2026 International Relations Rankings and Minimum Scores in Turkey

With July 20, 2026, arriving, excitement among candidates for the Turkish Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS) has reached its peak. According to the official announcement by the Turkish Assessment Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM), the exam results are scheduled to be released on July 22, 2026 [2]. Meanwhile, the International Relations program, as one of the most popular options in the Equal Weight (Eşit Ağırlık) category, has become a focal point for candidates.

2026 Results Announcement and Selection Schedule According to the 2026 academic calendar, candidates will enter the selection phase after receiving their results on July 22. Reports published by reputable media outlets such as Sabah indicate that the 2026 admission score tables and rankings serve as the primary guide for future students [1]. Candidates should note that final admission scores are only determined after the placement process by ÖSYM is completed, but current data remains the best metric for estimating admission chances.

Analysis of International Relations Minimum Scores and Ranks International Relations in Turkey is offered in both state and private (foundation) universities. According to reference data, universities such as Koç University, Bilkent University, and Galatasaray University remain at the top of the list for the highest admission scores [1]. For instance, in recent years, top ranks below 2,000 usually compete for full scholarships at elite universities.

A key point for 2026 is the potential shift in thresholds due to the difficulty level of the Field Proficiency Test (AYT). Experts recommend that candidates prioritize their Success Rank (Başarı Sırası) over just the Score (Puan), as scores may fluctuate annually while rankings remain more stable [3].

University Capacities and Competition This Year The capacities announced for 2026 show a balance in student admissions for International Relations. Major institutions like Ankara University and Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ) are ready to welcome students into this strategic field with specific capacities [1]. Candidates must carefully review the department codes and specific university requirements (such as the language of instruction, which is primarily English or French) in the selection guide published alongside the results.

Key Tips for Smart Selection 1. Review History: Be sure to compare the admission scores of your target university from the last three years. 2. Geographical Priority: Major cities like Istanbul and Ankara provide better internship opportunities for International Relations students due to the concentration of political and diplomatic institutions. 3. Language of Instruction: Given the international nature of this field, choosing programs offered in English is a significant advantage in the future job market [1].

Finally, candidates must wait until July 22 to access their final report cards and the 2026 selection guide to register their final lists in the AİS system [2].