1. How long is the mandatory preparatory program for the Basic English Department?
The standard duration of the mandatory preparatory program in the Basic English Department is 1 (one) academic year. At the end of this year, students who are successful begin their courses in their respective university programs at the start of the following academic year; those who are not successful are placed on probation and cannot continue their studies. These students are granted only four attempts at the English Proficiency Exam. Among students on probation, those who do not use their attempts at the English Proficiency Exams or who fail after exhausting these attempts will, upon request, be placed by the Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) into programs with the same name and Turkish as the language of instruction, in accordance with the principles established by the Council of Higher Education. Students who do not apply for transfer will have their enrollment at the University automatically terminated.
2. If I complete the mandatory preparatory program in the Basic English Department during the fall semester, can I take courses at the faculty in the spring semester?
Students who successfully complete the mandatory preparatory program in the Basic English Department within one semester (who have passed the English Proficiency Exam and are enrolled in 4-year faculties) may begin taking courses in their departments during the second semester, provided that courses are offered.
3. Do I need to complete any course registration procedures for the Basic English Department’s Mandatory Preparatory Program?
No, you do not need to complete any registration procedures for the Basic English Department’s Mandatory Preparatory Program. Please follow the announcements on the YTU School of Foreign Languages website; if you pass the preparatory class, you will need to go to your department and complete the course registration procedures yourself.
4. I have enrolled at the university as an international student. When can I begin my studies in the preparatory class?
International students who have enrolled at the university are directed by the International Student Office to either YTÜ TÖMER or the School of Foreign Languages, based on their department and Turkish language proficiency certificates. Students who do not meet the Turkish language proficiency requirement attend YTÜ TÖMER during their first academic year. At the beginning of the following academic year, the International Student Office sends a list of students who have successfully completed YTÜ TÖMER to the School of Foreign Languages, and this list is published on the School of Foreign Languages’ website. The School of Foreign Languages handles the necessary procedures to allow students whose names appear on the submitted list to take the exam in September. Students who are not required to attend TÖMER may enroll directly in the preparatory classes.
5. Is participation in the Orientation Program mandatory for students in the Basic English Section’s Mandatory English Instruction program?
Yes, it is mandatory. Since the Orientation Program provides detailed information regarding the Basic English Department’s Mandatory Preparatory Instruction, participation in the program is absolutely required. All the information you need to know will be provided in detail during the orientation days, and all questions our students may have will be answered. If you do not attend the orientation, you may miss out on important academic information and be unaware of your obligations. The dates and times of the Orientation Program will be announced on the School of Foreign Languages website.
6. Where can I find out my class schedule and classroom assignments?
Class schedules and room assignments are posted on the School of Foreign Languages website shortly before the start of the academic year.
7. Where can I obtain textbooks and supplementary materials for the preparatory class?
At the beginning of each semester, tables are set up in the School of Foreign Languages building where publishers sell their materials. You can purchase your textbooks here or directly from the publishers. You can obtain materials or photocopies requested by the Basic English Department or an instructor from the photocopy section in the basement of the School building.
8. Is attendance mandatory for classes in the Basic English Department’s Required Preparatory Program?
Yes, in the Basic English Department’s Mandatory Preparatory Program, there is an attendance requirement of at least 85% for each semester. Absences from the first semester cannot be carried over to the second semester. Acceptance of long-term absences due to health issues documented by a Medical Board Report or due to the mandatory participation in our university’s sports and cultural activities is subject to a decision by the Board of Directors. All other absences will be deducted from the student’s total absence period. Students who exceed the allowed absence limit cannot attend classes and are not permitted to take any exams for the remainder of the semester.
9. How can I check my absences?
You can check your absence record via the Student Information System (OBS). You can access the Student Information System (OBS) via the link under the “Basic English Department” tab on the School of Foreign Languages website.
10. When should I submit my medical report?
You must submit your report to the Basic English Department Chair within 3 (three) business days following the end date. For example, if you have a valid medical board report covering the 1st through the 10th of the month, you have three days—the 11th, 12th, and 13th—to submit your report. Reports not submitted to the Basic English Department Chair on time will not be accepted.
11. Is the attendance limit different for students admitted through additional placement after September compared to those admitted in September?
No, students admitted through the supplemental placement process are subject to the same attendance limit as students admitted through the initial registration process in September.
12. What happens if students admitted through any additional placement after September miss a quiz or midterm exam during this period?
The weight of the exams these students miss will be added to another exam of the same type.
13. My absences have been posted, but I believe there is an error in the number of absence hours listed. What should I do?
You may apply to the Student Affairs Office of the Department of Basic English at the School of Foreign Languages. It is your responsibility to submit written documentation of your absences—such as a Medical Board Report—on time and to monitor your attendance.
14. If I exceed the attendance limit, can I take the English Proficiency Exam (İYS)?
No, students who do not meet the 85% attendance requirement cannot attend classes once their names are removed from the class roster and cannot take any exams for the remainder of the semester. If you fail a course due to absences in the Fall semester, you cannot continue taking classes in the Spring semester and cannot take midterm exams. Additionally, they cannot take the EPT administered at the end of the fall and spring semesters. These students are eligible to take the EPT in the following academic year.
