High School Equivalency

In Turkey, if you're an international university student and need to prove that your high school diploma is equivalent to the Turkish high school diploma (for purposes like admission to university or legal residency), you will need to go through a process called High School Equivalency (Denklik).

Important:

Please check with the International Office and the Student Services to see if this document is required for your OzU enrollment. Some students are allowed to present a document from their respective consulates/embassies to validate their high school diplomas.

Here’s how you can get your high school diploma equivalency recognized in Turkey:

1. Documents You Need

To apply for high school equivalency in Turkey, you will need to submit several key documents:

• Original High School Diploma: Your original high school diploma (or equivalent) issued by your home country.
• Turkish Translation of the Diploma: You’ll need to have your diploma translated into Turkish by a sworn translator. This translation should be certified.
• Passport: Your valid passport.
• Residence Permit: A copy of your Turkish residence permit (if applicable).
• Transcript/Marksheet: A transcript of your high school grades, including the subjects and scores.
• Turkish Translation of the Transcript: You’ll also need to have your transcript translated into Turkish.
• Photocopies: Copies of your diploma, transcript, passport, and residence permit.

2. Where to Apply

You will need to apply to the Ministry of National Education (Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı – MEB) in Turkey to get the equivalency process started. The Ministry has a specific office for dealing with education equivalency.

• MEB’s Official Website: You can start the process by visiting the official website of the Ministry of National Education. They offer information about the equivalency process for foreign diplomas: MEB Denklik Website.
• Local Education Offices: You may also apply directly at local MEB offices in various cities in Turkey, often at Provincial Directorate of National Education (İl Milli Eğitim Müdürlüğü).

3. The Process

• Submit Documents: Submit your high school diploma, transcript, and the required translations to the MEB or local provincial education office. They will check if your education is equivalent to the Turkish high school system.
• Evaluation: The Ministry will evaluate your high school curriculum and determine whether your diploma is equivalent to a Turkish high school diploma. They will also check if the subjects and hours of study align with the Turkish curriculum.
• Denklik Certificate: If your high school education is recognized as equivalent, you will receive a Denklik Certificate (Equivalency Certificate). This confirms that your high school education is equivalent to the Turkish high school system.
• Processing Time: The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the documentation and verification process.

4. Special Cases

• Certain Countries’ Diplomas: If you are from a country with a similar education system to Turkey, the process may be more straightforward. However, if you come from a country where the education system is very different, the Ministry may ask for additional information or documentation.
• Inconsistent Curriculum: If there are significant differences in the curriculum between your home country's education system and Turkey’s, the Ministry may require you to take additional exams or courses to fill in the gaps. This may include exams to prove your knowledge of certain subjects.

5. Language of the Process

• The official language of the process is Turkish, so you may need assistance in understanding the documents and the process. Some offices may have English-speaking staff, but it's good to check beforehand.

6. Equivalency for University Admission

• If you're applying for university admission in Turkey as an international student, the university may also require a high school equivalency certificate to assess whether your high school diploma meets the Turkish standards.
• Some universities have direct agreements with foreign institutions that may bypass the need for equivalency verification, but this depends on the specific university’s rules.

7. Fees

There may be a small fee involved in the application process, which can vary depending on the office or the nature of the documents you're submitting. Be prepared to pay this fee when applying.

Summary of the Steps:

1. Collect your high school diploma, transcript, and passport.
2. Translate all documents into Turkish by a sworn translator.
3. Apply to the Ministry of National Education (MEB) for high school equivalency.
4. Submit all required documents and translations.
5. Wait for the evaluation to be completed (can take weeks or months).
6. Receive your Denklik Certificate if your education is deemed equivalent.

This process will officially recognize your high school qualifications in Turkey and allow you to pursue higher education at OzU or fulfill other official requirements. If you need further details on specific steps or help with the forms, please let us know or email intercultural@ozyegin.edu.tr