Release Date for Turkey's 2026 YKS Preference Guide Announced

As the final days of July 2026 approach, millions of candidates who participated in the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS) in Turkey are waiting for the final and decisive stage: the preference process. According to the latest announcements by the Measurement, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM), the results of the TYT, AYT, and YDT exams are scheduled to be officially announced on July 22, 2026. [1][2]

Exact Release Time of the 2026 Preference Guide One of the most important questions for candidates is the release time of the "2026 Higher Education Programs and Quotas Guide." Reports from reputable media outlets such as Kanal 3 Tv and sources close to ÖSYM indicate that this guide is usually published on the official website of the organization simultaneously with the announcement of results or within a maximum of 24 hours. [3] It is expected that on July 22, candidates will be able to access the exact details of public and private university quotas in addition to their scorecards. [2]

Content and Importance of the Guide The YKS preference guide is not just a simple list of department codes; it contains vital information such as the admission capacity of each field, special university conditions (such as dormitories or additional costs), admission rankings from previous years, and new quotas. [4] Educational experts recommend that candidates study this guide carefully before the official start of the preference period to be informed of potential changes in quotas or the addition and removal of new fields. [1]

Preference and Registration Process Calendar Although the exact date for starting the registration of priorities has not yet been officially announced, based on previous years' experience and the current calendar, it is predicted that the preference process will begin in the last days of July (around July 27) and continue until the first week of August. [2][4] Candidates must register their priority lists through the ÖSYM AIS system. After this period ends, final placement results are usually announced in mid-August to allow students enough time for in-person registration at universities. [1]

Key Tips for Candidates in the Remaining Days Given that competition in some popular fields such as Engineering and Medicine is reported to be very tight this year, candidates should prepare a preliminary list now using rank estimation tools and reviewing guides from previous years. [3] The release of the official 2026 guide on July 22 will be the final piece of this puzzle, allowing candidates to determine their academic future with full confidence. [4]