Most UK universities publish their entry requirements in terms of A-levels, the qualification taken by most school students in England. If your child studies in Türkiye, the first task is to find out how each university translates those requirements for the Turkish Lise Diploması, or for the IB or A-levels if the school offers them. The answers differ more than many families expect.
This guide reflects universities' published information as of October 2026. Requirements can change each year, so always check the page for the year of entry you are applying for.
The Lise Diploması: it varies by university
There is no single UK rule for the Turkish high school diploma. Universities publish their own country pages, and their approaches fall into a few broad patterns:
- Direct entry from listed schools, with a grade threshold. Some universities accept the diploma for direct entry only from schools on their own list. The University of Birmingham, for example, considers the Lise Diploması from certain schools and lists grade 12 scores that correspond to its A-level offers, such as 85/100 for an AAA offer and 88/100 for A*AA. Students from schools that are not listed, or below the threshold, are often pointed towards a foundation programme.
- Further study first. UCL's country information for applicants from Türkiye, for example, considers students who have successfully completed one year of a bachelor's degree at a Turkish university recognised by UCL, with a CGPA of at least 3.3 out of 4.0 or an average of 80%; some programmes ask for more. A-levels and the IB are another route.
- A foundation year. Many universities offer an international foundation programme as a route in. We explain how these work in our article on the foundation year.
Requirements also vary by course within the same university. A grade that is enough for one degree may not be enough for a more competitive one.
A-levels, the IB and subject requirements
Students who take A-levels or the IB Diploma, whether at a school in Türkiye or in the UK, are assessed directly against the published requirements, which makes comparing courses simpler. If your child is still choosing a programme for the last two years of school, our article A-level or IB Diploma? compares the two.
Overall grades are only part of the picture. Many courses require particular subjects, such as mathematics for economics and engineering or chemistry for medicine. For the Lise Diploması, universities often look at grade 12 marks in the relevant subjects as well as the overall average. Make sure the student's subject choices in the final years of lise keep the doors open for the degree they want.
Universities will also want to know the student's expected grade 12 results before the year is over. Agree with the school early on how these will be reported, and how quickly it can issue official transcripts and the diploma in English after graduation, since final documents are often a condition of the offer.
English language requirements
Each university sets its own English requirement, usually expressed as an IELTS Academic score, and many accept other tests too. The level depends on the course. At UCL, for example, the standard level asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component, while the highest level asks for 8.0 overall with 8.0 in each. Every component must meet the minimum, not just the overall score, and results must be recent: UCL, for example, accepts only tests taken no more than two years before the course starts.
Plan the test so that there is time for a second attempt before offer conditions must be met.
Home or international fees?
Most students from Türkiye pay international (overseas) tuition fees, which each university sets and which are usually higher than home fees. Fee status is not chosen by the student. Each university decides it using government rules, which depend on the category a student fits; several categories require the student to have been ordinarily resident in a particular area for three years. Families with UK residence or settled status should raise the question with each university early. UKCISA, the UK Council for International Student Affairs, advises anyone who believes they qualify for home fees not to sign anything agreeing to pay the overseas rate, and to set out their case in writing.
A simple checklist
- For each university on your list, find its country page for Türkiye and save a copy.
- Note the grade 12 average and subject marks it asks for, and compare them honestly with the student's expected results.
- Check whether the school must be on an approved list.
- Check the English requirement for the specific course, not just the university.
- If anything is unclear, email the admissions office and keep the reply.
How YES can help
We help families read these requirements correctly, compare them across universities and decide whether direct entry, A-levels, the IB or a foundation year is the most realistic route. Find out more about our university application support or get in touch.
Questions families ask
Is the Lise Diploması enough to apply to a UK university?
At some universities it is, usually with a high grade 12 average and often only from approved schools. Others ask for further study first, such as a foundation year or a year at a Turkish university. Always check each university's country page.
Which English test should my child take?
Most universities accept IELTS Academic, and many accept other tests as well. Check the required score and accepted tests for the specific course before booking.
Will we pay home or international fees?
Most students from Türkiye pay international fees. Each university decides fee status under government rules, so families with UK residence or settled status should ask each university early.
Sources and further reading
This article is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change; always check the official sources before you apply.
