Program Information: Please follow the link
Online Application: Please submit an online application here.
Requirements: These are minimum necessary scores for applying to the Political Science MA and Ph.D. programs.
GRE:
MA: 298 (Minimum required combined score: Verbal 149 + Quantitative 149)
Ph.D. (with Master’s degree): 298 (Minimum required combined score: Verbal 149 + Quantitative 149)
GRE scores are valid for 5 years.
ALES:
MA: 55 (equally-weighted)
Ph.D. (with Master’s degree): 55 (equally weighted)
ALES is required for all Turkish citizens. Applicants who are not citizens of Türkiye should take GRE. ALES and GRE scores are valid for 5 years.
English Proficiency:
MA: TOEFL IBT (at least 87), IELTS (at least 6.5 average and 5.5 from each section) or Bilkent English Proficiency Exam – PAE (at least C)
Ph.D. (with Master’s degree): TOEFL IBT (at least 87), IELTS (at least 6.5 average and 5.5 from each section) or Bilkent English Proficiency Exam – PAE (at least C)*
Validity period for all exams: 2 years
*If you submit IELTS or PAE results and you are applying for a Ph.D. program, you also need to satisfy the foreign language requirement as imposed by the Inter-Universities Board (ÜAK) of Türkiye. In that case, a minimum of 55 from YDS, e-YDS, YÖKDİL, e-YÖKDİL or its equivalents as listed by the Board, in a language other than the mother tongue must be submitted.
TOEFL IBT “Computer-based” test results will be accepted.
TOEFL IBT “Online test taken at home (Home Edition)” and “my best score” test results will not be accepted.
IELTS Academic “Computer-based and paper-based” test results will be accepted.
IELTS Academic “OSR (One Skill Retake)” exam will not be accepted.
Proof of Degree:
MA: undergraduate degree
Ph.D. (with Master’s degree): graduate degree if already obtained (application requirement: MA/MSc thesis)
Transcripts:
MA: undergraduate transcripts
Ph.D. (with Master’s degree): undergraduate & graduate transcripts (most recent one available at the time of application)
Statement of Purpose:
MA: 500 words max. (reasons for applying to M.A., research and career interests)
Ph.D. (with Master’s degree): 1000 words max. (reasons for applying to Ph.D., research interests)
Letter of Recommendation:
MA & Ph.D. (with Master’s degree): 3 (uploaded to the system)
Other: A writing sample
Application Deadline: 15 May 2026
Date of Interview: 12-13 June 2026
IMPORTANT NOTE: Incomplete applications will not be considered (At the time of application the applicant should upload ALES or GRE scores/ or relevant exam application document).
This year’s ALES exam will take place on May 10, and results are scheduled to be announced by June 5. Please ensure that you take the exam and forward your official ÖSYM result document to the department’s application email at polsgrad@bilkent.edu.tr no later than June 7. Invitations for interviews will be sent by June 9 with short notice, so we ask that you plan your schedule accordingly to ensure your availability.
Contact:
- Assist. Prof. Kerem Yıldırım
E-mail: polsgrad@bilkent.edu.tr
Phone: +90 312 290 1339
Fax: +90 312 290 2742
Address:
Department of Political Science and Public Administration
Bilkent University
Main Campus
Room: T-370
Bilkent / Çankaya / ANKARA