Study Medicine or Dentistry Abroad from Türkiye: YÖK Denklik, STS Exemption and the Best Destinations
23.09.2026
Why So Many Turkish Students Study Medicine Abroad
Medicine is the most sought-after field in the Turkish university system. The success ranking required for state medical faculties sits at the very top of the YKS results, and the competition grows every year. Students who miss the required ranking by even a small margin often face another year of preparation without any guarantee.
Studying abroad changes the equation. English-language programmes in Europe admit students on transparent criteria, and the degree is recognised across the European Union. For Turkish students, the key question is how the degree will be treated back home, which is why the YÖK rules shape the choice of university from the beginning.
Dentistry
Dentistry in Türkiye is just as competitive. Studying Dentistry abroad follows the same logic and the same YÖK framework.
How YÖK Recognises a Foreign Medical Degree
YÖK decides whether a foreign diploma is equivalent to a Turkish one. This process is called denklik. In March 2024, YÖK updated its regulation on the recognition and equivalence of foreign higher education diplomas, and the ranking of the foreign university became decisive.
Universities in the Top 400
Graduates of universities ranked in the top 400 by three recognised international ranking organisations receive direct equivalence. This applies to all programmes, including Medicine and Dentistry. No YKS requirement applies.
Universities in the Top 1,000
Graduates of universities ranked in the top 1,000 can apply for denklik without a YKS requirement. For Medicine and Dentistry, the transcript is reviewed individually.
Universities Outside the Top 1,000
For universities outside the top 1,000, students need a YKS result that meets the success ranking required for the programme in the year of enrolment. In addition, the application is reviewed individually.
The STS Exam
The STS (Seviye Tespit Sınavı) is the equivalency exam for graduates of medical schools abroad, organised by ÖSYM twice a year. It covers basic and clinical medical sciences, and the passing score is 40 out of 100. Graduates of universities ranked in the top 1,000 can apply for equivalence without the STS. For graduates of other universities, passing the STS is part of the denklik process.
Why the University Choice Is Decisive
The ranking of your university determines whether you need a YKS result, whether you need to pass the STS, and how smooth the denklik process will be. Choosing a highly ranked university therefore gives you the clearest and simplest route home.
{{cta}}Which Destination Countries Suit Turkish Students?
For Turkish students, the right destination combines EU recognition, English-language teaching and a university ranking that fits the YÖK rules.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is home to several internationally ranked universities with long-established English-language programmes in Medicine and Dentistry. For Turkish students, this combination of ranking and EU recognition is particularly attractive.
Hungary
Hungary offers six-year English-language programmes with large international cohorts. Several Hungarian universities appear in international rankings, which makes the country interesting for students planning a return to Türkiye.
Poland
Poland has a broad range of English-language programmes and several internationally ranked universities. Modern cities and moderate living costs add to its appeal.
Other EU Countries
Countries such as Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria also offer English-language programmes. For students with a qualifying YKS result, these destinations can be an excellent fit, and we check the individual situation with you.
{{callout}}Practical Tips for Turkish Students
Check the University Ranking First
Before you apply, check where the university stands in the international rankings YÖK recognises. This determines your denklik route.
Keep Your YKS Result
Even if you plan to study abroad, sitting the YKS can be valuable. A qualifying result widens your options considerably.
Prepare for the STS If Needed
If your university is outside the top 1,000, plan your STS preparation during your clinical years. The exam covers both basic and clinical sciences.
Stay Connected to Turkish Medicine
Summer internships in Turkish hospitals help you stay familiar with the Turkish health system and medical terminology.
Think About a Career in Europe
An EU degree also opens doors across Europe. Many Turkish graduates start their careers in the EU and keep the option to return home later.
How We Help You Find the Right Programme
For Turkish students, the right university is the key to a smooth denklik process. We offer solutions for exactly this. Contact us and we check individually which of our 25+ partner universities fits you, your YKS situation and the YÖK rules. Marcel or another experienced consultant on our team will review your situation and give you a clear recommendation.
