Turkiye's Gateway to Artificial Intelligence: Everything You Need to Know About Studying AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most prominent emerging technological fields globally, and Turkiye, like other countries, is striving to keep pace with this development by offering specialized academic programs in its universities.

Studying AI in Turkiye attracts both international and local students due to its quality education, diverse programs, and increasing research opportunities.

1. Understanding the Artificial Intelligence Specialization

Artificial Intelligence is a branch of computer science that aims to create machines and software capable of simulating intelligent human behavior, such as learning, problem-solving, decision-making, understanding natural languages, and recognizing patterns. The specialization includes broad areas such as:

• Machine Learning: Designing algorithms that allow systems to learn from data and identify patterns.

• Deep Learning: A branch of machine learning that uses complex artificial neural networks to process vast amounts of data.

• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Enabling machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language.

• Computer Vision: Enabling machines to "see" and interpret images and videos.

• Robotics: Designing, manufacturing, and programming intelligent robots.

• Expert Systems: Systems that mimic the decision-making capabilities of human experts.

The AI specialization aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to develop and apply AI systems in various sectors such as health, industry, finance, security, and entertainment.

2. Who Can Enroll in the Artificial Intelligence Specialization?

The AI specialization is suitable for students who are passionate about modern technologies and possess logical and analytical thinking skills. Generally, eligible candidates include:

• High School Graduates (Bachelor's): Especially those from the science track (scientific or mathematical streams) who have a good foundation in mathematics, physics, and computer science (if available).

• Graduates of Related Fields (Master's and PhD): Such as computer engineering, computer science, software engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, mathematics, statistics, or any relevant technical or scientific field.

Essential Required Skills:

• Mathematics: A strong foundation in linear algebra, calculus, statistics, and probability.

• Programming: Proficiency in programming languages like Python (very common in AI), Java, C++.

• Problem-Solving: The ability to analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions.

• Logical Thinking: Strong critical and analytical thinking skills.

• Passion for Continuous Learning: The field of AI is rapidly evolving, requiring continuous learning and adaptation.

3. Admission Requirements (Grades)

The required admission grades vary significantly between public and private universities, as well as between Bachelor's and Master's programs.

• Bachelor's:

• Public Universities: Typically require higher and more competitive grades, often 85% or higher in high school. In addition, most public universities require passing entrance exams such as:

• YÖS Exam: An entrance exam for international students specific to Turkiye's universities.

• SAT Exam: Usually requires a score of at least 1200 out of 1600, and may go up to 1400 or more for prestigious universities.

• Private Universities: Admission requirements are more flexible, with high school grades typically ranging from 65% to 80% or higher. Some universities may accept slightly lower grades. Most private universities do not require YÖS or SAT exams.

• Language: An English proficiency certificate (TOEFL or IELTS) if the program is in English, or a Turkish proficiency certificate (TOMER) if the program is in Turkish. If not available, a preparatory language year may be required.

• Master's:

• Bachelor's GPA: It's preferred that the student's GPA is no less than 2.5 out of 4.0 or 3.0 out of 4.0 for competitive programs.

• Entrance Exams:

• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Required by many universities, especially public and prestigious ones.

• ALES (Akademik Personel ve Lisansüstü Eğitimi Giriş Sınavı): An entrance exam for postgraduate studies in Turkiye.

• Language: English proficiency certificate (TOEFL or IELTS) with a specific score according to university requirements.

• Personal Interview: Some departments may require a personal interview to assess the student's readiness and suitability for the program.

4. Required Certificates and Courses (for Registration and Study)

For program registration:

• Bachelor's:

• High school diploma and transcript (attested and translated).

• YÖS or SAT exam certificate (for public universities).

• Language proficiency certificate (if available).

• Master's and PhD:

• Bachelor's degree and transcript (attested and translated).

• GRE or ALES exam certificate.

• English proficiency certificate (TOEFL or IELTS).

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).

• Statement of Purpose outlining your interest in the specialization and future goals.

• Letters of Recommendation from previous professors.

• Research paper or project (for some PhD programs).

Essential and Useful Courses Before and During Study:

• Programming: Python (with libraries like NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).

• Mathematics: Linear algebra, calculus, statistics, probability.

• Introduction to Computer Science: Data structures and algorithms.

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Understanding fundamental concepts before delving into advanced courses.

Online courses (such as Coursera, edX, Udemy) can be beneficial for building these foundations.

5. Required Documents for Registration

The required documents vary slightly between universities, but generally, these are the essential ones:

• High School Diploma: Original and certified true copy, translated into Turkish or English (certified translation by a notary).

• Transcript (Grades): Original and certified true copy, translated.

• Valid Passport: Copy of the main page.

• Passport-sized Photos: A specific number (usually 4-6 photos) with a white background.

• Language Proficiency Certificate: (if available) such as TOEFL, IELTS, or TOMER.

• Application/Registration Fee Receipt: (if applicable).

• YÖS or SAT Exam: (for public universities) Copy of the exam certificate and score.

• Birth Certificate: (may be requested by some universities).

• Additional Certificates (for Postgraduate Studies):

• Bachelor's degree and transcript (attested and translated).

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).

• Statement of Purpose.

• Letters of Recommendation.

• GRE/ALES exam results.

Important Note: All documents must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the student's home country, then by the Turkiye Embassy or Consulate in the student's home country, and finally in Turkiye, they must be attested by a notary.

6. Most Popular Turkiye Universities Offering Artificial Intelligence

Turkiye has a growing number of prestigious universities that offer strong programs in Artificial Intelligence:

1. Prominent Public Universities:

• İstanbul Teknik Üniversitesi (ITU): Considered a leader in engineering and technology, with strong programs in AI engineering and data science.

• Middle East Technical University (METU): Known for its excellent engineering and scientific programs, offering computer science and computer engineering programs with specializations in AI.

• Hacettepe University: One of the major public universities offering advanced programs in computer science and AI.

• Ankara University: Offers computer science programs with specializations in AI.

• Fırat University: One of the universities that has started offering programs in this field.
• Prominent Private Universities:

• Bahçeşehir University (BAU): One of the leading universities offering "Artificial Intelligence Engineering" in English, distinguished by its location in the heart of Istanbul and its international partnerships.

• Bilkent University: Although private, it is considered one of the best universities in Turkiye and offers very strong programs in computer science and engineering with a significant focus on AI.

• Sabancı University: A leading research university offering flexible programs in computer science and engineering with specializations in AI and machine learning.

• Istinye University: Offers AI and machine learning engineering programs and boasts modern facilities.

• Ostim Technical University: Focuses on practical application and innovation in the field of AI.

• Istanbul Aydın University: Offers Bachelor's and Master's programs in AI and information technology.

• Okan University: Offers programs in AI engineering.

• Nişantaşı University: Offers specializations in AI and its applications.