Every year in our country, many candidates are placed into universities following the university entrance exams. These exams consist of specific stages, and only candidates who exceed certain threshold scores can make preferences. After the first placements are made, a second preference period opens for remaining vacant quotas. This is called additional quota (extra placement). In this article we will cover how to apply for university extra quota registration.
University Entrance Exams
Each year university entrance exams in our country are held in two stages: the Transition to Higher Education Examination and the Undergraduate Placement Examination. The first exam, the Transition to Higher Education Examination (YGS), is taken by students from all departments and consists of 160 questions. The exam includes questions from Turkish, Mathematics, Geometry, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Religious Culture and Ethics, History of Revolutions, and Geography. After the results of this exam are announced, candidates who qualify proceed to the Undergraduate Placement Examination (LYS) in June.
LYS is composed of five different tests. LYS‑1 covers Mathematics and Geometry and contains 80 questions. LYS‑2 includes Physics, Chemistry and Biology and has 90 questions. LYS‑3 covers Literature and Geography and consists of 80 questions. LYS‑4 includes History, Geography, Philosophy, Logic and similar subjects and has 90 questions. Finally, LYS‑5 is the language exam for candidates taking the language-based test; it contains 80 questions and is offered in German, English and French.
These are the exams candidates must take to enter university. Students sit the tests relevant to the subjects of their high school program, and once results are announced they make preferences. After the first preference period, candidates who could not make a preference or who were not placed enter the extra preference period. When extra preference results are released, the university extra quota registration period begins.
Candidates who become eligible for any higher education program must complete the university extra quota registration procedures within the published dates. Otherwise, if the deadline is missed the candidate loses the right to register.
What Is an Extra Quota?
Sometimes, after the initial placements, universities do not fill all their quotas, or seats remain vacant because candidates did not register on time. When these places remain open they are called extra quotas. The period during which these additional preferences are made is called the extra quota period.
Results of university extra quota placements are announced on the Higher Education Examination Council (ÖSYM) website. Candidates can log in with their e‑Government password and national ID number to see where they were placed. Placement result documents are not separately mailed to candidates’ addresses.
Information about university extra quota registration is also published on ÖSYM’s website. Registration dates and related instructions are announced on that site. Candidates who gain the right to register as a result of extra placements must complete their registration at the university they were admitted to within the registration period.
Required Documents for Registration
Candidates applying for university extra quota registration must provide certain documents. If you arrive to register without the required documents or without completing any necessary pre-registration, you may face difficulties. Make sure you prepare the following documents in advance.
The documents generally required for university extra quota registration are:
- The original high school diploma issued by the school from which the candidate graduated.
- Twelve passport‑size photographs.
- Document showing the tuition/contribution fee has been paid.
- If the candidate was placed with an additional score or entered through the exam-free transfer system and the field is not indicated on the diploma, a document proving this.
These are the standard documents requested for university extra quota registration. Requirements may vary between institutions, so confirm which documents the specific university requires before you go to register. Some universities may also request a health report.
Candidates must register in person for university extra quota placements. Applications sent by mail are considered invalid.