs.
TR-YÖS
A success score of 75% is required for medicine and dentistry, 60% for other undergraduate programs, and 50% for associate degree programs. Validity is determined by ÖSYM.
Secondary school (high school) diploma — excluding diplomas obtained in Türkiye
Based on the diploma's full score, 75% is required for medicine and dentistry, 60% for other undergraduate programs and 50% for associate degrees. Validity: unlimited.
SAT
For medicine and dentistry, at least 1100/1600 or at least 1400/2400 (including writing), on condition of scoring at least 600 in the mathematics test. For other undergraduate programs, at least 900/1600 or 1100/2400, on condition of at least 400 in mathematics. For associate degrees, at least 600/1600 or 900/2400, on condition of at least 200 in mathematics. Validity: 2 years.
ACT
For medicine and dentistry, at least 25 in each of Math, Science Reasoning and Composite. For other undergraduate programs, at least 22 in each; for associate degrees, at least 20 in each. Validity: 2 years.
GCE (A Level)
For medicine and dentistry, an A grade in mathematics plus A grades in at least two of the science subjects (physics, chemistry, biology). For other undergraduate programs, in quantitative fields: A grades in at least three subjects in total, on condition of an A in mathematics and at least one science subject; in other fields: A grades in three subjects in total, one of which must be mathematics. Validity: unlimited.
ABITUR and MATURA
A maximum of 2 points for medicine and dentistry, a maximum of 3 for other undergraduate programs, and a maximum of 3.5 for associate degrees. Note the word "maximum" — in these systems a lower score is better. Validity: unlimited.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
For medicine and dentistry, a total diploma score of 30 or above, on condition of at least 5 points in each of the sciences and mathematics. For science and engineering fields, a diploma score of 26 or above with at least 4 points in each of those areas; for social fields, 26 or above with at least 4 points in each of language and literature studies and mathematics. For associate degrees, a total diploma score of 24 or above. Validity: unlimited.
Confirm the current thresholds on the university's valid exams page before applying.
An Important Rule About Quotas
The university's quotas and conditions page contains a limitation many candidates are unaware of:
Candidates who were born Turkish citizens but lost their citizenship by obtaining permission to renounce it from the Ministry of Interior, candidates who can document that they hold a Blue Card, and dual-national candidates with one nationality being Turkish who completed their high school education abroad (excluding TRNC high schools) must not exceed 10% of the quota in dentistry, pharmacy, law, teaching and medicine programs during enrollment.
If you fall into this group and are targeting one of these five program areas, apply knowing that competition will run through a considerably narrower quota.
Another special condition concerns maritime programs: under the Regulation on Seafarers and Pilot Captains, foreign nationals cannot become seafarers. Foreign national students who receive education documents in maritime-related programs must therefore apply for a Seafarer's Certificate in their own countries using those documents.
Tuition Fees and Quotas
The 2026-2027 tuition fees and quotas have not yet been finalised. The university's page states that fees are currently in draft form and that, should anything change once finalised, students will not be disadvantaged and any adjustment will be reconciled in the following term.
We will share the figures once announced. Check the current amount on the university's official page before making any payment. For the wider picture of university costs in Türkiye, see our cost and scholarship guide.
If You Are Not Placed in This Round
Not being placed in one application round does not mean the process is closed. Universities open additional application and supplementary placement rounds depending on quota availability. Keep following the announcements of the International Students Branch to see whether Kocaeli University opens a new round.
Other universities also have applications open during the same period. We publish these announcements daily on our blog.
How to Apply
Applications are made online through the university's international student application system: isas.kocaeli.edu.tr
Prepare these three things before applying:
- Your exam or diploma document. Decide which criterion you will apply with and make sure you meet the threshold.
- Your preference list. Since the application fee is non-refundable, getting your preferences right from the start matters.
- Your payment plan. Results are announced on 15 September and you only have until 22 September to pay.
If you need support preparing your application, the YösEdu team is here.