Graduate Applications Requirements for 2025-2026 Academic Year

Graduate School of Engineering and Natural Sciences Application Requirements for Non-Thesis Master's Programs

• Applications for graduate programs are evaluated by the respective Admission Jury along with individual program entries. Admission is finalized by the approval of the related Graduate School Executive Board upon the recommendation of the Jury and announced to the applicants. 
• Applicants may be invited for written exams and interviews.
• Periods for application are announced in Academic Calendar. 
• International applicant’s registrations will be done upon the approval of Turkish Higher Education Council regarding the equivalence of the last graduated higher instution and the course of study. The necessary enquiry is made by the University. 
• Turkish candidates graduated from a higher education institution abroad should submit a certificate of equivalence by the Turkish Higher Education Council. Equivalency certificate must be submitted during the enrollment at the University. Click here for the procedures and principles to be applied by Turkish Higher Education Council.

Application Documents and Requirements:

1. Online Application

Application should be completed until the deadline. 

Candidates can apply to multiple programs.

2. Program Application Form

DA Program Application Form

IT Program Application Form

CYSEC Programı Application Form

ETM Program Application Form

DT Program Application Form

It should be uploaded under "Documents" in the online application system.

3. Official Transcript

An official document issued by the registrar of the candidate's previous institution showing all courses taken and grades received by the candidate. It should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system. 

The transcript which is obtained from E-government (e-Devlet), Higher Education Council (YÖK) / Transcript Document Inquiry menu is also valid.

4. Statement of Purpose

Document(one or two pages) explaining your objectives and your motivation for pursuing a graduate degree. 

It should be uploaded under "Documents" in the online application system.

5. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Candidates must submit an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (resume). 

It should be uploaded under "Documents" in the online application system.

 6. Photograph

Candidates must upload a passport-sized photo to the online system.

 7. Two Letters of Recommendation

The email addresses of the two individuals who will send the reference letters should be entered in the 'Recommenders' section.

When the application is completed, a link will be emailed to them to upload their recommendation letters within 3 days from the application deadline. Sample Letter of Recommendation Download

Reference letters uploaded to the system by the candidate will be considered invalid.

8. Degree Requirements

An undergraduate degree is required in order to apply for a graduate program. There is no requirement about the undergraduate program type for application.

Applicants must have completed their previous degree programs by the enrollment date for the Fall Term at Sabanci University.

9. English Proficiency Exam Result

TOEFL
Internet-based test (IBT): 

Min. score 78 ( Best score is not accepted)

PTE


Min. score 48

CAE


Min. B

CPE


Min. C

YDS,e-YDS


Min. score 65

YÖKDİL, e-YÖKDİL


Min. score 65

ELAE- English Language Assessment Exam


Candidates must obtain a satisfactory score in the Sabancı University English Language Assessment Examination (SU-ELAE).

As the instruction language at Sabancı University is English, any of the above English Proficiency Exam results with valid date and with a score equal to or above the minimum should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system.These test scores should be valid on the university registration dates.

Validity duration of the tests:

• TOEFL: 2 years
• PTE 2 years, CAE, CPE 3years,
• YÖKDİL, e-YÖKDİL, e-YDS ve YDS: 5 years  

According to the updated YOK (Turkish Higher Education Council) Legislation;

a) Acceptable Exams

There has been an update in the list of exams which are considered as equivalent by YOK and acceptable for Graduate Program registrations by Sabancı University; equivalency of IELTS, TOEFL-PBT and TOEFL-CBT exams is not accepted by YOK (Turkish Higher Education Council) any more; and these exams will not be valid for Graduate Program registrations.

b) Exam Centers

If you submit TOEFL IBT, PTE Academic, CAE or CPE scores and take these exams in Turkey, the exam center must be a state university building. According to Article 6.3.d of Instruction letter for Foreign Language Exam Equivalencies issued by the Centre for Selection and Placement of Students, "home edition versions" for this exams will not be accepted for English language exemption.

Applicants who do not submit a valid English Proficiency Exam score (fulfilling all other requirements) can only be admitted to a graduate study on the condition of obtaining a satisfactory score from the Sabancı University English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE) which will be run right after the final application deadline (see Academic Calendar for dates). Candidates are advised to check the exam date with the Student Resources Unit or follow the announcements. The ELAE exam invitation will be sent to candidates via email.

Please visit the School of Language web site for "Practice Test" of English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE).

Graduates of Sabancı University are exempt from submitting an English Proficiency Exam score provided that they apply within two years of their graduation. Period between graduation date from the previous program and registration date to the new program should be maximum 2 years.

Applications should be submitted via online application system only. Applications sent via e-mail will not be evaluated.

