Preference Selection for National Athletes in Turkey's YKS 2026 Begins

Preference Selection Marathon for National Champions

According to official announcements published by reputable Turkish media outlets including Haber61, national athletes who participated in the Turkish national university entrance exam (YKS) can register their academic preferences in the relevant systems starting today [1]. This process, specifically designed for championship title holders and elite athletes, allows them to benefit from special quotas in physical education departments and other related faculties.

Based on the 2026 academic calendar, this period is a golden opportunity for athletes who, in addition to success in sports arenas, seek to earn academic degrees at Turkish state and private universities. ÖSYM emphasized that applicants must finalize their preference lists within the designated timeframe [2].

Eligibility Criteria and Required Documents

Athletes intending to use this quota must possess a valid "National Athlete Certificate" (Milli Sporcu Belgesi) approved by the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports. These certificates are generally categorized into three levels: A, B, and C, each carrying different advantages in the placement process [3].

In addition to sports documentation, candidates must have participated in the TYT exam (the first stage of YKS) and achieved the minimum threshold score set for athletes. According to the 2026 guidebook, admission priority is given to those who have secured top rankings in official international competitions, Olympics, and European Championships [2].

How to Register in the AIS System

The preference selection process is conducted entirely electronically. Candidates must log in to the ÖSYM Candidate Transactions System (AIS) at ais.osym.gov.tr using their Identification Number (T.C. Kimlik No) and password [1].

At this stage, each athlete is permitted to select a maximum of 8 academic preferences based on the list of programs provided in the guidebook. Educational experts recommend that candidates carefully review the quotas allocated to athletes at each university before final submission, as these quotas are highly limited and competitive [3].

Importance of Special Placement for Athletes

By providing these facilities, the Turkish education system aims to prevent the exit of sports elites from the education cycle, allowing them to study in their fields of interest while maintaining professional sports activities. The results of these placements are usually announced after a detailed review of sports documents by specialized committees and their alignment with written exam scores [2]. Final results for this stage are expected to be available to candidates in late July, coinciding with the general YKS preference results.