Graduate Programs English Proficiency Waiver Information Package
In accordance with the Middle East Technical University (METU) Senate Resolution dated 11.11.2025, an exemption from the obligation to submit an English Proficiency Exam (EPE) certificate has been granted to certain candidates applying to graduate programs.
Section 1: Scope and Conditions of the Waiver
| Who is Eligible for the Waiver? | The candidate must satisfy one of the following conditions within the last four academic semesters (approximately 2 years) from the application date: |
|---|---|
| Group A: Recent Graduates | Candidates who graduated from our University’s undergraduate or graduate programs. (This status is sufficient; you are within the scope of the waiver.) |
| Group B: Former Students | Candidates who held a student status in a graduate program at our University for at least one semester AND who had satisfied the EPE score determined by the Head of the Institute's Department (EABD) at the time they held this student status. |
Section 2: Waiver Validity Periods (Last Four Semesters)
To be eligible for the waiver, the graduation or student status must have occurred within the last four academic semesters, counting backward from the application date. The valid periods based on application term are as follows:
| Application Term | Waiver Validity Periods (Last Four Semesters) |
|---|---|
| 2026-2027 Fall Term | The period starting from 2024-2025 Fall Term up to and including the 2025-2026 Spring Term. |
| 2025-2026 Spring Term | The period starting from 2023-2024 Spring Term up to and including the 2025-2026 Fall Term. |
Section 3: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Questions Regarding Graduation Status
Question: I graduated from METU, but more than four semesters (approximately 2 years) have passed since my graduation. Am I eligible for the waiver?
Answer: No. To be eligible for the waiver, your graduation must have taken place within the last four academic semesters from the date of application. Graduations outside this period are not covered by the waiver.
Question: I graduated from the METU Northern Cyprus Campus (NCC). I am applying to a program on the Ankara campus. Is the waiver valid for me?
Answer: Yes. The term "our University" used in the resolution covers graduates from both METU Ankara and the Northern Cyprus Campus programs. If you graduated from METU NCC within the last four semesters, you are eligible for the waiver.
Question: I am currently a 4th-year student and will graduate before the application period ends. Am I included in the scope of the waiver?
Answer: Yes, if you achieve graduate status within the last four semesters (Group A) by the document submission date for the program you are applying to, or at the latest, before the final registration period, you will benefit from the waiver.
2. Questions Regarding Past Score Status
Question: I graduated from METU within the last 4 semesters (Group A). However, my past EPE score is below the minimum score requested by the EABD I am applying to. Do I need to take the exam again?
Answer: No. If you graduated from a METU undergraduate or graduate program within the last four semesters, this status (Group A) is sufficient by itself for the waiver, and your past EPE score's compliance with the EABD requirements will not be checked. You are not obligated to take the exam again.
Question: I used an IELTS score instead of the EPE to pass the Preparatory School / start my graduate studies (as it was accepted by METU at that time). Is this IELTS score currently valid for the waiver?
Answer: If you graduated within the last four semesters, yes, you are waived (Group A). However, the METU Senate does not currently accept IELTS as equivalent to the EPE. Therefore, if you fall under the Former Student category (Group B) you cannot benefit from the waiver, and you must take the exam again.
Question: I am not a graduate but a former student (Group B) and want to benefit from the waiver. However, my EPE score from 6 years ago was 71, while the program I am applying to requires 75. What should I do?
Answer: According to the Group B condition, to qualify for the waiver, you must have previously satisfied the score determined by the EABD you applied to. If your score does not meet the current or past requirement of that EABD, you cannot benefit from the waiver, and you must take the exam again.
Section 4: The Importance of Submitting Strong Documentation
This Senate resolution waives the requirement for eligible candidates to submit an English proficiency certificate. However, admission to graduate programs is not solely about meeting minimum requirements; it necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of academic qualifications.
According to the Regulations:
In addition to general application conditions, a candidate must be found sufficient in the scientific evaluation conducted by the relevant Head of the Institute’s Department (EABD) to be admitted to a graduate program (Regulation Article 11).
In this scientific evaluation process, not only the weight of the ALES score but also the weight of various criteria are determined by the relevant EABD, including:
- The EPE or its equivalent international exam score
- The general grade point average (undergraduate and/or graduate)
- Scientific evaluation methods (written and/or oral examination and/or product portfolio)
- Reference and letter of intention, and similar conditions
(Regulation Article 12).
🌟 Recommendation to Strengthen Your Application:
Given the multi-dimensional nature of the program admission process, although not mandatory, submitting a current and high language score serves as significant evidence of your academic proficiency and command of the language in the relevant field.
A high language score will be considered by the admission committees as one of the evaluation criteria and will help your application be presented with an academically stronger and more comprehensive file. Even if you have the right to a waiver, if you possess a current and high language score, it is highly recommended that you submit it.
