Academic Personnel and Graduate Education Entrance Exam (ALES)

The Higher Education General Assembly decided to merge the exam for appointments to positions such as lecturer, instructor, research assistant, specialist, translator, and education planner in higher education institutions with the Graduate Education Entrance Exam (LES) and to name the new exam "Academic Personnel and Graduate Education Entrance Exam (ALES)" on February 2, 2007. 

Where is ALES used?

• For appointments to positions such as lecturer, instructor, research assistant, specialist, translator, and education planner in higher education institutions, either directly or through transfer from other positions.
• For admission to graduate programs in Turkey.
• For selecting candidates to be sent abroad for graduate studies, providing scores used by the relevant institutions.

Use of This Exam for Appointments to Academic Positions

To be appointed to positions such as lecturer, instructor, research assistant, specialist, translator, and education planner in higher education institutions, candidates must score at least 70 out of 100 in their field. Successful candidates, who meet the conditions specified in Article 48 of the Civil Servants Law No. 657, the higher education legislation, and the decisions of the Higher Education Council, may apply for entrance exams determined by the senates of state universities and institutes of technology, or the authorized bodies of foundation higher education institutions. Those with a doctorate or proficiency in art are exempt from this exam and may apply for the entrance exams conducted by higher education institutions.

Use of These Exam Results for Graduate Applications

All higher education institutions will use the results of this exam in the selection and placement processes for graduate programs. Candidates must score at least 55 (70 for those applying to doctoral or proficiency in art programs with a bachelor's degree) in the relevant score type for their applied program. Institutions will announce the weight of the exam score, which must be at least 50%, in the selection process. Institutions may use these scores solely or as part of their own exam.

Use of These Exam Results for Sending Students Abroad for Graduate Studies

The results of this exam will be used for selecting candidates to be sent abroad for graduate studies to meet the academic staff needs of higher education institutions. Candidates wishing to study abroad must take this exam. Those who wish to study abroad without mandatory service obligations are not required to take this exam.

Use of This Exam Result by Some Public Institutions for Granting Scholarships Abroad

Some public institutions use the results of this exam when granting scholarships for graduate studies abroad. If foreign educational institutions require the results of a domestic exam from applicants for graduate studies, candidates may provide the results of this exam to those institutions. Both domestic and foreign institutions may use the exam results for their purposes if they wish.

Who Can Apply for the Exam?

Graduates or those close to graduating from an undergraduate program, as well as those who have obtained an equivalence certificate for their undergraduate education abroad, can apply for the exam. The exam is conducted twice a year, in the spring (May) and fall (November) periods.

Validity of Exam Results

The exam results are valid for three years from the exam date.

Structure of ALES Questions

ALES consists of 160 questions. There are 80 math questions, divided into 40 questions each for Quantitative-1 and Quantitative-2. Additionally, there are 80 verbal questions in Turkish. The exam duration is 180 minutes and is held at specific centers.

If I Take ALES Multiple Times, Which Score is Valid?

Candidates who have taken ALES multiple times can use any of their scores within the validity period. There is no obligation to use the most recent score; the highest score within the validity period can be used.