15. I failed a course due to absences in the fall semester. Can I continue my studies in the spring semester?
They will be listed as students enrolled in the Basic English Department of the School of Foreign Languages. However, students who have been officially placed on academic probation due to absences cannot attend classes during the Spring semester. These students are transferred to “waiting student” status for the next academic year and are only eligible to take the 4 IYS exams.
16. I failed or was held back due to absences during the first year of preparatory instruction. What are my rights?
Students who fail or are dismissed due to absenteeism from preparatory instruction do not have the right to repeat the second year of preparatory instruction. However, following the first year of preparatory instruction, they may take the IYS, limited to four (4) attempts.
17. What are the requirements for me to complete the Mandatory Preparatory Program in the Department of Basic English by the end of the fall semester?
-- Meet the 85% attendance requirement,
-- If placed at the A1 or A2 levels following the English Proficiency Exam administered at the beginning of the fall semester, achieve a minimum term grade of 85 out of 100,
-- If you are placed at the B1 or B1+ levels following the English Proficiency Exam administered at the beginning of the fall semester, your semester grade must be at least 60 out of 100,
-- A score of at least 60 (sixty) out of 100 (one hundred) on the English Proficiency Exam administered at the end of the fall semester
must be met.
Additionally, students who submit official result documents for exams recognized as equivalent to the English Proficiency Exam by the YTÜ Senate within the legal timeframe are exempt from preparatory instruction as of the fall semester, pursuant to a decision by the School of Foreign Languages Administrative Board.
18. What are the requirements for completing the mandatory preparatory program in the Department of Basic English by the end of the spring semester?
-- Meet the 85% attendance requirement,
-- Achieve an A1 or A2 level on the English Proficiency Exam administered at the beginning of the fall semester,
-- To have been placed at the B1 or B1+ level following the English Proficiency Exam administered at the beginning of the fall semester but to have failed the English Proficiency Exam administered at the end of that semester,
-- For students at all levels, the average of the midterm grades for both the fall and spring semesters must be at least 60 out of 100,
These conditions must be met.
Students who do not meet these conditions cannot take the English Proficiency Exam administered at the end of the Spring semester and, consequently, cannot complete the mandatory preparatory instruction in the Basic English Department by the end of the Spring semester. These students are placed on the waiting list.
19. What is the minimum score I need to achieve on exams equivalent to the IYS to be exempt from the mandatory English preparatory program or to pass the preparatory class during the semester?
Some exams recognized as equivalent to the IYS and the minimum scores required for these exams are as follows:
Exams | CB | BB | BA | AA |
IYS | 60–69 | 70–79 | 80–89 | 90–100 |
YDS, e-YDS, YÖKDİL, e-YÖKDİL | 60–69 | 70–79 | 80–89 | 90–100 |
TOEFL IBT | 72–83 | 84–95 | 96–107 | 108–120 |
PTE Academic | 55–70 | 71–77 | 78–83 | 84–90 |
Cambridge Linguaskill General | 140–159 | 160–186 | 187–207 | 208–230 |
Oxford Test of English | 106–120 | 121–140 | - | - |
Oxford Test of English Advanced | 111–120 | 121–140 | 141–155 | 156–170 |
e-TEP (Electronic Test of English Proficiency) | 50–57 | 58–73 | 74–89 | 90–120 |
(The TOEFL-IBT Home Edition is not accepted)
English Language Education students must submit the following scores to qualify for an exemption:
Exams | BA | AA |
IYS | 85–89 | 90–100 |
YDS, e-YDS, YÖKDİL, e-YÖKDİL | 85–89 | 90–100 |
TOEFL IBT | 102–107 | 108–120 |
PTE Academic | 81–83 | 84–90 |
Cambridge Linguaskill General | 201–207 | 208–230 |
Oxford Test of English Advanced | 146–155 | 156–170 |
e-TEP (Electronic Test of English Proficiency) | 82–89 | 90–120 |
20. Is it mandatory for newly enrolled students to take the IYS exam in September?
It depends on what you mean by “required.” Depending on your score on the exam to be held in September, you will either be exempt or required to continue preparatory instruction. A placement test will also be administered after the IYS exam. Taking this test seriously and carefully is very important for your level to be determined accurately. If your actual level is higher, you’ll get bored in class, skip classes, and fail; or if you’re placed in a class above your true level, you’ll struggle to adapt and again get bored, skip classes, and fail.
Besides the IYS administered on September 21, is there a placement or level-change exam once the semester begins?
No. There is no movement up or down between levels. You will remain in the level to which you were placed based on your IYS score for the entire semester.
22. I’ve been placed on the waiting list. Do I need to register to take the IYS?
No, since the information for students on the waiting list is already in our system, you do not need to register to take the IYS. Information regarding exam times and locations is posted on the School of Foreign Languages website, and you can check the details for your exam there. Sample exam content is also available on our website.