We would like to remind you that if you get admitted, originals of all official documents required to be submitted during university registration

Application Requirements For Graduate School of Engineering and Natural Sciences Thesis Master's Programs 

• Applications for master programs are evaluated by the respective Admission Jury along with individual program entries. Admission is finalized by the approval of the related Graduate School Executive Board upon the recommendation of the Jury and announced to the applicants. 
• Applicants may be called for written exams and interviews. All written exams and interviews are held in English. 
• Periods for application are announced in Academic Calendar. 
• Applications by international applicants studying abroad are valid only after the approval and recognition of the last graduated higher education institution and the course of study by the Turkish Higher Education Council. The necessary enquiry is made by the University. 
• Turkish candidates graduated from a higher institution abroad should submit a certificate of equivalence by the Turkish Higher Education Council. Equivalency certificate must be submitted during the enrollment at the University. Click here for the procedures and principles to be applied by Turkish Higher Education Council.

Application Documents and Requirements:

1. Online Application Form

Application should be completed until the deadline.

Candidates can apply to multiple programs.

2. Official Transcript

An official document issued by the registrar of the candidate's previous institution showing all courses taken and grades received by the candidate. It should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system. 

The transcript which is obtained from E-government (e-Devlet), Higher Education Council (YÖK) / Transcript Document Inquiry menu is also valid.

3. Statement of Purpose

A summary of the candidate's reason for applying to the program, career objectives, motivations and expectations related to the program. It should be uploaded under "Documents" in the online application system.

4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

It should be uploaded under "Documents" in the online application system.

 5. Two Letters of Recommendation

The email addresses of the two faculty members who will send the reference letters should be entered in the 'Recommenders' section.  

When the application is completed, a link will be emailed to  them to upload their recommendation letters within 3 days from the application deadline. 

Reference letters uploaded to the system by the candidate will be considered invalid.

Sample Letter of Recommendation Download

6. Graduate Program Entrance Exam Results

ALES, e-ALES

Numerical Min. Score 65

GRE

Quantitative Min. Score 153

GAT

Accumulative Test Score (General Test) Min. 65 (Pakistan NTS)

Graduate Program Entrance Exam Results must have been taken no more than:

• ALES, GRE 5 years

• GAT 2 years

  The score obtained in the exam should be entered in the relevant section of the online system, and the exam result certificate should be uploaded in the 'Documents' section.

7. English Proficiency Exam Results (*)

TOEFL

IBT: Min. Score 80 (Best Score is not accepted)

PTE

Min. Score 69

CAE

Min. B

CPE

    Min. C

YDS, e-YDS, YÖKDİL e-YÖKDİL

Min. Score 67

After the test date, TOEFL, PTE scores are valid for 2 years, CAE and CPE score are valid for 3 years and e-YDS, YDS scores are valid for 5 years.

The score obtained in the exam should be entered in the relevant section of the online system, and the exam result certificate should be uploaded in the 'Documents' section.

(*) Applicants who do not submit a valid English Proficiency Exam score (fulfilling all other requirements) can only be admitted to a graduate study on the condition of obtaining a satisfactory score from the Sabancı University English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE) which will be run right after the final application deadline. Candidates are advised to check the exam date with the Student Resources Unit or follow the announcements. The ELAE exam invitation will be sent to candidates via email

Those candidates who fail to attend or get a unsatisfactory grade in the ELAE exam are obliged to attend and successfully complete the English Language Preparation course(s) in order to enroll in a graduate program. Scholarships do not apply to the English Language Preparation courses.

Graduates of Sabancı University are exempt from submitting an English Proficiency Exam score provided that they apply within two years of their graduation. The period between graduation date from the previous program and registration date to the new program should be maximum 2 years. 

If you submit TOEFL IBT, PTE Academic, CAE or CPE scores and take these exams in Turkey, the exam center must be a state university building. According to Article 6.3.d of Instruction letter for Foreign Language Exam Equivalencies issued by the Centre for Selection and Placement of Students, "home edition versions" for this exams will not be accepted for English language exemption.

8. Degree Requirements

• Candidates are required to have completed their previous studies by the time of enrollment at Sabancı University. 
• Candidates applying for Master's Programs must hold an undergraduate degree or be registered in the last term of an undergraduate program.

Applications should be submitted via online application system only. Applications sent via e-mail will not be evaluated. 

We would like to remind you that if you get admitted, originals of all official documents required to be submitted during university registrations.

Application Requirements For Graduate School of Engineering and Natural Sciences Doctorate (PhD) Programs 

• Applications for doctorate programs are evaluated by the respective Admission Jury along with individual program entries. Admission is finalized by the approval of the related Graduate School Executive Board upon the recommendation of the Jury and announced to the applicants. 
• Applicants may be called for written exams and interviews. All written exams and interviews are held in English. 
• Periods for application are announced in Academic Calendar. 
• Applications by international applicants studying abroad are valid only after the approval and recognition of the last graduated higher education institution and the course of study by the Turkish Higher Education Council. The necessary enquiry is made by the University. 

