Diploma Recognition in Türkiye: Foreign Documents

A foreign diploma is recognised in Türkiye by one of two bodies, depending on the level. University degrees go to the Council of Higher Education (YÖK); primary and secondary school certificates go to the Ministry of National Education.

University degrees: YÖK

YÖK's recognition and equivalence regulation asks for the original diploma or graduation certificate together with a copy certified by a Turkish mission abroad or a Turkish notary, and a certified Turkish translation. The same applies to the official transcript showing all courses, grades and hours, and, for diplomas from EU countries, to the diploma supplement. The application is made in person or by someone holding a power of attorney, following the method set by the Council; documents are first uploaded online, and an application with missing documents is not processed.

School certificates: Ministry of National Education

Equivalence for school certificates is handled by equivalence centres: the provincial directorates of national education and designated district directorates in Türkiye, and education counsellors and attachés abroad. For graduates, the ministry's equivalence regulation asks for the diploma with an apostille, or, where there is no apostille, a diploma certified by the education ministry, foreign ministry or embassy or consulate of the issuing country. The original documents are presented at the centre and processed through the e-Denklik system.

Our country and state pages show which office issues the apostille for a school diploma.

We prepare the certified Turkish translations in Ankara through translators sworn before a Turkish notary. YÖK or the ministry decides on recognition.