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English-speaking lawyersHigh school and university diplomasApplication handled for you
Diploma Equivalence (Denklik) in Turkey for Foreign Graduates
Bayraktar Attorneys helps foreign graduates obtain recognition of their diplomas in Turkey, known as denklik. Whether you hold a high school certificate or a university degree from abroad, we guide you through the equivalence process so your qualification is officially recognised here.
Recognition matters because it is often required before you can study further, take a professional role or complete other official steps in Turkey. We prepare your documents, deal with the relevant authority and keep you updated in English throughout.
Key Takeaways
Diploma equivalence, or denklik, is the official recognition that your foreign qualification is equivalent to its Turkish counterpart. Without it, many universities and employers will not accept a foreign diploma.
The authority depends on the level of your diploma. High school certificates are recognised by the Ministry of National Education, while university and higher degrees are recognised by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).
Your documents will usually need to be translated and notarised, and foreign documents are often required to be apostilled or otherwise legalised before they are accepted.
In some cases, particularly for regulated professions, the authority may ask for additional documents, an interview or an examination before recognition is granted. We prepare you for what your case is likely to involve.
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The equivalence process has its own forms, authorities and document rules, and a small mistake can cost weeks. We work with foreign graduates regularly and manage the process from the first check to the certificate in your hand.
We take care of each step, so nothing holds up your application:
Assessing which authority handles your diploma and what it will require
Preparing the application and the forms
Arranging translation, notarisation and legalisation of your documents
Submitting the application and following it up with the authority
Responding to any request for further documents or information
Representing you if there is a delay, a query or a refusal
Which Authority Recognises Your Diploma
The right route depends on the level of the qualification you hold. We identify the correct authority at the outset so your application goes to the right place first time.
High School Diplomas
Equivalence for a high school certificate obtained abroad is handled by the Ministry of National Education. The equivalence confirms that your certificate is treated as equivalent to a Turkish high school diploma, which is often needed for university entry and other steps.
University and Higher Degrees
Recognition of a university degree or other higher education qualification is handled by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). YÖK reviews the institution and the programme, and issues a recognition or equivalence certificate for your degree.
Regulated Professions
For certain regulated fields, such as medicine and some other professions, recognition can involve extra steps, which may include an examination or further assessment before you can practise. We explain what your specific profession is likely to require.
Documents and Translation
Most refusals and delays come from incomplete or incorrectly prepared documents. We make sure your file is complete and in the form the authority expects. You will generally need:
Your original diploma or certificate
Your transcript showing subjects and grades
A certified Turkish translation of each document
Notarisation of the translations
An apostille or other legalisation of the foreign documents, where required
A copy of your passport and, where relevant, your residence document
The Recognition Process
Once your file is ready, we submit the application to the correct authority and follow it through. The authority reviews your institution and programme, checks that the documents are in order, and decides whether your qualification is equivalent to its Turkish counterpart.
Timing depends on the authority, the country your diploma comes from and the level of the qualification, so we give you a realistic expectation rather than a promise. If the authority asks for more information, or proposes an examination or further step, we respond and keep the application moving.
Why Recognition Matters
Denklik is not just a formality. Turkish universities generally require an equivalence certificate before they will admit you or recognise a prior degree, and many employers and professional bodies ask for it as well. Recognition is often a building block for wider plans in Turkey, whether that is study, taking up a role that needs a work permit, or settling here on a residence permit. We make sure this step is in place so the rest of your plans are not held up.
Our Process (Step by Step)
1
Free Consultation
We learn what diploma you hold, which country it is from and what you need it recognised for, then set out the route and timeline.
2
Authority and Requirements
We confirm whether your case goes to the Ministry of National Education or to YÖK, and list exactly what will be required.
3
Documents and Translation
We arrange the translation, notarisation and legalisation of your diploma, transcript and supporting documents.
4
Application and Follow-Up
We submit the application and follow it up with the authority, responding to any request for more information.
5
Certificate Issued
We obtain your equivalence certificate and, where relevant, help you use it for study, work or your next step.
Why Choose Bayraktar Attorneys
Foreigner-focused
We guide foreign graduates through denklik every day, entirely in English.
Right authority, first time
We know whether your diploma goes to the Ministry or to YÖK, and prepare accordingly.
Documents done properly
We handle translation, notarisation and legalisation so your file is not turned back.
Connected to your plans
We link recognition to your study, work permit and residence goals.
NB
Atty. Nevzat Oğulcan Bayraktar
Founding Attorney · Istanbul Bar Association. View profile →
Frequently Asked Questions
Denklik is the official recognition that a diploma obtained abroad is equivalent to its Turkish counterpart. Without it, many Turkish universities, employers and professional bodies will not accept a foreign qualification.
It depends on the level of the diploma. High school certificates are recognised by the Ministry of National Education, while university and higher degrees are recognised by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). We identify the correct authority for your case at the start.
Yes. Your diploma and transcript will generally need a certified Turkish translation, and the translations usually need to be notarised. Foreign documents are also often required to be apostilled or otherwise legalised before they are accepted.
Not usually for a standard academic diploma. For certain regulated professions, such as medicine, the authority may require an examination or further assessment before recognition or the right to practise. We tell you whether your field is likely to involve this.
Timing depends on the authority, the country your diploma is from and the level of the qualification. Because it varies, we give you a realistic expectation after reviewing your case rather than a fixed promise.
Recognition is often required before you can enrol at a Turkish university, have a prior degree accepted, or take up a role that requires a specific qualification. It is a common building block for study, employment and other official steps in Turkey.
Yes. If the authority raises a query, asks for more documents or refuses the application, we respond, correct any issue and represent your interests to get the process back on track.
Much of the work, including document preparation and follow-up, can be handled on your behalf. We advise whether any step in your particular case needs you to attend in person.
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This page provides general information about diploma equivalence (denklik) in Turkey in Turkey and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, please contact Bayraktar Attorneys for a consultation.