• Turkish candidates graduated from a higher institution abroad should submit a certificate of equivalence by the Turkish Higher Education Council. Equivalency certificate must be submitted during the enrollment at the University. Click here for the procedures and principles to be applied by Turkish Higher Education Council.

  Application Documents and Requirements:

1.  Online Application Form

Application should be completed until the deadline.

Candidates can apply to multiple programs.

2. Official Transcript

An official document issued by the registrar of the candidate's previous institution showing all courses taken and grades received by the candidate. It should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system. 

The transcript which is obtained from E-government (e-Devlet), Higher Education Council (YÖK) / Transcript Document Inquiry menu is also valid.

3. Statement of Purpose

A summary of the candidate's reason for applying to the program, career objectives, motivations and expectations related to the program should be uploaded under "Documents" in the online application system.

4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

It should be uploaded under "Documents" in the online application system.

 5. Two Letters of Recommendation

The email addresses of the two faculty members who will send the reference letters should be entered in the 'Recommenders' section. When the application is completed, a link will be emailed to them to upload their recommendation letters  within 3 days from the application deadline. Click here for a sample reference letter.

Reference letters uploaded to the system by the candidate will be considered invalid.

Sample Letter of Recommendation Download

6.  Graduate Program Entrance Exam Result

ALES, e-ALES

PhD for Undergraduate Degree holders: Numerical Min. Score 80    

PhD for Graduate Degree holders: Numerical Min. Score 65

GRE

PhD for Undergraduate Degree holders: Quantitative min. score 160

PhD for Graduate Degree holders: Quantitative min. 153

GAT

PhD for Undergraduate Degree holders: Accumulative Test Score (Subject Test) Min. 80    

PhD for Graduate Degree holders: Accumulative Test Score (Subject Test) Min. 65 (Pakistan NTS)

Graduate Program Entrance Exam Results must have been taken no more than:

• e-ALES, ALES, GRE 5 years and GAT 2 years.

The score obtained in the exam should be entered in the relevant section of the online system, and the exam result certificate should be uploaded in the 'Documents' section.

7.  Foreign Language Proficiency Exam(*)

Regarding admission to Doctorate Programs, it is required to have a valid score from an international exam in another language rather than the applicants' native language, accepted as equivalent to Central Foreign Language Exams by Turkish Higher Education Council; or from an international exam which is accepted as equivalent to International Foreign Language Exams by OSYM. ( Please click for language exam list which are accepted as equivalent by ÖSYM)

TOEFL

Internet-based test (IBT): Min. score 80 (Best Score is not accepted)

PTE

Min. score 69

CAE

Min. score B

CPE

Min. score C

YDS, e-YDS, YÖKDİL e-YÖKDİL

Min. score 67 

The score obtained in the exam should be entered in the relevant section of the online system, and the exam result certificate should be uploaded in the 'Documents' section.

After the test date, TOEFL, PTE scores are valid for 2 years, CAE,CPE score are valid for 3 years and YÖKDİL, e-YÖKDİL, e-YDS, YDS scores are valid for 5 years.

(*)7.A- Candidates applying for the PhD program must prove their proficiency in a language other than their native language. Accepted exams and the minimum scores required for candidates submitting their foreign language certificate as an English exam result are listed in Item 7 of the table above.

(*)7.B. As the language of instruction at Sabancı University is English, candidates who provide their foreign language certificate in a language other than English must also prove their proficiency in English. To do so, they must meet one of the following requirements.

(*)7.B.1. They must obtain the required minimum score from one of the English proficiency exams listed in Item 7 of the table above.

          (*) 7.B.2. Applicants who do not submit a valid English Proficiency Exam score (fulfilling all other requirements) can only be admitted to a graduate study on the condition of obtaining a satisfactory score from the Sabancı University English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE) which will be run right after the final application deadline. Candidates are advised to check the exam date with the Student Resources Unit or follow the announcements. The ELAE exam invitation will be sent to candidates via email

Those candidates who fail to attend or get a unsatisfactory grade in ELAE exam are obliged to attend and successfully complete English Language Preparation course(s) in order to enroll in a graduate program. Scholarships do not apply to the English Language Preparation courses.

          (*) 7.B.3. Graduates of Sabancı University are exempt from submitting an English Proficiency Exam score provided that they apply within two years of their graduation. Period between graduation date from the previous program and registration date to the new program should be maximum 2 years.

(*) 7. C. The Sabancı University English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE) Result is not accepted as a substitute for the required 'Foreign Language Certificate' for PhD program applications. However, candidates who provide their foreign language certificate in a language other than English can take the ELAE exam to prove their English proficiency, as mentioned above.

(*) 7. D. Graduates of Sabancı University applying for the PhD program are also required to provide a foreign language certificate. However, Sabancı University graduates who submit a foreign language certificate in a language other than English will be exempt from the English proficiency requirement if they are admitted within two years of their graduation, as mentioned above.

