Atatürk University’s language requirements for international students depend on the program and medium of instruction. Here are the general requirements:

1. Turkish Language Programs

• Turkish Proficiency: Most undergraduate and graduate programs at Atatürk University are taught in Turkish. International students applying to these programs are required to demonstrate proficiency in Turkish.
• Exams Accepted:
  • TÖMER (Turkish Language Proficiency Exam): Students are usually required to achieve at least a B2 level.
  • Students without prior Turkish knowledge may take language courses at Atatürk University’s TÖMER center to meet this requirement before beginning their academic studies.

2. English-Taught Programs

• Some graduate programs, particularly in fields such as engineering, natural sciences, and international relations, are offered in English.
• English Proficiency: For programs taught in English, students must demonstrate English language proficiency.
• Accepted Tests:
  • TOEFL (Minimum score varies by program; typically around 72-80 for the internet-based test)
  • IELTS (Minimum score generally ranges from 6.0 to 6.5)
  • YDS/e-YDS/YÖKDİL (Turkish national English proficiency exams; scores may vary depending on the program)

3. Exemptions and Preparatory Courses

• Language Preparatory Courses: Students who do not meet the language requirements may be admitted to a preparatory language program before starting their degree.
• Exemptions: If students have completed previous education in Turkish or English-speaking institutions, they may be exempt from taking additional language exams, depending on university policy.

Atatürk University’s language requirements ensure students are adequately prepared for academic success in their programs, whether in Turkish or English.

Admission

Atatürk University, located in Erzurum, Turkey, offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, with a particular focus on research in areas that support regional development and technological innovation. Here are some key course specializations:

1. Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences

• Programs Offered: Agricultural Engineering, Horticulture, Animal Science, Plant Protection, Veterinary Medicine.
• Specialty: Given its regional location, Atatürk University has a strong focus on agricultural studies, particularly those relevant to Turkey’s climate and agricultural practices, as well as veterinary sciences.

2. Medicine and Health Sciences

• Programs Offered: Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health.
• Specialty: The university is renowned for its contributions to medical education and healthcare research, focusing on community health and rural healthcare needs.

3. Engineering and Natural Sciences

• Programs Offered: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Computer Engineering.
• Specialty: Engineering programs focus on practical applications and research addressing technological challenges in Turkey, with a growing emphasis on sustainable and environmental engineering.

4. Education and Teacher Training

• Programs Offered: Primary Education, Educational Sciences, Psychological Counseling and Guidance, Special Education.
• Specialty: Known for its teacher training programs, Atatürk University has a strong reputation for producing qualified educators, especially those dedicated to rural and underserved communities.

5. Social Sciences and Humanities

• Programs Offered: Sociology, Philosophy, History, Literature, Public Administration.
• Specialty: Programs focus on cultural studies, Turkish history, and philosophy, exploring the rich cultural and historical landscape of Turkey, particularly the eastern region.

6. Economics and Business Administration

• Programs Offered: Business Administration, Economics, Finance, International Relations.
• Specialty: Business programs cover the core aspects of economics and management with an emphasis on local economic development and global economic trends.

7. Law and Political Sciences

• Programs Offered: Law, Political Science, International Relations.
• Specialty: Law and political science programs cover both Turkish legal studies and international law, as well as political science with an emphasis on governance and policy-making in the region.

8. Fine Arts

• Programs Offered: Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Music, Theatre.
• Specialty: The university offers a strong arts program, supporting creative expression and cultural preservation through its theater, music, and visual arts departments.

9. Islamic Studies and Theology

• Programs Offered: Islamic Studies, Theology, Religious Education.
• Specialty: Atatürk University is recognized for its theology programs, which focus on Islamic studies and the training of religious educators and scholars.

Research

Programs

Scholarship Opportunities

International student help

JOBS

Atatürk University has a number of highly regarded professors known for their contributions to their respective fields and their impact on education and research in Turkey. Here are a few notable professors:

1. Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak – Medicine and Surgery

• Specialty: Prof. Dr. Koçak is well-respected in the field of general surgery and has made substantial contributions to healthcare in eastern Turkey.
• Impact: As a former rector of Atatürk University, he has been a driving force behind initiatives aimed at expanding the university’s medical programs and research capabilities.

2. Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Koca – Agriculture and Crop Science

• Specialty: Known for his work in agricultural sciences, particularly in crop and soil sciences, Prof. Dr. Koca’s research has focused on sustainable agriculture and food security.
• Impact: His studies on soil fertility and crop productivity are valuable to Turkey's agricultural sector, especially in regions with challenging climates.

3. Prof. Dr. İlhami Gülçin – Chemistry and Biochemistry

• Specialty: Prof. Dr. Gülçin has published extensively in the areas of biochemistry, enzyme activity, and antioxidants.
• Impact: His research on enzyme inhibitors and natural antioxidants is recognized internationally, contributing to advancements in medical chemistry.

4. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Karakaş – Veterinary Medicine

• Specialty: With expertise in animal sciences and veterinary surgery, Prof. Dr. Karakaş has contributed extensively to animal healthcare and welfare research.
• Impact: His work in veterinary medicine has been influential in the region, particularly in supporting rural livestock and veterinary practices.

5. Prof. Dr. Burhanettin Şen – Environmental Engineering

• Specialty: Known for his work in water resources and environmental engineering, Prof. Dr. Şen has conducted research on water pollution control and sustainable water management.
• Impact: His expertise has significantly advanced the university's engineering programs, especially in addressing environmental issues relevant to the region.

These professors represent the diverse academic expertise at Atatürk University, contributing both to the university’s mission of regional development and to Turkey's research landscape in medicine, agriculture, science, and engineering.

Atatürk University does not currently have any Nobel Prize laureates among its faculty or alumni. However, Turkey as a country celebrates two Nobel Prize winners, whose achievements inspire the academic community across Turkish universities, including Atatürk University:

1. Orhan Pamuk (Nobel Prize in Literature, 2006)

• Recognition: Pamuk was awarded for his deep exploration of Turkish identity, cultural history, and the complexity of modern life through his novels.
• Impact: His success has inspired Turkish literature departments and encouraged students of Turkish language and literature to pursue creative and critical writing on national and cultural themes.

2. Aziz Sancar (Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 2015)

• Recognition: Sancar received the award for his groundbreaking research in DNA repair, which has significant implications for cancer treatment and genetics.
• Impact: Sancar’s achievements have strongly influenced Turkish medical and scientific research, especially in molecular biology and genetics, fields in which many Turkish universities, including Atatürk, are now investing more resources.

Commitment to Research and Excellence

While Atatürk University has not yet produced a Nobel laureate, its strong emphasis on research in fields like agriculture, healthcare, and engineering aims to foster innovation and scientific advancements. Through collaborations, research funding, and high standards for academic programs, the university aspires to contribute to Turkey’s growing academic presence on the global stage, potentially paving the way for future Nobel-recognized achievements.