ALES Guide for Foreign National Candidates 2026: Exam Structure + Master's/Doctorate Requirement + Strategy
Complete ALES (Academic Personnel and Graduate Education Entrance Exam) guide for foreign national candidates: exam structure (numerical+verbal+equal weighted), master's/doctorate application requirement, ALES alternative routes for foreigners (GRE/GMAT), 2026 calendar, preparation strategy.
Related Content: Master's/Doctorate Hub
TL;DR
- What is ALES: Entrance exam administered by ÖSYM for master's+doctorate+academic personnel applications in Turkey.
- Foreign national requirement: Turkish university discretion — some programs don't require ALES, some accept ALES OR equivalent (GRE/GMAT).
- Exam structure: 3 score types — Numerical (SAY), Verbal (SÖZ), Equal Weight (EA); 80 questions, 150 minutes.
- Annual 3 sessions: Spring (April), Autumn (November), Winter (December-January).
- Threshold score: Master's generally 55-65, Doctorate 60-70 (varies by university+department).
- Alternative: Most universities accept GRE+GMAT equivalent for foreign nationals.
What is ALES?
ALES (Academic Personnel and Graduate Education Entrance Exam) is used in Turkey for:
- Application to master's programs
- Application to doctorate programs
- Application to university academic personnel positions (assistant professor, etc.)
- Medical specialty training (TUS) some positions (TÜBİTAK projects)
It is the standard academic competency exam, administered annually in 3 sessions by ÖSYM (Center for Selection and Placement of Students).
ALES Requirement for Foreign Nationals
According to YÖK regulation, ALES is university discretion for foreign national candidates:
Universities Requiring ALES
- Most state universities (Boğaziçi, METU, İTÜ, Hacettepe, IU, Marmara, Ankara, Gazi)
- Some foundation universities
- Turkish medium programs generally require ALES
Universities NOT Requiring ALES (Or Accepting Equivalent)
- Most foundation universities (Koç, Sabancı, Bilkent, Bahçeşehir, Yeditepe — English programs)
- English medium programs generally accept GRE+GMAT
- Some state universities apply ALES exemption for foreign nationals
Accepted Equivalent Exams
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination): US-based; standard for doctorate applications. 60-70% of Turkish universities accept. By ETS. Score 130-170 (each of 3 sections — Verbal+Quantitative+Analytical Writing).
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): For business+MBA programs. By GMAC. Score 200-800.
- GRE Subject Tests: Additional score for some fields (Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Mathematics, etc.).
Warning: Definitely check university+department exam acceptance policy before applying. Some are "ALES or GRE", some only ALES, some don't require either.
ALES Exam Structure
| Section | Questions | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical Section | 40 questions | 75 min | Math+Geometry+Data analysis+Logic |
| Verbal Section | 40 questions | 75 min | Turkish paragraph+meaning+reasoning+grammar+verbal logic |
| TOTAL | 80 questions | 150 min | — |
3 Score Types
From same exam, 3 different score types calculated:
- SAY (Numerically Weighted): Numerical 60% + Verbal 40% — Engineering+Medicine+Science+Numerical fields
- SÖZ (Verbally Weighted): Verbal 60% + Numerical 40% — Literature+History+Sociology+Verbal fields
- EA (Equal Weight): Numerical 50% + Verbal 50% — Economics+Business+Law+Education
Score Calculation
- Correct count + wrong count considered
- Wrong penalty: 4 wrong answers cancel 1 correct (4W=1C)
- Score range 0-100
- Threshold: Master's 55-65, Doctorate 60-70 (varies by university+department)
2026 ALES Calendar
| Period | Application | Exam | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALES/1 (Spring) | March 2026 | April 2026 | May 2026 |
| ALES/2 (Autumn) | September 2026 | November 2026 | December 2026 |
| ALES/3 (Winter) | December 2025/2026 | January 2026/2027 | February |
Application for Foreign National Candidates
Application Requirements
- Bachelor's diploma (with YÖK equivalency for foreign diplomas)
- Valid passport or Turkish ID (for Blue Card holders+dual citizens)
- Foreign national number (ÖSYM)
- Online application: osym.gov.tr
- Exam fee: ~600-800 TL (varies annually)
Exam Centers
ALES is administered in all Turkish provinces+TRNC. Foreign students take the exam in their own city.