(*) 7. E. If you submit TOEFL IBT, PTE Academic, CAE or CPE scores and take these exams in Turkey, the exam center must be a state university building. According to Article 6.3.d of Instruction letter for Foreign Language Exam Equivalencies issued by the Centre for Selection and Placement of Students, “home edition versions" for these exams will not be accepted for English language exemption.

8. Degree Requirements

• Candidates applying for the PhD programs may apply with a BA or MA degree. There is no requirement about the undergraduate or master program type for application. 
• Candidates are required to have completed their previous studies by the time of enrollment at Sabancı University.

PhD for Undergraduate Degree holders

Candidates applying for the PhD Programs with a BA degree must hold a 3.00/4.00 GPA. The candidates graduated from institutions which apply a scale other than “X out of 4.00” system must provide a conversion table or an official letter of evidence from their institutions.

PhD for Graduate Degree holders

• Candidates applying for the PhD Programs with a Master's degree must hold a “Master with Thesis” degree. Candidates whose diplomas or transcripts do not contain such information must provide an official letter of evidence from their institutions. 
• Holders of “Non-thesis Master degree” may apply to PhD programs only upon submission of an official document from their institutions, certifying that they have already been enrolled to the “Non-thesis” program before February 6th, 2013.

 Applications should be submitted via online application system only. Applications sent via e-mail will not be evaluated. 

We would like to remind you that if you get admitted, originals of all official documents required to be submitted during university registrations.

Application Requirements for the Graduate School of Social Sciences Master’s Programs 

Application Rules and Required Documents

This page contains important information regarding application rules and documents to be submitted in applications for master’s (MA-MSc) programs offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences at Sabancı University.

Who can apply?

• Admitted candidates are expected to have completed their undergraduate degrees by the time of registration for the graduate program. 
• Applications by international applicants studying abroad are valid only after the approval and recognition of the last graduated higher education institution and the course of study by the Turkish Higher Education Council. The necessary enquiry is made by the University. 
• Turkish candidates graduated from a higher institution abroad should submit a certificate of equivalence by the Turkish Higher Education Council. Equivalency certificate must be submitted during the enrollment at the University. Click here for the procedures and principles to be applied by Turkish Higher Education Council.

When can I apply?

• click here to view the application deadlines of the Graduate School of Social Sciences.

How can I apply?

The required documents listed below, and any additional documents that the candidate may wish to submit, must be uploaded to the online application system by the announced application deadline. To access the online application system, please click here. 

Documents sent by email are not accepted.

What are the required application documents?

• Required application documents are indicated separately for each program in Table 1-A and Table 1-B. 
• To be considered, candidates must upload all required documents. 
• Some graduate (MA-MSc) programs list recommended documents that may be submitted in addition to the required documents. While you are not required to submit these documents, submitting them may have an impact on the evaluation of your application.

Details regarding required application documents

1.  Online Application Form

Application should be completed until the deadline. Candidates may apply to multiple programs. Please click here for the online application form.

2. Official Transcript

An official document issued by the registrar of the candidate's previous institution showing all courses taken and grades received by the candidate. It should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system. Transcript document to be obtained under the E-government, Higher Education Council / Transcript Document Inquiry Menu is also valid.

3. Two recommendation letters

Candidates are required to provide contact details for two people who will write recommendation letters.

• The writers of recommendation letters are expected to upload them to the online system. When the application is completed, a link will be emailed to the email addresses indicated in the “Recommenders” section of the online application system for them to upload their recommendation letters. 
• References should be written in English or Turkish. References written in other languages will be not be considered. 
• References uploaded to the system by the candidate will be considered invalid. 
• A template for recommendation letters is available here.

4.  One passport-sized photo

Candidates must upload a passport-sized photo to the online system.

5. Statement of Purpose

Candidates must submit a statement, written in English, explaining their intent in applying to the program. Preferably, this should be no more than two pages. It should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system.

6. Sample work

The sample work submitted by candidates must be in English and no more than 30 pages. The work may be a paper, assignment, dissertation or similar writing. It should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system.

7. Portfolio

PDF documents, CD/DVDs, printed materials, transparent prints or online portfolios may be presented as portfolios. The portfolio is expected to consist of selected works that portray the candidate's abilities in the Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design field. It should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system.

There is no skill test for the Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design MA program.

8. Graduate Education Entrance Examination scores

Recognized exams and minimum scores are given in Table 2. No other exams or score types will be accepted.

• The score sheet must be valid as of the candidate’s application date. 
• Exam results must be announced by the application deadline. Results that are announced after the application deadline will not be considered. 
• Please enter your score in the corresponding field in the online system and upload your score sheet under “Documents”.

9. Proof of English Proficiency or taking the Sabancı University English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE): 

Recognized exams and minimum scores are given in Table 3. Other language proficiency exams will not be accepted.

