Turkey is a unique and culturally rich country where Europe and Asia meet. Its cities and landscapes are rich in history and tradition, making it a popular destination for travelers and students. Turkey also has a growing academic reputation, with universities offering English-taught programs and a wide range of international opportunities.
International students who plan to enter an English-taught program at a Turkish university usually need to prove their English proficiency. IELTS may be accepted by some universities, but it is not accepted for every program or institution. Some universities now rely on TOEFL, PTE, national exams, or their own English proficiency exams instead. Read the rest of this article to learn more about IELTS band requirements and current English proficiency policies at universities in Turkey.
Minimum IELTS Band Requirements for Turkish Universities
| INSTITUTION NAME | CURRENT IELTS STATUS (UNDERGRADUATE) | CURRENT IELTS STATUS (GRADUATE) |
|---|
| Yasar University | 5.0 | 6.0 for many English-taught graduate programs |
| Maltepe University | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Izmir University of Economics | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| Bahcesehir University | 6.0 | 6.5 |
| Bilkent University | 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each section | 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each section |
1. Yasar University
- Current IELTS Status: 5.0 for undergraduate applicants; many English-taught graduate programs list IELTS 6.0
Located in Izmir, Turkey, Yasar University was established in 2001 and follows the principles of Science, Unity, and Success. The university offers international students a range of programs and emphasizes global education, technology, arts, design, and social responsibility. For IELTS, undergraduate applicants may see a minimum score of 5.0 listed, while many English-taught graduate programs list a higher IELTS requirement of 6.0. Because requirements may vary by program, students should always confirm the current requirement with the department before applying.
2. Maltepe University
- Current IELTS Status: 5.5
Relevant degree programs, expert faculty and staff, and a wide range of academic facilities are among the things students can find at Maltepe University. Founded in 1997 and located in Istanbul, Maltepe University is a private foundation university with an international outlook. One sign of its global character is its participation in international exchange and academic cooperation. Maltepe University is also home to the UNESCO Chair in Philosophy and Human Rights, established in 2009. Students using IELTS should treat 5.5 as an indicative minimum and confirm current program-specific requirements before applying.
3. Izmer University of Economics
- Current IELTS Status: 6.5 for undergraduate applicants and 6.0 for graduate applicants
Another foundation university, and the first foundation university in Izmir and the Aegean region, is Izmir University of Economics. It is a fitting location for an institution with a strong focus on business and innovation, as Izmir has long been known as a major center of trade. Established in 2001, this nonprofit university was founded by the Izmir Chamber of Commerce Education and Health Foundation. Today, IUE includes faculties, schools, vocational schools, and a graduate school. For IELTS, the current listed scores are 6.5 for undergraduate applicants and 6.0 for graduate applicants. At IUE, students are taught to practice its motto: “Comprehend with science, manage with knowledge.”
4. Bahcesehir University
“A world university in the heart of Istanbul” is the title that Bahcesehir University carries with pride. BAU students can pursue an international education in one of Turkey’s most cosmopolitan cities. BAU also offers opportunities connected with BAU Global locations and international exchange programs. Students can gain practical skills through internships and industry connections, and many international students study at the university. For IELTS, Bahcesehir University lists a minimum score of 6.0 for undergraduate applicants and 6.5 for graduate applicants. BAU has also appeared in recent Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, including the 2025 edition.
5. Bilkent University
- IELTS Requirement
- Current IELTS Status: 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each section
Ankara-based Bilkent University was established in October 1984 and is widely recognized as Turkey’s first private, nonprofit university. Its name comes from “bilim kenti,” which means “city of learning and science” in Turkish. Bilkent has grown into a major center for higher education and research, with thousands of students across undergraduate and graduate programs. For IELTS, Bilkent requires an overall score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each section. The university is also listed in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
We hope this article on IELTS band requirements for universities in Turkey was helpful. To know more about studying abroad, make sure to check out the Study in Turkey and Available Programs in Europe for International Students.