23. I couldn’t find my name on the published IYS exam list. What should I do?
If your name is not on the exam list published prior to the exam, please contact the Student Affairs Office of the Basic English Department at the School of Foreign Languages by calling 0212 383 4920 / 4921 or by emailing us at ydyotib@yildiz.edu.tr to report your situation without delay.
24. What documents do we need to have with us on exam day to take the IYS?
You can find the list of required documents for the English Proficiency Exam on both the Yıldız Technical University website and the School of Foreign Languages website.
25. What score do I need to achieve on the IYS to be exempt from the preparatory class and Advanced English courses?
The minimum score required for exemption from the Basic English Compulsory English Instruction is 60 (C+). Students who score 70 or higher are also exempt from Advanced English I and Advanced English II courses.
26. Are makeup exams held for the English Proficiency Exam?
No. No make-up exams are held for any English Proficiency Exam (İYS). Additionally, newly enrolled students who are unable to take the English Proficiency Exam administered at the beginning of the Fall semester will begin their preparatory instruction at the lower levels and are not eligible to take the English Proficiency Exam administered during the mid-semester period.
27. Where can I obtain sample English Proficiency Exams?
You can obtain sample exams from the copy center located in our School of Foreign Languages building and from our website.
28. Can I appeal my IYS score? How do I file an appeal?
Yes, you can. You may submit appeals regarding your exam results within three business days following the announcement of the results by submitting a written request in person (either by you or a friend) to the Student Affairs Office of the Department of Basic English, using the form available in the “Contact” section of the School of Foreign Languages website. Appeals submitted via WhatsApp or email will not be considered.
29. Why isn’t the result of my English Proficiency Exam showing up in OBS?
Grades for students who have passed the IYS with a score of 60 or higher and have been admitted to their departments are entered into OBS. This allows students to select their courses. Grades for students who are required to take mandatory preparatory courses or who are on a waiting list are not entered into the system.
30. I passed the English Proficiency Exam (İYS) in the fall semester and advanced to the next grade level. Can I continue taking courses in the preparatory class during the second semester?
No. If you have passed the IYS, you cannot continue taking courses in the preparatory program.
31. I would like to obtain a transcript. What should I do?
To obtain this document, you must submit a written request to the Student Affairs Office of the Department of Basic English using the form available in the “Contact” section under the “School of Foreign Languages” tab.
32. Can I receive a certificate confirming that I have successfully completed the Required Basic English Preparatory Program?
Yes, you can. To obtain this document, you must submit a written request in person (either by yourself or through someone acting on your behalf, such as a friend) to the Student Affairs Office of the Department of Basic English, using the form available in the “Contact” section under the “School of Foreign Languages” tab.
33. Can I obtain a document certifying that I have not received any disciplinary penalties?
Yes, you can. To obtain this document, you must submit a written request in person (either by yourself or through someone acting on your behalf, such as a friend) to the Student Affairs Office of the Department of Basic English, using the form available in the “Contact” section under the “School of Foreign Languages” tab.
34. Can I obtain a document stating that I failed the IYS?
Yes, you can. To obtain this document, you must submit a written request in person (either by yourself or through someone acting on your behalf, such as a friend) to the Student Affairs Office of the Department of Basic English, using the form found in the “Contact” section of the School of Foreign Languages page.
35. If I score 60 or higher on another university’s preparatory program exemption exam, can I be exempt from the mandatory English preparatory program at Yıldız Technical University?
No. Passing the preparatory program at another university (whether public, foundation, or private) does not exempt you from the mandatory English preparatory program at Yıldız Technical University.
36. My program is 100% in Turkish; can I still take the preparatory program if I want to?
No. In accordance with the School of Foreign Languages’ Teaching and Examination Guidelines, optional preparatory courses are not offered to students in programs taught 100% in Turkish, even if they wish to take them.
37. I want to find out all the university’s official exam and holiday dates. Where can I find this information?
You should check the academic calendar on the Office of Student Affairs’ website.
38. I would like to receive psychological counseling services. Where should I apply?
You should apply to the Office of the Dean of Students in the Taşbina building. There is a Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center located there. To apply, you can send an email to odek@yildiz.edu.tr. All applications are kept confidential. If you prefer to apply in person, you must visit the YTÜ Office of the Dean of Students at Taş Bina, Room A-2002, and fill out the contact form. To apply by phone, you can schedule an appointment by calling 0212 383 60 53.
39. I lost my belongings (on campus). What should I do?
Our school is not responsible for lost items. If you have forgotten any items, you must visit the Security Desk at the building entrance.
40. Why am I not allowed into class when I arrive late?
In accordance with the School of Foreign Languages’ Teaching and Examination Guidelines, students who arrive late to class will not be admitted and will be marked “Absent.”
41. What should I do if I or a friend has a medical emergency at school?
Notify your instructor immediately or contact Mediko staff at 0 212 383 2323.
42. Who can I contact regarding social events and club activities?
You can contact the College Student Representative or visit the website of the Directorate of Health, Culture, and Sports (http://www.sks.yildiz.edu.tr/).