• Please enter your score in the corresponding field in the online system and upload your score sheet under “Documents”. 
• The official score report must be valid as of the date of registration to the admitted program. 
• Exam results must be announced by the application deadline. Results that are announced after the application deadline will not be considered. 
• Sabancı University graduates who apply to an MA program will be exempt from foreign language proficiency requirements if there are less than 2 years between the date of their graduation and their registration date to the MA program. 
• Candidates who are not exempt from English proficiency requirements and cannot present an English proficiency exam score sheet will be expected to take the Sabancı University English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE) held after the application deadline. The candidates outside the city or abroad are also expected to take the exam. It is recommended that candidates should learn the ELAE exam date from the announcements or ask to Student Resources. The ELAE exam invitation is sent to such candidates by email. There will be no make up for ELAE exam.
• Turkish candidates with dual citizenship are expected to submit a valid language exam result certificate as they are subject to the application conditions as Turkish citizens, and in cases where the exam result is not presented, they are expected to take the Sabancı University English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE). 
• Candidates who cannot meet the English proficiency criterion will be required to complete the English preparatory year to continue their MA program. However, there are no scholarships available for the preparatory year, and thus such candidates will be required to pay the full tuition fee. 
• Candidates who take one of the international language exams recognized by the Graduate School of Social Sciences (TOEFL IBT, PTE Academic, CAE and CPE) in Turkey must ensure that they take this exam in a building owned by a public (state) university. Exams taken in test centers or private (foundation) universities are not accepted. Home edition versions" for external exam documents will not be accepted for English language exemption.
• TOEFL IBT Best Score is not accepted.

10. Research Plan: 

This outlines the candidate's intended research in the future. Research plans submitted for MA admissions are expected to have a minimum of 1000 words. It should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system. 

11. CV: 

A summary of the candidate’s education and work experience. It should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system.

How are the applications evaluated?

• Applications to MA programs at the Graduate School of Social Sciences are evaluated by the admission jury of the respective program. 
• Admission is finalized when recommended by the jury and approved by the Graduate School of Social Sciences, after which candidates are informed. 
• Candidates may be invited to written exams or interviews. Exams and interviews will be in English. 
• Based on the conditions, interviews can be in-person or online.

How can I obtain more information? 

You can reach the Sabancı University Student Resources Department with the contact information below:

Application Requirements for the Graduate School of Social Sciences Doctoral (PhD) Programs 

This page contains important information regarding application rules and documents to be submitted in applications for PhD programs offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences at Sabancı University.

Who can apply?

• PhD programs in Political Science and Economics admit candidates with undergraduate or master’s degrees. PhD programs in Experimental Psychology, Social Psychology, History and Gender Studies admit only candidates with master’s degrees. Admitted candidates are expected to have completed their degrees by the time of registration for the PhD program. 
• Applications by international applicants studying abroad are valid only after the approval and recognition of the last graduated higher education institution and the course of study by the Turkish Higher Education Council. The necessary enquiry is made by the University. 
• Turkish candidates graduated from a higher institution abroad should submit a certificate of equivalence by the Turkish Higher Education Council. Equivalency certificate must be submitted during the enrollment at the University. Click here for the procedures and principles to be applied by Turkish Higher Education Council.

When can I apply?

• Please click here to view the application deadlines of the Graduate School of Social Sciences.

How can I apply?

• The required documents listed below, and any additional documents that the candidate may wish to submit, must be uploaded to the online application system by the announced application deadline. To access the online application system, please click here. 
• Documents sent by email are not accepted.

What are the required application documents?

• Required application documents are indicated separately for each program in Table 1. 
• To be considered, candidates must upload all required documents. 
• Some PhD programs list recommended documents that may be submitted in addition to the required documents. While you are not required to submit these documents, submitting them may have an impact on the evaluation of your application.

Details regarding required application documents

1. Online Application Form:

Application should be completed until the deadline. Candidates may apply to multiple programs. must Please click here for the online application form.

2. Official Transcript

An official document issued by the Registrar of the candidate's previous institution, showing all courses taken and grades received by the candidate. It should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system. Transcript document to be obtained under the E-government, Higher Education Council / Transcript Document Inquiry Menu is also valid.

• Candidates applying to a PhD program with an undergraduate degree must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00. Graduates of universities that use a different grading system are required to submit an official explanation or a conversion table as appropriate. There is no such requirement for candidates applying with a master’s degree.

3. Two recommendation letters

Candidates are required to provide contact details for two people who will write recommendation letters.

• The writers of recommendation letters are expected to upload them to the online system. When the application is completed, a link will be emailed to the email addresses indicated in the “Recommenders” section of the online application system for them to upload their recommendation letters. 
• References should be written in English or Turkish. References written in other languages will not be considered. 
• References uploaded to the system by the candidate will be considered invalid. 
• A template for recommendation letters is available here.

4. One passport-sized photo

• Candidates must upload a passport-sized photo to the online system.

5. Statement of Purpose

• Candidates must submit a statement, written in English, explaining their intent in applying to the program. Preferably, this should be no more than two pages.. It should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system.

