University application

This page is for those who want to pursue an undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degree in the United States. There is no centralized placement exam in the United States; each school selects its own students. Here you will find the application calendar, required documents, exams and 2026–2027 fees, and the addresses and telephone numbers of advising centers. For visa steps after admission, see 2.2 Student visa (F-1).

• Each school determines its own admission requirements and announces them on its website.
• The main criteria are GPA and transcript, test scores, essays (personal statement), recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and financial situation.
• Some schools do not require test scores (test optional). You may still submit your score to these schools if you wish.
• Graduate applications may have separate requirements for both the university and the department. Faculty members in the department influence admission and scholarship decisions.
• Some schools require an interview after application. The interview may be conducted through a graduate of a school in Türkiye or by video.

1. 12–18 months before the term you want to start: begin researching programs, schools, and scholarships. Prepare for and register for the required exams. EducationUSA recommends taking standardized exams 12–18 months before starting the program.
2. 1–6 months before applying: request transcripts and recommendation letters, take exams, and complete the forms.
3. Application deadlines: applications for undergraduate programs starting in September generally close between November and January. Doctoral applications may close earlier than master's applications, especially at highly selective schools.
4. Scholarship deadlines: graduate scholarship and funding applications may be moved as early as 18 months before the program starts.
5. After admission: the school sends you an I-20. Fulbright states that the I-20 generally arrives about 3 months before departure. Visa preparation begins after this.
6. Community colleges often accept applications throughout the year; nevertheless, check the school's dates in advance.
7. If you missed the deadline, some schools accept applications until the academic year begins through "rolling admission."

• Application form: online at most schools. Write your name in the same way on all documents.
• Application fee: varies from school to school. According to Fulbright, graduate application fees may start at $40–50 and reach $250, especially for MBA programs.
• High school diploma and transcript (for undergraduate study): an official transcript sent by your high school and its English translation. If you took the national exam in Türkiye, some schools also request the result.
• University transcript (for graduate study): an official transcript obtained from your university's student affairs office. Fulbright states that you can have the English translation of a Turkish transcript certified at the Fulbright Ankara and Istanbul offices.
• Test scores: an English proficiency exam (TOEFL or IELTS) and other exams required by the school. Scores are generally sent directly to the school by the testing organization.
• Recommendation letters: from a teacher, faculty member, or employer who knows you well. Graduate applications generally require 3 letters.
• Essay (personal statement or statement of purpose): explains why you chose this field, how you prepared yourself, and your goals. EducationUSA considers this one of the most important parts of the application. Doctoral applications may require a 5–10-page writing sample.
• Proof of financial sufficiency: even if you apply for a scholarship, the school requires a current bank letter in English showing that you can cover the expenses.
• Other: résumé; a portfolio for fine arts and architecture.
• Some schools require foreign diplomas to be evaluated by a "credential evaluation" organization. See 5.6 Diploma equivalency.
• Common Application: a common system that lets you apply to multiple undergraduate programs with one form. Whether the school accepts this system is stated on its own website; some schools also require additional documents.

• English proficiency: most schools require it if English is not your native language. The main exams are TOEFL iBT and IELTS. According to Fulbright, the results of these exams are valid for 2 years from the test date.
• Undergraduate: SAT or ACT. Both are accepted by most accredited two- and four-year schools.
• Graduate:
  • GRE: general graduate exam (verbal, quantitative, analytical writing)
  • GMAT: business and MBA applications
  • LSAT: law schools
  • MCAT: medical schools
  • DAT: dentistry
• Learn which exam is required and the minimum score from the school's website. Many students take the exam more than once.
• EducationUSA recommends contacting advising centers for guidance on which English exam is suitable for you.

• SAT (College Board):
  • registration fee $68, plus an $43 international fee for those testing outside the United States
  • late registration $38, test-center change $34, cancellation $34
  • the first 4 score reports are free if requested within 9 days after the exam; thereafter $15 per report
  • remaining dates (with registration deadlines): November 7, 2026 (October 23), December 5, 2026 (November 20), March 6, 2027 (February 19), May 1, 2027 (April 16), June 5, 2027 (May 21)
  • these dates and fees are valid through June 2027; the registration deadline is 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time
• GRE General Test (ETS): since August 1, 2026, $249 in all countries except China. Changing the date or test center costs $55; an additional score report costs $40 per institution.
• TOEFL iBT (ETS): the test fee varies by country; select "Türkiye" on ETS's fee page to view it. Additional fees: expedited registration within 7 days $49, date change $69, additional score report $29 per institution.
• IELTS, ACT, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT: check the fees and dates on each exam's official website.

