Useful Information
Education System
Information on the National Higher Education System
Structure and Degree System
The basic structure of the Turkish National Education System consists of stages of noncompulsory pre-school education; compulsory primary (elementary and middle school) and secondary (high school education); and higher education. Primary education begins at the age of 5.5 (66 months), lasts eight years and comprises elementary and middle school education, four years each. Secondary education is also four years and divided into two categories as “General High School Education” and “Vocational and Technical High School Education”. The entry into these categories is through composite scores obtained from a centralized exam for secondary schools.
Higher education system in Turkey is managed by the Council of Higher Education (CoHE, Yükseköğretim Kurulu-YÖK) which is an autonomous public body responsible for the planning, coordination, governance and supervision of higher education within the provisions set forth in the Constitution of the Turkish Republic and the Higher Education Law. Both state and non-profit foundation universities are founded by law and subject to the Higher Education Law and to the regulations enacted in accordance with it.
Higher education in Turkey comprises all post secondary higher education programmes, consisting of short, first, second, and third cycle degrees in terms of the terminology of the Bologna Process. The structure of Turkish higher education degrees is based on a two-tier system, except for dentistry, pharmacy, medicine and veterinary medicine programmes which have a one-tier system. The duration of these one-tier programmes is five years (300 ECTS) except for medicine which lasts six years (360 ECTS). The qualifications in these one-tier programmes are equivalent to the first cycle (bachelor’s) plus second cycle (master’s) degree. Undergraduate level of study consists of short cycle (associate’s)-(önlisans derecesi) and first cycle (bachelor’s)-(lisans derecesi) degrees which are awarded after successful completion of full-time two-year (120 ECTS) and four-year (240 ECTS) study programmes, respectively.
Graduate level of study consists of second cycle (master’s)-(yüksek lisans derecesi) and third cycle (doctorate)-(doktora derecesi) degree programmes. Second cycle is divided into two sub-types named as master without thesis and master with thesis. Master programmes without thesis require 60 to 90 ECTS credits and consist of courses and a semester project. 60 ECTS non-thesis master programmes are exceptional, and exist in a few disciplines. The master programmes with a thesis require 90 to 120 ECTS credits, which consists of courses, a seminar, and a thesis. Third cycle (doctorate) degree programmes are completed having earned a minimum of 180 ECTS credits, which consists of completion of courses, passing a proficiency examination and a doctoral thesis. Specialization in medicine, accepted as equivalent to third cycle programmes are carried out within the faculties of medicine, university hospitals and the training hospitals operated by the Ministry of Health.
Universities consist of graduate schools (Institutes) offering second cycle (master’s) and third cycle (doctorate) degree programmes, faculties offering first cycle (bachelor’s degree) programmes, four-year higher schools offering first cycle (bachelor’s) degree programmes with a vocational emphasis and two-year vocational schools offering short cycle (associate’s) degree programmes of a strictly vocational nature. Since 2003, first cycle degree holders may apply directly to third cycle (doctorate) programmes if their performance at the first cycle degree level is exceptionally high and their national central Graduate Education Entrance Examination (ALES) score is also high and their application is approved. For these students, theoretical part of the programmes requires additional courses of 60 ECTS credits.
Admission of national students to short and first cycle degree programmes is centralized and based on a nationwide one/two-stage examination(s) conducted by an autonomous public body (Assessment, Selection and Placement Centre-ÖSYM). Candidates gain access to institutions of higher education based on their composite scores consisting of the scores on the selection examination and their high school grade point averages. Admission to graduate programmes is directly conducted by the higher education institutions (HEIs) within the frameworks of the publicly available national and institutional regulations. Admission of foreign students to programmes at all levels of higher education can be done by direct applications of candidates to HEIs based on publicly available national and institutional regulations.