6. Sample work

The sample work submitted by candidates must be in English and no more than 30 pages. The work may be a paper, assignment, dissertation or similar writing.It should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system.

7. Graduate Education Entrance Examination scores

Recognized exams and minimum scores are given in Table 2 for candidates applying to PhD programs with a master’s degree, and in Table 3 for candidates applying with an undergraduate degree. No other exams or score types will be accepted.

• The score sheet must be valid as of the candidate’s application date. 
• Exam results must be announced by the application deadline. Results that are announced after the application deadline will not be considered. 
• Please enter your score in the corresponding field in the online system and upload your score sheet under “Documents”.

8. Proof of Foreign Language Proficiency: 

Candidates applying to PhD programs must present proof of proficiency in a language other than their native language. Candidates are expected to have obtained a minimum score in a central foreign language examination or an international examination recognized by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK), or an international foreign language exam recognized by the Turkish Measuring, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM). Please click here for ÖSYM-recognized foreign language tests.

• The recognized foreign language examinations and corresponding minimum scores are shown in Table 4. Other foreign language proficiency exams will not be accepted.

• The medium of instruction at Sabancı University is English. Therefore, candidates who submit proof of proficiency in a language other than English must also prove their proficiency in English. To do so, one of the conditions below must be met. Please note that this section applies only to candidates who submit proof of proficiency in a foreign language other than English.

1. Candidates must submit score sheets which prove that they meet the minimum English proficiency score indicated in Table 4.
2. Sabancı University graduates who apply to a PhD program will be exempt from English proficiency requirement if there is less than 2 years between the date of their graduation and their registration date for the PhD program.
3. Candidates who are not exempt from English proficiency requirements and cannot present an English proficiency exam score sheet will be expected to take the Sabancı University English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE) held after the application deadline. The candidates outside the city or abroad are also expected to take the exam. It is recommended that candidates should learn the ELAE exam date from the announcements or ask to Student Resources. The ELAE exam invitation is sent to such candidates by email. There will be no make up for ELAE exam.
4. Turkish candidates with dual citizenship are required to submit a valid language exam result certificate as they are subject to the conditions of application as a Turkish citizen.
5. Candidates who cannot meet the English proficiency criterion will be required to complete the English preparatory year to continue their PhD program. However, there are no scholarships available for the preparatory year, and thus such candidates will be required to pay the full tuition fee.

• The Sabancı University English Language Assessment Exam ELAE Score Sheet does not qualify as a “Proof of Foreign Language Proficiency” under PhD admission requirements. However, candidates who submit proof of proficiency in a language other than English may take the ELAE to meet the English proficiency requirement. 
• Exam results must be announced by the application deadline. Results that are announced after the application deadline will not be considered. 
• The “Proof of Language Proficiency” requirement also applies to candidates who are Sabancı University graduates.
• Please enter your score in the corresponding field in the online system and upload your score sheet under “Documents”. 
• Candidates who take one of the international language exams recognized by the Graduate School of Social Sciences (TOEFL IBT, PTE Academic, CAE and CPE) in Turkey must ensure that they take this exam in a building owned by a public (state) university. Exams taken in test centers or private (foundation) universities are not accepted. Home edition versions" for external exam documents will not be accepted for English language exemption.
• TOEFL IBT Best Score is not accepted.

9. Research Plan: 

This outlines the candidate's intended research in the future. Research plans submitted for PhD admissions are expected to have a minimum of 1500 words.. It should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system.

10. Diploma for Master’s Degree with Thesis: 

Candidates who apply to PhD programs while holding a master’s degree will be required to submit their “master’s diploma with thesis.”

• YÖK Graduate Certificate obtained through e-government may also be submitted. 
• If the official transcript of the candidate indicates that the candidate has completed a master’s program with thesis, this will be enough for application purposes. However, the original diploma will still be required during registration.
• Candidates whose diplomas or transcripts do not state whether their program had a thesis requirement must obtain an official letter from their institution stating that the program which they have completed is a master’s program with a thesis requirement. 
• Candidates who were registered in non-thesis master’s programs before February 6, 2013 may apply to PhD programs if they can document the date on which they were registered to the non-thesis program.

11. CV: 

A summary of the candidate's education and work experience. It should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system.

How are the applications evaluated?

• Applications to PhD programs at the Graduate School of Social Sciences are evaluated by the admission jury of the respective program. 
• Admission is finalized when recommended by the jury and approved by the Graduate School of Social Sciences, after which candidates are informed. 
• Candidates may be invited to written exams or interviews. Exams and interviews will be in English. 
• Based on the conditions, interviews can be in-person or online.

How can I obtain more information?

