Recognition of qualifications: is a UK degree valid in Türkiye (YÖK) and how do you prove a Turkish degree in the UK (UK ENIC)?

Who does this apply to?

• This is general information. It does not say that anyone's degree will be recognised. It covers two directions: (1) people who study in the UK and want to use the degree in Türkiye (YÖK equivalence) and (2) people who want to prove a Turkish degree in the UK (UK ENIC). It is based on the YÖK equivalence portal and the UK ENIC page (October 2026).

1. Using a UK degree in Türkiye: YÖK equivalence

• Check the institution first. Use the e-Devlet "School Recognition Certificate Query" service to see whether YÖK recognises the institution. YÖK says recognition is not equivalence; a recognised institution's degree is not automatically deemed equivalent.
• YÖK does not give an opinion on equivalence before graduation. Each application is assessed individually.
• Application: first an online "Diploma equivalence pre-application"; the printout is signed, attached to the documents and delivered on the appointment day.
• Documents (Turkish citizen, associate/bachelor's): the pre-application printout, consent declaration, original ID, original diploma and its notarised or consulate-certified Turkish translation, transcript and certified Turkish translation, a language exam result for the programme language (ÖSYM verification code, at least 60 or equivalent), the passport entry-exit pages, the fee receipt and colour copies.
• Fee (2026): the equivalence application costs 1,250 TL.
• Time: no fixed time is stated; it varies with the country, programme and review process.
• Language document: in general YDS or an equivalent score of at least 60 is required (unless the programme language is your native language); home-edition online exams and the foreign university's preparatory year certificates are not accepted.
• Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law: if the university is in the top 1,000 in at least two accepted rankings (ARWU, CWTS Leiden, QS, THE) in your start year, no YKS condition applies; otherwise a certain YKS ranking for the programme in Türkiye is needed (medicine top 50,000, dentistry 80,000, pharmacy and law 100,000).
• Study format: only in-person diplomas and certain distance diplomas that meet the criteria are assessed.
• Incomplete applications are not accepted. Documents prepared digitally with no wet signature, stamp or hologram are not accepted. If the language document is not presented within 2 years of the application, it is rejected.
• It is also advised to register with the Education Counsellor's office in the country (the consulate) to open a special student file.

2. Proving a Turkish degree in the UK: UK ENIC

• The UK ENIC "Statement of Comparability" is a certificate showing how your international qualifications compare with the UK education systems (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). It gives context for jobs, study or professional registration; you show it with your original qualifications.
• What it does not include: grades, grade comparisons, specific subjects or English proficiency. It does not replace Home Office proof of English.
• It is chargeable, and not refundable once review has started. The amount and time are on other pages.
• For a university application: UCAS tells you not to enter NARIC or equivalence results in your education history. A university may still ask for a verification; ask the university.

Points to watch

• Official pages, fees and document lists change. This post is a general summary.

What can you do?

• Read the YÖK Equivalence Application page.
• See UK ENIC: Statement of Comparability.
• For a university application, read the education history rules on UCAS: Filling in your application.