Program Information: Please follow the link
Application:
Please submit an online application here.
Requirements:
These are minimum necessary scores for applying to Philosophy MA and Ph.D. programs.
CGPA:
Ph.D. (with undergraduate BA/BSc): Equivalent or minimum 3.00 over 4.00
ALES:
MA: 55 (equally-weighted)
Ph.D. (with Master’s degree): 55 (equally weighted)
Ph.D. (with undergraduate BA/BSc): 80 (equally-weighted)
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)
Ph.D. (with undergraduate BA/BSc): 312 (Minimum required combined score: Verbal 156 + Quantitative 156)
ALES is required for all Turkish citizens. Applicants who are not Turkish citizens and Turkish applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree abroad and those applicants who are not Turkish citizens may, with Institute approval, submit a GRE result in place of ALES. 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)*
Ph.D. (with undergraduate BA/BSc): 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: Bachelor’s degree
Ph.D. (with Master’s degree): Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
Ph.D. (with undergraduate BA/BSc): Bachelor’s degree
Transcripts:
MA: Bachelor’s transcript [uploaded] Ph.D. (with Master’s degree): Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts [uploaded] Ph.D. (with undergraduate BA/BSc): Bachelor’s transcript [uploaded]
Statement of purpose: A letter in English describing your research interests, proposed thesis topic, potential supervisor(s), and career plans. (Word limit: 600 to 800 words, double-spaced).
Letters of Recommendation: Three letters [completed online by referee]
Writing sample: A sample essay in English (e.g. research paper) (Word limit: 2000-3000 words, double-spaced) [uploaded under ‘Supporting Files and Documents’].
Other:
All applicants: Curriculum Vitae [uploaded under ‘Supporting Files and Documents’]
Ph.D. (with Master’s degree): Master’s thesis (if completed) [uploaded under ‘Supporting Files and Documents’]
Admissions FAQs: http://www.phil.bilkent.edu.tr/index.php/faq/
Application Deadlines for Fall 2026-2027 Semester:
Early application: 2 March 2026
Regular application: 15 May 2026
Date of entrance exam (if invited):
Early application (online): 25 – 26 March 2026
Regular application (online): 3 – 4 June 2026
Date of interviews (if invited):
Early application (via Zoom): 25 – 26 March 2026
Regular application (via Zoom): 3 – 4 June 2026
Contact:
Department of Philosophy
E-mail: philgrad@bilkent.edu.tr
Phone: +90 312 290 1072