Turkey has become a global education hub with its high-quality higher education and advantages for international students. Dual citizens (Blue Card holders) can benefit from various opportunities when pursuing university education in Turkey. This comprehensive guide covers exam-free university registration, the YÖS exam, postgraduate applications, and quota advantages for Blue Card holders.
What is a Blue Card? Who Can Obtain It?
A Blue Card is an identity document issued to individuals who renounce their Turkish citizenship and acquire citizenship of another country. This card preserves certain citizenship rights in Turkey but imposes restrictions such as voting eligibility, military service, and civil service employment.
Requirements for Obtaining a Blue Card:
- Being a Turkish citizen by birth or having at least one Turkish parent.
- Having officially renounced Turkish citizenship with permission from the Ministry of Interior.
- No outstanding military obligations or criminal records.
Blue Card holders can access employment, real estate ownership, education, and healthcare services in Turkey.
How Can Dual Citizens Study at Turkish Universities?
Blue Card holders can apply to Turkish universities through three main pathways:
- Exam-Free Admission with High School Diploma Grades
- Foreign Student Exam (YÖS) Placement
- Application with International Exam Scores (SAT, ACT, IB, etc.)
1. Exam-Free University Registration with Diploma Grades
Many private (foundation) universities accept Blue Card students based on their high school GPA. Reserved quotas are available, especially for popular fields like medicine, law, engineering, and business administration.
Some Universities Offering Exam-Free Admission:
| University Name | Scholarship Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Bahçeşehir University | Up to 50% scholarship |
| Istanbul Aydın University | Annual discounted enrollment |
| Sabancı University | Merit scholarship + dormitory support |
| Beykoz University | Starting from $1700 |
FREE APPLY NOW
2. University Admission Through YÖS (Foreign Student Exam)
YÖS is an exam conducted by Turkish universities for international student admissions. Blue Card holders are eligible to take YÖS.
Key Features of the YÖS Exam:
- Basic Aptitude Test (Mathematics, Geometry, Logic)
- Turkish Proficiency Exam (Required by some universities)
- Each university administers its own YÖS (Not centralized by ÖSYM).
2025 YÖS Quotas for Blue Card Holders:
- Public Universities: Up to 10% of international student quotas.
- Private Universities: May offer additional quotas.
3. Applying with International Exam Scores (SAT, ACT, IB)
Blue Card students can also apply with SAT (1200+), ACT (24+), or IB (30+) scores. Prestigious universities like Koç, Sabancı, and Özyeğin accept these scores.
Postgraduate (Master’s/PhD) Applications for Dual Citizens
Blue Card holders can pursue postgraduate studies by meeting diploma equivalency requirements set by YÖK (Council of Higher Education).
Postgraduate Application Requirements:
✔ Bachelor’s degree (from Turkey or abroad)
✔ ALES/GRE/GMAT (Some universities may waive this for Blue Card holders)
✔ Language Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/YDS)
Most Preferred Fields of Study for Blue Card Holders
- Medicine (Exam-free admission in private universities)
- Engineering (Computer, Electrical-Electronics)
- Law (Admission via YÖS in public universities)
- Business & Economics (Wide international student quotas)
Conclusion: Best Strategies for Blue Card Students
- For exam-free admission, consider private universities.
- YÖS offers a cost-effective way into public universities.
- For postgraduate studies, aim for high language proficiency scores.
If you are a Blue Card holder planning to study in Turkey, strategic planning can help you secure exam-free admission or scholarships.
