2026 University Choice Marathon Begins in Turkey: The Final Step for Admission

Official Start of the Choice Process Following the announcement of the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS) results yesterday, the Student Selection and Placement Center in Turkey (ÖSYM) activated the official choice calendar. According to reports published in reputable media outlets such as Akdeniz Manşet Gazetesi, this period, referred to as the "choice marathon," is the most sensitive stage for students planning to study at public and private universities in Turkey [2]. Starting today, candidates have the opportunity to register their list of 24 preferences through the official system based on their achieved rank and score.

Importance of the ÖSYM Guide and New Changes Simultaneously with the start of this process, ÖSYM has published the comprehensive 2026 choice guide [1]. This guide includes precise details on department capacities, specific conditions for each university, and the minimum ranks required for the current year. Educational experts emphasize that candidates should not rely solely on their raw scores; instead, the "Success Ranking" (Başarı Sıralaması) is the primary factor for admission into popular fields such as medicine, engineering, and law [3]. This year, minor changes have been implemented in the capacities of some major universities in Ankara and Istanbul, which could impact candidates' chances of admission.

Key Recommendations for Candidates and Families During these high-pressure days, educational consultants advise candidates to avoid emotional choices. The choice marathon is not just an academic competition but a strategic decision for a future career [2]. It is suggested that candidates divide their list into three sections: dream choices (above their rank), logical choices (matching their rank), and safe choices (below their rank to guarantee admission). Additionally, reviewing facilities, scholarships, and the geographical location of universities is vital at this stage [3].

Registration Deadline and Next Steps According to the announced calendar, candidates have until the end of July to submit their choice forms online. Once this deadline passes, the system will automatically close, and the placement (Yerleştirme) process will begin [1]. Final placement results are expected to be announced in the first half of August, giving successful candidates enough time for in-person registration at universities and securing dormitory accommodation. For many Turkish families, this period marks the end of a long journey and the beginning of a new chapter in their children's lives.