YÖS is the entrance exam Turkish universities use for international students. Since 2023 ÖSYM, Türkiye's national exam centre, has run a central exam called TR-YÖS twice a year, which many universities accept; some universities still hold their own YÖS as well. Each university decides which results it accepts, so always check the pages of the universities you are applying to.
TR-YÖS has 80 questions in 100 minutes: 40 numerical ability questions (patterns, number sequences, figures and logic) and 40 basic mathematics questions, including geometry. It can be taken in several languages, including English and Arabic, and a result stays valid for two years. University YÖS exams test similar skills. The questions are not hard one by one; the difficulty is the speed.
Weeks 1-2: find your weak question types
- Take one mixed practice set without a time limit and note which question types you get wrong: figure patterns, number series, word problems, geometry.
- Review the basics behind your mistakes: fractions, ratios, percentages, angles, areas.
- Keep a list of every pattern rule you learn. In YÖS the same rules come back many times.
Weeks 3-4: speed
- Practise in short timed sets of 20-25 questions. Aim for about one minute per question.
- Learn to skip. A question that takes three minutes costs you two easier ones.
- Redo your wrong answers two days later until you can solve them quickly.
Weeks 5-6: full exams
- Sit a full timed practice exam each week, in one sitting.
- Check the current TR-YÖS dates on the ÖSYM website, and whether your universities accept TR-YÖS or need their own exam.
- If you will study in a Turkish-taught programme, plan a Turkish proficiency certificate too.
YÖS rewards practice more than talent. Students who have seen hundreds of pattern questions recognise them in seconds.
How EXAMEV helps
The EXAMEV TR-YÖS ability bank has over 1,300 practice questions in the YÖS style, in levels, with timed sessions and explanations. A free placement test shows which level to start at.