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YDS or YÖKDİL? Which exam is right for you?
Both are run under ÖSYM, both have 80 questions in 180 minutes. The difference is who each exam serves and where the score counts.
When a graduate application, academic promotion or a public-sector language requirement asks for a score, the first question is usually: YDS or YÖKDİL? Both are multiple-choice, both have 80 questions and 180 minutes. What differs is who they are designed for and where the score is accepted.
- YDS — run by
- ÖSYM
- YÖKDİL — run by
- YÖK together with ÖSYM
- YDS — content
- General: vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, translation
- YÖKDİL — content
- Field-specific: Science, Health or Social Sciences texts
- YDS — accepted for
- Graduate study, academic promotion, public and private sector requirements
- YÖKDİL — accepted for
- Academic purposes only: graduate study and associate professorship
- YDS — languages
- English and many other languages
- YÖKDİL — languages
- English (field-specific sessions)
Which one suits you?
- If you need a score for a public-sector, private-sector or other non-academic requirement: YDS. YÖKDİL is not accepted there.
- If you only need a score for a graduate application or associate professorship: either works. If you are comfortable with the texts of your field, YÖKDİL's field focus can be an advantage.
- If you may need the score both in academia and in the public or private sector: YDS opens both doors with one score.
- If you need a score in a language other than English: YDS; YÖKDİL is field-based and offers fewer options.
Is the preparation different?
The foundation is the same: vocabulary, grammar, reading speed and translation. YDS has a wider range of question types, including cloze tests, dialogue completion, closest-meaning sentences and paragraph coherence. In YÖKDİL the terminology of your chosen field comes to the fore; working with engineering, medical or social-science texts prepares you for the exam itself.
That is why our programme starts with a placement test and then shifts the weight according to the target exam: question-type variety in the YDS group, field texts in the YÖKDİL group. In both, the goal is not only the score but English you can use after the exam.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare for both at once?
Yes. The vocabulary, grammar and reading base is shared; what differs is the work on question types and text genres. We set the balance together according to your goal.
Which field should I choose in YÖKDİL?
The field your graduate programme or academic discipline belongs to: Science, Health or Social Sciences.
Where are the exam dates and fees?
ÖSYM announces the calendar and application conditions for both exams; check ÖSYM's website for current information. Write to us to plan which session you should prepare for.
Let's measure your level and choose the exam together
A free 20-minute placement test; then a YDS or YÖKDİL group based on your goal.