Application Documents

The following documents must be submitted by the end of the application period (prior to the written exam) either to the Graduate School of Social Sciences, the departmental secretariat, the program advisor, or the faculty secretariat.

• A printout of the Online Application Form
• Undergraduate diploma (or “graduation document”)
• Official transcript (graduation)
• ALES (verbal or equal weight) 55 or GMAT 450 or GRE (quantitative) 610
• Two reference letters (at least one from a former teacher)
• Statement of purpose (in English; 2-3 pages)
• Two photographs

Language Proficiency

Candidates must have advanced linguistic skills in English and Turkish. Minimum requirements for the accepted language proficiency tests are as follows: TOEFL IBT ≥ 72 or Bilgi Lisansüstü Online İngilizce Sınavı ≥B2. Candidates are encouraged to submit the relevant examination scores, but in any case, the level of language knowledge will be assessed by the examination committee.

Exam and Interview

Applicants fulfilling the application requirements take a written exam and those who are succesful are called for an interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What are the criteria for being admitted to the program?

In addition to the timely provision of all required documents, applicants must undergo a written exam which requires demonstration of sufficient grounding in and commitment to scholarly studies in literature.

- Can I apply even if my BA degree is from a non-literary field?

Yes, you can, provided you are applying with adequate preparation. Some non-literary majors may be admitted on the condition they take a number of BA courses in literature.

- Does my level of English matter?

Yes, it matters. The teaching atmosphere is strictly bilingual. Most of the readings and many of the lectures are in English. Candidates who do not have a high level of proficiency in English need not apply. The written exam is also in English.

- Do I need to know Turkish?

Yes, you do. This is a program in comparative literature and the program is bilingual. There is also some emphasis on literature in Turkish, particularly for the modern period.

- What does the written exam involve?

The written exam is comprised of a "theory" and an "analysis" section. The theory section requires candidates to write a cohesive essay on a question on literary theory. The second section asks the candidates to provide an in-depth critical analysis of a selected poem or short story.

- How can I prepare for the written exam?

No reading list is provided, but by the time of the exam candidates must have read a wide array of books and articles on literary theory, comparative literature, and world literature. Reading major anthologies on various histories of literature will also help.

- Is everyone invited to the interview? 

No, only those who have passed the written exam are invited to the interview.

- When does the interview take place?

The interview usually takes place three days after the exam.

- Who is eligible for a scholarship?

All candidates who submit their proper documents, take the written exam, and pass the interview are eligible for a scholarship.

- What does the scholarship cover and how much does it provide?

The scholarship involves fee remission only. Up to 60 percent remissions are offered depending on the applicants’ grades, portfolio, and competence in writing. While some applicants have been admitted without any fee remission, others are offered remissions slightly above that range.

- When do I apply and when is the written exam?

Applications for the Fall semester (only) usually start in May and continue through the third week of June. Candidates should check the relevant websites of the Graduate School of Social Sciences for the exact dates of the applications and the exam.

- How do I apply?

Fill out the online application form and submit all required documents prior to the exam.

- What if I can not submit my BA diploma during the application period?

Submission of a candidate’s Graduation Document (Mezuniyet Belgesi) is sufficient to finalise an application.