English Language Proficiency

Exams Recognized as Equivalent to BÜYES/BUEPT and Other Exemption Rules

Exams Accepted as Equivalent to BÜYES/BUEPT

Boğaziçi University Senate recognizes the TOEFL® IBT and IELTS Academic (Paper-based / Computer-delivered) exams as equivalent to BÜYES/BUEPT. However, these results are only considered valid if they have been verified and approved by YADYOK. Additionally, only scores obtained within the past two years are accepted.

Please note that Institutional TOEFL® (ITP) scores are not accepted. Once TOEFL® IBT or IELTS Academic (Paper-based / Computer-delivered) results are available, students must visit the YADYOK Student Affairs Office to obtain an official certificate of approval.

Students who achieve the required overall score on TOEFL® IBT or IELTS Academic exams but do not meet the minimum writing score requirement may take the TWE exam on the same day as the BÜYES/BUEPT. If successful, they may obtain English proficiency certification upon submitting their TOEFL® IBT or IELTS results.

Students who demonstrate English proficiency via BÜYES/BUEPT, TOEFL® IBT, or IELTS Academic (Paper-based / Computer-delivered) in their first semester are required to begin departmental studies immediately. Once proficiency is certified, continuing in the preparatory program is not permitted.

Minimum Required Scores (Effective as of January 9, 2013)
Any future updates to these scores will be announced and enforced as of the publication date.

  • TOEFL® IBT: Overall 79, Writing 22 (Home Edition not accepted)
  • TOEFL® IBT: Overall 79, TWE Pass (Home Edition not accepted)
  • IELTS Academic (Paper-based / Computer-delivered): Overall 6.5, Writing 6.5 (Online version not accepted)
  • IELTS Academic (Paper-based / Computer-delivered): Overall 6.5, TWE Pass (Online version not accepted)

Other Exemption Criteria

In addition to those who certify proficiency through the above-listed exams, the following applicants are also exempt from the English proficiency requirement:

  • Applicants to undergraduate or graduate programs who graduated from Boğaziçi University within the past two years
  • Students re-admitted to Boğaziçi University while previously enrolled in a degree program at the university

Furthermore, the following groups may also be exempt, subject to additional review (such as an interview, if necessary):

  • Citizens of countries where English is the official language, provided they completed their secondary, undergraduate, or graduate education at an English-medium institution and submit a diploma as proof
  • Graduates (within the past two years) who:
    • Completed the final three years of secondary education in a country where English is the native or official language, in an English-medium school
    • Completed the final two years of undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral education at an English-medium higher education institution in a country where English is the native or official language
    • Are currently enrolled in such institutions and have completed at least two years of study

Note:
Applicants who do not meet any of the above exemption criteria and lack valid English proficiency scores may enroll in the English Preparatory Program at Boğaziçi University.