Turkey's 2026 YKS results released, sparking university admission rush

The Measurement, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) published the results of the 2026 Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS), accessed by about 2.5 million candidates. The results show five nationwide winners in the Basic Proficiency Test (TYT), three in the Advanced Proficiency Test (AYT) across the three score types, and five language winners in the Foreign Language Test (YDT). Two questions were cancelled – one in the Turkish Language and Literature‑Social Sciences test and one in the Mathematics test.

Several high schools recorded multiple national first‑place rankings. Kabataş Erkek Lisesi and Kartal Anadolu İmam Hatip Lisesi together secured five first‑place titles, while TÜBİTAK Science High School’s inaugural class achieved 84 top‑100 placements, including Turkey 6th in TYT and 15th in the numeric AYT. Kartal Anadolu İmam Hatip Lisesi’s top‑1000 placements earned its students an automobile prize.

Universities and local authorities responded with guidance and incentives. The Ministry of National Education issued a "YKS Preference Process Guide" for students and parents. Fırat University’s rector invited applicants to consider its programs. Bursa’s Yıldırım municipality opened free counseling centers. The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry announced the TENMAK scholarship, offering 300 students monthly stipends of 13,750 TL for studies in strategic fields. Municipal leaders in Kayseri and other cities promoted local educational resources.

The combined announcements mark the start of the university preference period, slated to run from late July to early August, shaping the academic futures of millions of Turkish students.