You can reach the Sabancı University Student Resources Department with the contact information below:

Application Requirements For Sabancı Graduate Business School Non-Thesis Master’s Programs 

• Applications for graduate programs are evaluated by the Admission Jury in line with the specific requirements of the program. Admission is finalized by the approval of the related Graduate School Executive Board upon the recommendation of the Jury and announced to the applicant. 
• Applicants could be called for written exams and interviews. All written exams and interviews are held in English. 
• Periods for application are announced in Academic Calendar 
• Applications of international applicants studying abroad are valid only after the approval and recognition by the Turkish Higher Education Council on the last graduated higher education institution and the course of study . The necessary enquiry is made by the University. 
• Turkish candidates graduated from a higher education institution abroad should submit a certificate of equivalence by the Turkish Higher Education Council. Equivalency certificate must be submitted during the enrollment at the University. Click here for the procedures and principles to be applied by Turkish Higher Education Council.

1. Application Documents and Requirements

1. Online Application Form: Application should be completed until the deadline. 

2. Official Transcript: An official document issued by the registrar of the candidate's previous institution showing all courses taken and grades received by the candidate. It should be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system. The transcript which is obtained from E-government (e-Devlet), Higher Education Council (YÖK) / Transcript Document Inquiry menu is also valid. 

3. Two Letters of Recommendation: The writers of recommendation letters are expected to upload them to the online system. When the application is completed, a link will be emailed to the email addresses indicated in the “Recommenders” section of the online application system for them to upload their recommendation letters. 

PBAN, MBA, EMBA, MIM, MiF and PMBA Recommendation Letter sample 

4. One Photograph: Candidates must upload a passport-sized photo to the online system. 

5. ALES or other similar exams are not required for MBA Non-Thesis Master’s  Program, Masters in Finance (MiF), Professional Business Analytics(MSBA), Executive MBA (EMBA), Professional MBA (PMBA), Master of Science in Marketing (MIM) and Master of Science in Action Research and Transformation (MSART- NT)program applications 

6. English Proficiency Exam Result: Candidates will be assessed for their English proficiency during the interview stage, and it is expected that candidates demonstrate a satisfactory level of English proficiency. However, candidates who provide valid English exam results meeting the specified minimum scores within the designated validity period will be exempt from the English proficiency section of the interviews.

After the test date, TOEFL and PTE scores are valid for 2 years; CPE and CAE scores are valid for 3 years; e-YDS and YDS scores are valid for 5 years. 

Graduates of Sabancı University are exempt from submitting an English Proficiency Exam score provided that they apply within 2 years of their graduation. Period between graduation date from the previous program and registration date to the new program should be maximum 2 years. 

*If you submit TOEFL IBT, PTE Academic, CAE or CPE scores and take these exams in Turkey, the exam center must be a state university building. ( According to Article 6.3.d of Instruction letter for Foreign Language Exam Equivalencies issued by the Centre for Selection and Placement of Students). Home edition versions" for external exam documents will not be accepted for English language exemption.

7. Statement of personal and professional purpose: It should be uploaded under "Documents" in the online application system. 

8. Curriculum Vitae: Candidates must submit an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (resume). It should be uploaded under "Documents" in the online application system 

9. Other Requirements: 

• Master program applicants should have undergraduate diploma.
• Applicants must complete their previous degree programs by the registration period at the latest. 
• Applications should be submitted via online application system only. Applications sent via e-mail cannot be evaluated. 

We would like to remind you that if you get admitted, originals of all official documents required to be submitted during university registrations.

Application Requirements For Sabancı Graduate Business School Doctorate (PhD) Program
 

Application Requirements For Sabancı Graduate Business School Ph.D. Program 

Applications for graduate programs are evaluated by the Admission Jury in line with the specific requirements of the program. Admission is finalized by the approval of the related Graduate School Executive Board upon the recommendation of the Jury and announced to the applicant. 

Applicants could be called for written exams and interviews. All written exams and interviews are held in English. 

Periods for application are announced in Academic Calendar .

Applications of international applicants studying abroad are valid only after the approval and recognition by the Turkish Higher Education Council on the last graduated higher education institution and the course of study. The necessary enquiry is made by the University.

Turkish candidates graduated from a higher education institution abroad should submit a certificate of equivalence by the Turkish Higher Education Council. Equivalency certificate must be submitted during the enrollment at the University. Click here for the procedures and principles to be applied by Turkish Higher Education Council.

Application Documents and Requirements:

1. Online Application Form

Application must be completed until the deadline.

2. Official Transcript

An official document issued by the registrar of the candidate's previous institution showing all courses taken and grades received by the candidate. It must be uploaded under “Documents” in the online application system. The transcript which is obtained from E-government (e-Devlet), Higher Education Council (YÖK) / Transcript Document Inquiry menu is also valid.

Candidates applying for the Ph.D. Program with a BA degree must hold a minimum of 3.00/4.00 GPA. The candidates graduated from institutions which apply a scale other than “X out of 4.00” system must provide a conversion table or an official letter of evidence from their institutions.

