What is the difference between YDS and YÖKDİL, and which should I take?

Facts last checked against official sources on October 7, 2026.

Short answer

For academic purposes (graduate study, associate professorship, academic posts) both count; YÖKDİL uses texts from your own field, which most candidates find more familiar. If you want the public-sector language allowance, take YDS, because YÖKDİL is not used for it.

Comparison

YDS compared with YÖKDİL
	YDS	YÖKDİL
Texts	General and academic	From the chosen field (Science, Health, Social)
Format	80 questions, 180 minutes	80 questions, 180 minutes
Language allowance	Counts	Does not count
Graduate study, doçentlik, posts	Counts	Counts
How often (2026)	2 paper + 12 e-YDS	2 paper + 3 e-YÖKDİL

Sources

Dates and rules can change. Check the organiser’s official page before you apply; that page is binding.

ÖSYM: 2026-YÖKDİL/2 guide and application details

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