What Is TOMER? Turkish Language Course Levels, Duration & Options

If you plan to study in Turkey in a Turkish-taught program, you need to prove your Turkish language proficiency. That is where TOMER comes in. In this guide, we explain what TOMER is, how the levels work, how long it takes, and how you can take it at Kent University.

1. What Is TOMER?

TOMER stands for Turkçe Öğretim Merkezi — Turkish Teaching Center. It is the official language preparation program recognized by Turkish universities and the Council of Higher Education (YOK). TOMER centers operate at universities across Turkey and provide structured Turkish language courses for international students.

• Purpose: prepare international students for academic study in Turkish
• Recognition: TOMER certificates are accepted by all Turkish universities
• Requirement: most Turkish-taught programs require B1 or B2 level proficiency
• Alternative: some universities accept their own Turkish proficiency exam instead

2. Language Levels (A1 to C2)

TOMER follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Here is what each level means:

For Uzbek students: Turkish and Uzbek share Turkic roots, so many students progress faster than average. Reaching B1–B2 from zero typically takes 4–6 months rather than the 8+ months it may take speakers of non-Turkic languages.

3. TOMER at Kent University

One of Kent University's advantages: TOMER courses are available for enrolled students. Here is what you get:

• Format: preparatory year at the university
• Duration: each level takes approximately 2 months
• Schedule: new groups start every 2 months, year-round
• Location: on-campus at Kagithane
• Class size: small groups of 15–25 students
• Teachers: certified Turkish language instructors

At most other universities, TOMER courses cost $500–1,500 per level. At Kent, you save $2,000–6,000 on language preparation alone.

4. How Does the TOMER Exam Work?

At the end of each level, students take a proficiency exam. The exam structure is:

• Reading comprehension — 25% of the total score
• Listening comprehension — 25%
• Writing — 25%
• Speaking — 25%

You need a minimum score of 60% to pass and move to the next level. Once you reach B1 or B2 (depending on your program), you receive a TOMER certificate that qualifies you to begin your academic studies.

5. TOMER vs. Private Language Schools

There are two main ways to learn Turkish in Turkey: TOMER (official university-based courses) and private language schools. Here is a detailed comparison:

Bottom line: If you plan to study at a university, TOMER is the right choice. When you enroll in TOMER at Kent University, you immediately receive student status and can apply for a residence permit.

6. Daily Class Schedule

TOMER courses follow an intensive daily schedule. A typical day looks like this:

Classes are held 5 days per week (Monday–Friday). Total: 4–5 hours of class per day plus 1–2 hours of homework. Some universities also organize weekend conversation clubs and cultural events — the best way to practice Turkish in real-life settings.

7. TOMER Preparation Tips

To successfully complete your TOMER course, follow these practical tips:

1. Watch Turkish content daily: Turkish TV series (dizi), YouTube channels, and news with subtitles. This significantly improves listening skills.
2. Make Turkish friends: Talk to Turkish students on campus. Real-world practice is the most effective learning method.
3. Learn 10–15 new words daily: Use flashcard apps (Anki, Quizlet). Learn words in the context of sentences, not in isolation.
4. Keep a grammar notebook: Write down each new rule with examples to reinforce learning.
5. Prepare for exam format early: Listening, reading, writing, and speaking — allocate dedicated practice time for each section.
6. Read Turkish books: Start with simple stories and newspaper articles from A2–B1 level onward.
7. Study beyond class hours: Dedicate at least 5–7 hours per week to independent study.

8. How Hard Is Turkish for Uzbek Students?

Uzbek and Turkish belong to the same family — the Turkic language family. This means many words and grammatical structures are similar. For Uzbek students, learning Turkish is considerably easier than learning other foreign languages.

In practice: Uzbek students typically reach B1–B2 level in 4–6 months, while students from other countries (Arab, African) often need 8–12 months. This is a major advantage of the shared Turkic language heritage.

For example, these words are nearly identical:

• Uzbek "bosh" — Turkish "baş" (head)
• Uzbek "yol" — Turkish "yol" (road)
• Uzbek "suv" — Turkish "su" (water)
• Uzbek "kitob" — Turkish "kitap" (book)
• Uzbek "koʻz" — Turkish "göz" (eye)

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

10. Related Articles

• How to apply to Kent University — step by step →
• Cost of studying in Turkey 2026 →
• Universities in Turkey without entrance exams →
• Kent University application deadlines 2026 →
• Documents needed for university in Turkey →

11. Conclusion

TOMER is your gateway to Turkish-taught university programs. Kent University offers TOMER courses at affordable prices with qualified instructors. For Uzbek students, learning Turkish is significantly easier than for other nationalities thanks to the shared Turkic language roots and common vocabulary.

You can learn Turkish from zero and reach B2 level in just 4–6 months, ready to start your degree. During TOMER, you receive official student status, qualify for a residence permit, and enjoy full access to campus facilities.

OWO Academy — as the Official Authorized Partner of Kent University — provides free assistance at every step, from TOMER enrollment to university admission.

Apply now: Telegram @OwoAcademyUz | WhatsApp +998555160505