3. Two Letters of Recommendation

The candidate must upload the contact information of his/her two reference to the online application form.

a. The writers of recommendation letters are expected to upload them to the online system. When the application is completed, a link will be emailed to the email addresses indicated in the “Recommenders” section of the online application system for them to upload their recommendation letters. 

b. The reference letters uploaded by the candidate are invalid. 

c. Sample Letter of Recommendation Download

4. One Photograph

Candidates must upload a passport-sized photo to the online system.

5. Statement of Personal and Professional Purpose

Letter in English explaining the candidate's intention to apply to the relevant program. It must not exceed 2 pages and it must be uploaded under "Documents" in the online application system. 

6. Result for Graduate Program Entrance Exam

Any of the following science test results baring the minimum scores and which are within the validity period as indicated below must be submitted. Photocopies of the documents mentioned below are accepted for application; however, originals will be requested for registration in the case of admission.

a. The score obtained in the exam must be written in the relevant part of the online system and the document showing the declared exam result must be uploaded to the "Documents" section of the online application system. 

b. Exam result must be valid as of the application deadline. 

c. Exam results must be announced by the application deadline. Exams announced after the deadline will not be taken into consideration. 

d. The ALES exam is determined as 70 to be evaluated in the applications of the graduates of the Ph.D. / proficiency in art / specialty in medicine / specialty in dentistry / specialty in veterinary medicine / specialty in pharmacy to graduate programs. This score is directly included in the calculations.

7. Graduate Diploma with Thesis for Candidates who will apply to the Ph.D. Program with a Master’s Diploma: 

a. Candidates applying for the Ph.D. Program with a Master degree must hold an “Master with Thesis” degree. 

b. Candidates whose diplomas or transcripts do not contain such information must provide an official letter of evidence from their institutions. 

c. Holders of “Non-thesis Master degree” may apply to Ph.D. program only upon submission of an official document from their institutions, certifying that they have already been enrolled to the “Non-thesis” program before February 6th, 2013. 

8. Foreign Language Exam Certificate: 

Candidates applying to Ph. D. Program must present proof of proficiency in a language other than their native language. Candidates are expected to have obtained a minimum score in a central foreign language examination or an international examination recognized by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK), or an international foreign language exam recognized by the Turkish Measuring, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM). Please click here for ÖSYM-recognized foreign language tests. 

a. Candidates must submit score sheets which prove that they meet the minimum English proficiency score indicated in Table 2.

b. The medium of instruction at Sabancı University is English. Therefore, candidates who submit proof of proficiency in a language other than English must also prove their proficiency in English. To do so, one of the conditions below must be met. Please note that this section applies only to candidates who submit proof of proficiency in a foreign language other than English. 

• Candidates must submit score sheets which prove that they meet the minimum English proficiency score indicated in Table 2. 
• Graduates of Sabancı University are exempt from submitting an English Proficiency Exam score provided that they apply within 2 years of their graduation. Period between graduation date from the previous program and registration date to the new program should be maximum 2 years. 
• Candidates who are not exempt from English proficiency requirements and cannot present an English proficiency exam score sheet will be expected to take the Sabancı University English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE) held after the application deadline. The candidates outside the city or abroad are also expected to take the exam. It is recommended that candidates should learn the ELAE exam date from the announcements or ask to Student Resources. The ELAE exam invitation is sent to such candidates by email. There will be no make up for ELAE exam.
• Turkish candidates with dual citizenship are required to submit a valid language exam result certificate as they are subject to the conditions of application as a Turkish citizen. 
• Candidates who cannot meet the English proficiency criterion will be required to complete the English preparatory year to continue their Ph.D. program. However, there are no scholarships available for the preparatory year, and thus such candidates will be required to pay the full tuition fee. 

c. The Sabancı University English Language Assessment Exam ELAE Score Sheet does not qualify as a “Proof of Foreign Language Proficiency” under Ph.D. admission requirements. However, candidates who submit proof of proficiency in a language other than English may take the ELAE to meet the English proficiency requirement. 

d. The “Proof of Language Proficiency” requirement also applies to candidates who are Sabancı University graduates. 

e. Please enter your score in the corresponding field in the online system and upload your score sheet under Documents. 

f. If you submit TOEFL IBT, PTE Academic, CAE or CPE scores and take these exams in Turkey, the exam center must be a state university building. (According to Article 6.3.d of Instruction letter for Foreign Language Exam Equivalencies issued by the Centre for Selection and Placement of Students). Home edition versions" for external exam documents will not be accepted for English language exemption. 

9. Curriculum Vitae: 

Candidates must submit an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (resume). It should be uploaded under "Documents" in the online application system. 

Important Notes: 

• Ph.D. Program applicants must hold an undergraduate or master's diploma. 
• Applicants must complete their previous degree programs by the registration period at the latest. 
• Applications must be submitted via online application system only. Applications sent via e-mail cannot be evaluated.
• We would like to remind you that if you get admitted, originals of all official documents required to be submitted during university registrations.