Academic Personnel and Postgraduate Education Entrance Examination (ALES)

The Academic Personnel and Postgraduate Education Entrance Examination (ALES) is a centralized examination used in Türkiye for evaluating candidates applying to postgraduate programs, academic positions, and international education programs. It is conducted three times per year by the Measurement, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) during the spring, write and autumn periods.

Purpose of the Examination

ALES is used for appointments to academic positions such as research assistant, instructor, expert, translator and curriculum planner in higher education institutions; for applications to postgraduate and doctoral programs; and for selecting candidates to be sent abroad for postgraduate studies.

Who Can Take the Examination?

1. Graduates of undergraduate programs and students currently in their final year of study,
2. Candidates seeking to pursue postgraduate education,
3. Individuals applying for academic positions such as instructor, research assistant or lecturer,
4. Candidates wishing to enroll in postgraduate programs abroad,
5. Candidates in cases where private institutions or organizations require ALES scores may also apply.

ALES Examination Content and Format

ALES consists of two sections: verbal and quantitative. The exam contains a total of 100 questions and has a duration of 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes).

• Quantitative Section (50 Questions): Includes basic mathematics and logic questions.

• Verbal Section (50 Questions): Includes reading comprehension, verbal logic and grammar questions.

ALES does not include foreign language questions. The exam is multiple choice.

ALES Score Types and Applications

Three different score types are calculated in the examination:

• ALES-Quantitative: Used for applications to engineering, natural sciences and other quantitative-weighted programs.

• ALES-Verbal: Preferred for applications to social sciences, literature and similar fields.

• ALES-Equal Weight: Required for programs with equal weight such as economics, business and psychology.

ALES scores are evaluated with varying weights depending on the candidate’s academic career and the requirements of the applied program.

Validity Period of ALES Scores

• ALES scores are valid for five years from the date of the examination.

• Candidates may use their highest score obtained within this period.

How to Apply for ALES?

• Applications are submitted online through ÖSYM’s Candidate Operations System (AİS).

• Application fees are paid through banks designated by ÖSYM or via online payment systems.

• Examination dates and application procedures are announced annually on ÖSYM’s official website.