Where does a YÖKDİL score count, and what is it for?

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

Short answer

YÖKDİL counts for associate professorship (at least 55), PhD admission (at least 55), research and teaching assistant posts (at least 50, 85 for language posts), master’s admission (minimum set by the university) and prep-year exemption. It does not count for the public-sector language allowance; that needs YDS.

Minimum scores in the regulations

These requirements are written as “a central foreign-language exam accepted by YÖK”, so YÖKDİL can be used.

Common uses of a YÖKDİL score
PurposeMinimum scoreBasis
Associate professorship (doçentlik)55Higher Education Law 2547, art. 24
PhD and proficiency-in-art admission55 (universities may ask for more)Graduate Education Regulation
Master’s admissionNo national minimum; set by the universityGraduate Education Regulation
Research and teaching assistant posts50; 85 for language postsRegulation on the central exam for academic staff
Prep-year exemptionSet by the universityThe university’s prep-programme rules

Sources

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

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