Online Application: Please submit an online application here
(Online application starts at 08.30 a.m., 15th April 2026).
Requirements:
These are minimum necessary scores for applying to M.F.A. & Ph.D. programs.
GRE:
M.F.A.: 298 (Minimum required combined score: Verbal 149 + Quantitative 149)
Ph.D. (with Master’s degree): 298 (Minimum required combined score: Verbal 149 + Quantitative 149)
ALES:
M.F.A.: 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:
M.F.A.: 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.
Citizens of Turkey who plan to submit TOEFL IBT scores must take the TOEFL IBT exam at one of the test centers in public universities (YÖK requirement).
TOEFL IBT “Special Home Edition” test results will not be accepted.
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: Yes (if already obtained)
Transcripts: Yes
Statement of Purpose: Yes, 1 page, about research interests.
Letter of Recommendation: 2
Other: Portfolio (optional)
Application Deadline:
The deadline for the Fall 2026-2027 Semester is 15th May 2026.
Date of Interview:
Only qualified applicants will be announced and an email will be sent to them. Those that are qualified will be invited for the interview.
M.F.A. Program: 10th June 2026
Ph.D. Program: 11th June 2026
Contact Information:
- Asst. Prof. of Practice Burçak Altay
E-mail: burcak@bilkent.edu.tr - Ms. Müge Pamir
E-mail: muge.pamir@bilkent.edu.tr
Phone: +90 312 290 1742