2026-11-092 min readWhat is ALES and how do international students get into a master’s in Türkiye? (2027)
The ALES exam, 2027 dates, when international students need it, the GRE/GMAT alternative and documents for a master’s application.
The most common question about master's degrees in Türkiye: "Do I need ALES?" Short answer: for most international students — no, but there are exceptions.
What is ALES?
ALES is ÖSYM's exam for graduate admission: a quantitative (maths) and a verbal (language and logic) section. It is widely used for Turkish citizens applying to master's and PhD programmes.
2027 dates (ÖSYM)
| Session | Applications | Exam | Results (planned) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALES/1 | 24 February – 4 March 2027 | 18 April 2027 | 7 May 2027 |
| ALES/2 | 25 May – 2 June 2027 | 11 July 2027 | 30 July 2027 |
| ALES/3 | 12–20 October 2027 | 28 November 2027 | 17 December 2027 |
Do international students need ALES?
- Most private universities admit international master's students without ALES: diploma, transcript, motivation letter and sometimes an interview.
- Some universities accept GRE or GMAT instead, especially for MBA and economics.
- State universities and thesis programmes may set stricter rules and ask for ALES/GRE.
Documents for a master's application
- Bachelor's diploma (or graduation letter) and transcript
- Passport
- For English-taught programmes, a language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL) — if not, a preparatory year or the university's own test
- Motivation letter, CV
- Sometimes recommendation letters
Thesis or non-thesis?
A thesis programme leads to research and a PhD; non-thesis is shorter and more practical. Details: master's 2026 and master's fees.
Compare master's programmes in our search with the level filter.
Source: ÖSYM 2027 exam calendar (ALES). University requirements differ — check before applying.
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