1. Set your goal: degree, field, school type, city, and budget. For school types, see 6.1 U.S. education system.
2. Narrow your list: Fulbright recommends first making a list of at least 20 graduate schools and reducing it to 6–9 through research. Check the school's accreditation and SEVP approval.
3. Make an exam plan: note the exams required by schools and the minimum scores in a table. Register for exams early.
4. Prepare the documents: transcript, recommendations, and essay. Submit them in the format requested by the school (upload or direct submission by the institution).
5. Pay the application fee and submit the form before the deadline. Missing documents delay the evaluation committee's review of your file.
6. Do not forget scholarship and assistantship applications. For graduate study, these are often submitted together with the admission application. See 6.4 Scholarships and funding.
7. After admission: choose your school, submit proof of financial sufficiency, and receive the I-20. Visa steps: 2.2 Student visa (F-1) and 1.3 Temporary visa application step by step.
8. If more than one school sends an I-20, use only the I-20 from the school you will attend.
9. If you live in the United States: U.S. citizens and green card holders may apply for federal student aid (FAFSA). Whether state universities charge lower tuition to residents of that state (in-state tuition) varies by state and school; ask the school's "residency" office.

• Fulbright Türkiye – Ankara central office (EducationUSA center; Fulbright scholarships and U.S. education advising)
  • Address: Tepe Prime İş Merkezi B Blok No: 124, Dumlupınar Bulvarı 266, 06800 Çankaya / Ankara
  • Phone: +90 312 428 48 24, +90 312 427 13 60, +90 312 468 15 60
  • Hours: Monday–Friday 08:30–12:00 and 13:00–17:00
  • Education advising email: advising@fulbright.org.tr
• Fulbright Türkiye – Istanbul liaison office
  • Address: BJK Plaza A Blok No: 107, Süleyman Seba Caddesi, Vişnezade, 34357 Beşiktaş / İstanbul
  • Phone: +90 212 245 28 14, +90 212 249 75 81
  • Hours: Monday–Friday 08:30–12:00 and 13:00–17:00
  • Email: fulb-ist@fulbright.org.tr
• Turkish-American Association Ankara (EducationUSA center)
  • Address: Cinnah Caddesi No: 20, 06540 Çankaya / Ankara
  • Phone: +90 530 601 30 90
  • Hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–18:00
• EducationUSA Adana
  • Address: Çınarlı Mah. 61027 Sok. No: 168, Sunar Nuri Çomu İş ve Alışveriş Merkezi B Blok No: 17, 01360 Seyhan / Adana
  • Phone: +90 553 362 52 25
  • Hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–17:00; make an appointment in advance.
• American Councils Istanbul and Izmir are also EducationUSA centers. Use the EducationUSA center finder for current contact information.
• If you are in the United States: school admissions and international student offices. Information about education counseling and attachés for Turkish students: 6.6 Turkish language and Turkish culture classes.

• Trying to take exams in the final months; the score may not reach the school on time.
• Failing to check each school's separate deadline and additional document requirements.
• Writing the name differently on documents (for example, two different spellings, with and without Turkish characters).
• Failing to submit proof of financial sufficiency because you applied for a scholarship.
• Expecting an I-20 directly for an undergraduate program with a conditional admission letter.
• Having someone else write the essay. Study in the States states that an intermediary should not write or substantially change the essay.
• Paying agencies that guarantee admission.

• How many schools should I apply to? There is no limit; however, each application has a fee. Fulbright recommends applying to 6–9 graduate schools after completing your research.
• TOEFL or IELTS? It depends on the school. Check the school's website to see which exam and score it accepts.
• Can I apply for undergraduate study without the SAT? Yes, to schools that do not require the exam (test optional). Most community colleges also do not require the SAT.
• Can I start during the midyear (January)? According to Fulbright, it is possible; however, not every school and program admits students in January. Deadlines for the spring term are generally in September–October. Fulbright states that schools do not offer scholarships during the midyear term.
• Is the GRE required for a master's degree? Admission requirements vary by school and department. The GRE/GMAT is not required for the Fulbright scholarship application; if you are nominated, it may be required depending on your field.
• I live in the United States; do I apply as an international student? It depends on your status. U.S. citizens and green card holders may apply for federal student aid; F-1 students may not. Ask the school's admissions office after explaining your status.
• Who should translate my transcript into English? Follow the method required by the school. Fulbright states that you can have your own translation certified at Fulbright offices.

• EducationUSA – Study in the United States in 5 steps
• EducationUSA advising center finder
• EducationUSA – Search for scholarships and financial aid
• SAT (College Board)
• ACT
• TOEFL (ETS Türkiye page)
• GRE (ETS)
• IELTS
• GMAT (GMAC)
• Common Application
• Search for SEVP-approved schools
• EducationUSA – "If You Want to Study in the United States," Book 1: Undergraduate Study (PDF)
• FAFSA – federal student aid application (for citizens and green card holders)