The Author's View
Turkish families are usually very well informed, and they ask precise questions. The most important one is always: will the degree be recognised at home? Since the YÖK regulation of 2024, the answer depends clearly on the ranking of the university. That is good news, because it makes the decision transparent.
What I recommend is to start with the YÖK rules and then choose the university. Students who follow this order avoid surprises at the end of their studies and return home with a degree that is recognised smoothly.
I also see that Turkish students often think internationally from the very beginning. Many of them want the option to work in Europe for some years before returning, or to combine experience in several countries. A well-chosen programme in the EU makes this possible, because it opens doors across Europe while keeping the path back to Türkiye clear. That flexibility is something families value more and more.
If you dream of becoming a doctor or a dentist, the YKS ranking does not have to be the end of the story. Book a consultation and let us show you the options that fit your situation.
Conclusion
- YÖK decides on the equivalence (denklik) of foreign medical and dental degrees, based on its regulation updated in March 2024.
- Graduates of universities in the top 400 of three recognised rankings receive direct equivalence.
- Graduates of universities in the top 1,000 can apply without a YKS requirement and without the STS.
- For universities outside the top 1,000, a YKS result meeting the required success ranking and the STS exam are part of the process.
- The Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland are particularly popular with Turkish students.
With the right university, a medical degree from abroad leads smoothly back to Türkiye and opens doors across Europe as well. Book your free consultation and let us plan your path together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a medical degree from Europe recognised in Türkiye?
Yes, through the YÖK denklik process. The ranking of your university determines which route applies.
Do I need a YKS result to study Medicine abroad?
For universities in the top 1,000 of recognised international rankings, no YKS requirement applies. For other universities, you need a YKS result meeting the success ranking required for the programme in your enrolment year.
What is the STS exam?
The STS is the equivalency exam for graduates of foreign medical schools, organised by ÖSYM twice a year. The passing score is 40 out of 100.
Who is exempt from the STS?
Graduates of universities ranked in the top 1,000 can apply for equivalence without taking the STS.
Does the same apply to Dentistry?
Yes. Dentistry follows the same YÖK framework, including the ranking rules.
When did the current YÖK rules come into force?
YÖK updated its regulation on the recognition and equivalence of foreign higher education diplomas in March 2024. Since then, the ranking of the foreign university has been the central criterion for Medicine and Dentistry.
Which rankings does YÖK use?
YÖK refers to the major international university rankings. What matters is where your university stands in these rankings, so it is worth checking this carefully before you apply.
Are the programmes abroad taught in English?
Yes. Most programmes for international students in Europe are taught entirely in English. Turkish students with good English skills usually adapt quickly, and many universities also offer courses in the local language for clinical years.
How long does a medical degree in Europe take?
Most medical programmes in Europe last six years, like in Türkiye. Dentistry programmes usually take five to six years. Both combine preclinical sciences with extensive clinical training.
Can I work in Europe after graduating?
A degree from an EU university is recognised across the EU for EU citizens, and it is a strong qualification for international careers. Many Turkish graduates gain experience abroad before deciding where to settle.
Should I sit the YKS even if I plan to study abroad?
Yes, if possible. A qualifying YKS result widens the range of universities that lead smoothly to denklik, which gives you more choice.
Which university abroad is right for me?
That depends on your YKS situation, preferences and budget. Contact us and we check individually which of our 25+ partner universities fits you.
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About the author
Marcel Kloos
Swiss-licensed dentist and founder of Medschool Experts
Marcel Kloos founded Medschool Experts while studying abroad; since then, over 500 study places have been secured. The Stuttgart-born dentist studied dentistry from 2015 to 2021 in Sofia and holds a Swiss dental licence.
Today he lives in Bern and runs Medschool Experts full-time as its owner.
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