Studying at a university in Turkey is the dream of many young people from Uzbekistan. But the first question is always the same: "What documents do I need?" In this article, we examine in detail all the documents required to apply to any type of university in Turkey (public and private).
1. General documents list
Most universities in Turkey require the following documents:
- High school diploma / attestat — issued by the Uzbekistan Ministry of Education. A final year transcript may also be accepted.
- International passport (zagranpasport) — valid for at least 1 year.
- Biometric photos — 4x6 cm, white background, at least 4 copies.
- Diploma translation — into Turkish or English, notarized.
- Language certificate — depending on the university: TOEFL, IELTS, or the university's internal exam.
2. Additional documents for public universities
Public universities in Turkey usually require additional exam results:
- YOS exam result — Yabancı Öğrenci Sınavı (Foreign Student Exam). Most public universities conduct their own YOS exam.
- SAT result — some universities also accept SAT scores.
- Apostille of attestat — apostille is often mandatory for public universities.
3. Documents for private universities
Private universities generally require fewer documents than public ones:
- YOS or SAT exam is not required (at most private universities).
- Apostille is often not necessary.
- The application process is usually conducted online.
For example, applying to Kent University is very simple — no exams, no TOEFL, just basic documents.
4. Document translation and certification
- Notarial translation: Available at notarial translation bureaus in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and other cities.
- Apostille: May be required for public universities. Obtained through the Uzbekistan Ministry of Justice.
- Equivalency (denklik): Some universities may require YÖK (Council of Higher Education) equivalency.
5. Differences by education level
| Level | Main document | Additional |
|---|---|---|
| Associate degree | High school diploma | — |
| Bachelor's | High school diploma | YOS (for public univ.) |
| Master's | Bachelor's diploma | Motivation letter, references |
| PhD | Master's diploma | Research proposal, publications |
6. Application steps
- Choose your university — consider public vs private, city, program, and tuition.
- Prepare your documents — diploma, passport, photos, translation.
- Apply — online or through the university office.
- Wait for the acceptance letter — results come in 1 day to 1 month.
- Make the payment — pay the first tuition installment.
- Get your visa — apply at the Turkish consulate.
7. Apostille and Notarization
Before submitting your documents to a Turkish university, you may need to have them officially certified. Understanding these processes is important:
What is an apostille?
An apostille is an official certification that ensures a document's international validity. It is based on the 1961 Hague Convention. In Uzbekistan, apostilles are obtained through the Ministry of Justice.
- Which documents: High school diploma, transcript (grade sheet)
- Where to get it: Uzbekistan Ministry of Justice (Tashkent or regional offices)
- Processing time: Usually 3–7 business days
- Important: Private universities (including Kent) usually do not require an apostille — only public universities typically require it
Notarization
Notarization is the official certification by a notary that a translated document is accurate and complete.
- Where: Notarial translation bureaus in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and other cities
- Language: Turkish or English (depending on the university)
- Processing time: 1–3 business days
8. Translation Requirements
Turkish universities accept documents in Turkish or English. Documents in Uzbek must be translated. Key requirements:
- Sworn translation: In Turkey, translations done by a sworn translator (yeminli tercüman) are preferred. However, notarized translations from Uzbekistan are also accepted.
- With originals: Translated documents must always be submitted alongside the originals
- Seal and signature: Notary seal and signature are mandatory
- Transcript: Not only the diploma but also the grade transcript must be translated
- Passport translation: Most universities also require a translated copy of your passport
9. Most Common Mistakes
| # | Mistake | Consequence | Correct Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Passport nearly expired | Visa rejected | Must be valid for at least 1 year |
| 2 | Wrong photo size | Documents returned | 3.5x4.5 cm or 4x6 cm (check with university) |
| 3 | Translation not notarized | Not accepted | Notary seal and signature required |
| 4 | Missing deadlines | Delayed to next semester | Prepare documents at least 2 months ahead |
| 5 | Not submitting transcript | Application considered incomplete | Diploma + transcript submitted together |
| 6 | Poor scan quality | Unreadable, returned | Scan at 300 DPI minimum, in color |
10. Document Checklist
Before submitting, check this list to make sure everything is ready:
| Document | Original | Translation | Notarized | Scanned |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Required | Recommended | — | Required |
| High school diploma | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Transcript | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Biometric photos | 6 copies | — | — | Digital copy |
| Language certificate | If available | — | — | Required |
11. OWO Academy Document Assistance
OWO Academy — as the Official Authorized Partner of Kent University — provides free document preparation assistance:
- Document review: We check all your documents and identify any issues
- Translation guidance: We explain where and how to get certified translations
- Online submission: You can scan and send documents via Telegram or WhatsApp
- Acceptance letter: We help you receive your Kent University acceptance letter within 1–3 business days
- Visa and residence advice: We guide you on documents needed for visa and residence permit
All services are completely free. You only pay the university's official tuition fee.
12. Kent University — the easiest application process
If you want to apply without exams, without TOEFL, quickly and easily — read our Kent University application guide. Applications are reviewed within 1–3 business days and an Uzbek-speaking advisor helps you throughout.
FAQ
Is YOS required for all universities in Turkey?
No. YOS is only required for public universities. Most private universities do not require YOS or SAT.
What is an apostille and how do I get one?
An apostille is a certification that ensures international recognition of a document. In Uzbekistan, it is obtained through the Ministry of Justice. Private universities usually don't require an apostille.
When should I submit documents?
For fall semester: June–August. For spring semester: November–January. Exact dates vary by university.
Can I apply online from Uzbekistan?
Yes, you can apply online to most private universities. You send scanned documents and receive the acceptance letter electronically.
Conclusion
Applying to a university in Turkey is a simple process when planned properly. The most important things are preparing documents correctly and meeting deadlines. If you want to apply without exams, quickly and easily — apply to Kent University.
Kent Apply Advisor
Admissions specialist
We provide professional guidance on the admissions process, documents, scholarships, and student life at Istanbul Kent University.
Was this article helpful?
Related programs
$2,200/year$4,400
$1,300/year$3,200
Start your journey at Kent University
Apply through the official authorized partner. 86 programs, 24h response, free consultation.