ALES Turkish Insufficiency Problem
ALES Verbal Section requires Turkish paragraph+reasoning. DIFFICULTY for foreign candidates with insufficient Turkish:
- Turkish academic language C1 level required
- Fast reading+comprehension+reasoning
- Misleading word+expression traps
- Numerical Section relatively easier for foreigners (math universal)
Strategic Recommendation
- Those without Turkish C1 level may prefer GRE+GMAT instead of ALES
- Check Turkish university's GRE/GMAT acceptance policy
- TÖMER C1+6+ months intensive study for Turkish academic language preparation
- Numerically Weighted (SAY) score generally more advantageous for foreigners
ALES Preparation Strategy
From Zero Preparation (4-6 months)
- Months 1-2: Basic math review + Turkish paragraph solving practice
- Months 3-4: Subject-based study + question bank
- Month 5: Practice exams (2 practice exams weekly)
- Month 6: Weak topic remediation + time management practice
Recommended Resources
- Publishers: Pegem, Yargı, Çapa, Yediiklim, Hız Akademi, Murat (Turkish publishers)
- ÖSYM past questions: Free archive every period (osym.gov.tr)
- Online practice: Correct-wrong analysis+detailed solution
- Private courses: One-on-one+group courses ($300-1,500/program)
ALES vs GRE/GMAT Decision Matrix for Foreign Nationals
| Factor | ALES | GRE/GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Turkish (Verbal challenging) | English |
| Cost | ~600-800 TL ($20-25) | GRE $220, GMAT $275 |
| Accepted Universities | All Turkish universities | Most foundation+some state (60-70%) |
| Validity Period | 5 years | 5 years |
| Exam Frequency | Annually 3 sessions | Year-round (anytime) |
| International Use | Turkey only | Global (US+UK+EU+Asia) |
| Preparation Time | 4-6 months | 3-5 months |
Choose GRE if:
- Weak Turkish + strong English
- Targeting foundation university
- Planning hybrid career (Turkey+US+EU)
- English medium program
Choose ALES if:
- Turkish academic C1 level
- Targeting state university
- Turkish medium program
- Low cost priority
FAQ
Is ALES mandatory for foreign nationals?
University discretion. Most state+some foundation universities require ALES for foreign nationals too. Some accept GRE+GMAT equivalent.
How to handle ALES with insufficient Turkish?
Numerical Section advantageous (math universal). For Verbal, Turkish academic C1 preparation required. Alternative: GRE+GMAT.
I have GRE score, does it replace ALES?
YES at most Turkish foundation universities. State universities depend on UNIVERSITY POLICY. Check before applying.
What ALES score for doctorate?
Generally 60-70 (varies by university+department). At top state universities (METU, Boğaziçi) 75-85 should be targeted (high competition).
For master's?
Generally 55-65. Lower (50-55) may be sufficient at foundation universities.
How many sessions yearly?
3 sessions (April + November + January). You can take any session and use your highest score.
Score validity?
5 years. You can retake within 5 years to update your score.
Cost?
Annual ~600-800 TL (~$20-25). Official ÖSYM rate.
Is ALES sufficient for academic personnel?
Academic position application requires ALES + foreign language (YDS/YÖKDİL/IELTS/TOEFL) + academic publication + interview joint evaluation. ALES alone insufficient.
Conclusion
ALES is important but not always mandatory for foreign national master's+doctorate candidates. Checking university policy+strategic decision (ALES vs GRE/GMAT) important. For those without C1 Turkish, GRE+GMAT generally more pragmatic.
Rehber Panda's coaching packages offer ALES+GRE+GMAT preparation+university selection+application coordination. WhatsApp for information.
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