Foreign Language Exams

Interuniversity Foreign Language Exam (ÜDS)

To pursue an academic career at universities and to become academic personnel, it is necessary to take the ÜDS in addition to obtaining a sufficient score from the ALES. The ÜDS is conducted twice a year, in March and October, in designated cities, in three fields: Science, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences, and in German, French, and English. The decision to offer the exam in other languages is made by the Interuniversity Council. Candidates answer questions based on their field. The ÜDS consists of 80 questions, with a duration of 180 minutes. The score from the ÜDS is always valid.

Public Personnel Language Exam (KPDS)

The KPDS exam measures the English language proficiency of a public servant or academic candidate rather than their current or historical general knowledge. Although familiarity with the source texts does not significantly impact candidates in the KPDS exams, the exam generally covers the Social Sciences field.

The KPDS consists of 100 questions and lasts 3 hours (180 minutes). In the exams conducted in German, French, and English, multiple-choice tests are used. For other languages, if a test can be prepared, it is conducted in this way; if not, it is conducted as translations between Turkish and the foreign language, using texts of 150-200 words for translation.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The TOEFL exam measures the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand English as it is written, spoken, or used in universities.

Students applying to undergraduate or graduate programs, those working in the public sector, or individuals in other sectors where English proficiency is required take the TOEFL exam. The TOEFL score is valid in 90 countries and over 5,000 universities.

Previously, the TOEFL exam was conducted in three different formats: "iBT (Internet Based Testing)," "CBT (Computer Based Testing)," and "PBT (Paper Based Testing)." The format varied depending on the country and city where the students were taking the exam.

Nowadays, the TOEFL exam is generally administered in the iBT (Internet Based Testing) format. In cities where the iBT format cannot be conducted, the PBT (Paper Based Testing) format continues.

The busiest months for the TOEFL exam are usually October, November, December, April, and May. Candidates can take the iBT TOEFL exam once every 7 days. The exam tests four essential skills for effective communication: Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. The TOEFL score is valid for 2 years.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The IELTS exam measures the English language proficiency of candidates who wish to study or work in environments where English is used.

In Turkey, the IELTS is conducted in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, but all applications are handled through the British Council's Istanbul office.

IELTS is accepted by universities and companies in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The number of universities and companies in Turkey that accept IELTS is also increasing, including Boğaziçi, Bilkent, Bilgi, and Yeditepe Universities, as well as companies like Turkish Airlines, Yapı Kredi, and Akbank. Immigration offices and government institutions also recognize the IELTS exam.

The IELTS exam has two module options: Academic and General Training. The General Training module is usually preferred for immigration applications, while the Academic module is chosen for educational applications. Candidates should confirm which module to take with the institution requesting the exam.

The IELTS exam consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The total exam duration, excluding the Speaking section, is 2 hours and 45 minutes.