The Turkish National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education (TYYÇ)
The National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education in Turkey (TYYÇ) developed with reference to the QF for European Higher Education Area and the EQF for lifelong learning was adopted by the CoHE in 2010. The framework has been developed as a part of a single national qualifications framework, which eventually consists of 8 level national framework covering all levels of education in the context of the ongoing work at the national level, in which the higher education levels are between 5-8. The levels of the TYYÇ with reference to the European overarching framework for qualifications are as well as to ECTS credits and student workloads.
Bologna Process
Alignment with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA)
Sivas Cumhuriyet University is fully committed to the principles of the Bologna Process, which aims to create a more transparent, compatible, and comparable higher education system across Europe. Türkiye has been a member of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) since 2001, and the university has integrated its education policies and practices accordingly.
Degree Structure and ECTS
In line with the Bologna Process, academic programmes at Sivas Cumhuriyet University are structured around the three-cycle system:
- First Cycle (Bachelor’s degree) – 240 ECTS, typically completed in 4 years
- Second Cycle (Master’s degree) – 90–120 ECTS, typically 2 years
- Third Cycle (Doctorate degree) – minimum of 180 ECTS, 3–4 years
Each course is allocated European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits, which reflect the student workload required to achieve defined learning outcomes. One academic year corresponds to 60 ECTS credits.
Recognition of Learning Outcomes
All academic programmes are designed with clearly defined learning outcomes, ensuring transparency and comparability with institutions across Europe. This allows incoming Erasmus+ students to easily transfer credits earned at Sivas Cumhuriyet University back to their home institutions. The university issues Transcripts of Records and Diploma Supplements in accordance with Bologna standards to facilitate recognition.
Quality Assurance
The university adheres to national and European quality assurance standards. Internal and external evaluation mechanisms are in place to ensure the continuous improvement of teaching, research, and student services. This guarantees that Erasmus+ students receive education and support that meet the shared European standards of the EHEA.
Student Mobility and Internationalisation
One of the central goals of the Bologna Process is to promote student mobility and international cooperation. Sivas Cumhuriyet University actively supports this goal by:
- Offering courses in English in several faculties,
- Providing academic recognition for Erasmus+ mobility activities,
- Supporting students with guidance from the International Relations Office and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN Cumhuriyet).
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)
What is ECTS?
The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a standard tool of the Bologna Process designed to make higher education more transparent and comparable across Europe. It enables students to study abroad and have their learning achievements recognized by their home institutions. Sivas Cumhuriyet University fully applies the ECTS system in all academic programmes.
Credit Allocation
- One academic year of full-time study is equivalent to 60 ECTS credits, which corresponds to a workload of approximately 1,500–1,800 hours.
- Credits are allocated to each course based on the total workload required, including lectures, seminars, practical work, assignments, independent study, and examinations.
- Typical programme credit values are:
- First Cycle (Bachelor’s degree): 240 ECTS (usually 4 years)
- Second Cycle (Master’s degree): 90–120 ECTS (1.5–2 years)
- Third Cycle (Doctorate degree): minimum 180 ECTS (3–4 years)
Recognition of Mobility
Incoming Erasmus+ students at Sivas Cumhuriyet University are registered to courses with ECTS credits that are fully comparable and transferable within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). After successful completion of the mobility period, students receive a Transcript of Records showing the courses, grades, and credits earned. These are formally recognized by the student’s home university through the Learning Agreement signed before the mobility.
Grading and Transparency
ECTS also includes a grading scale designed to make academic performance more comparable across different countries. At Sivas Cumhuriyet University, grades are issued both in the national system and in ECTS-compatible formats to ensure clarity and recognition for partner institutions.
Benefits for Erasmus+ Students
By using ECTS, Erasmus+ students benefit from:
- Transparency in course content and workload,
- Full academic recognition of studies abroad,
- Easier transfer of credits to home universities,
- A unified framework that supports mobility and international learning experiences.
Grading Scheme & ECTS Conversion Table
General Conversion Table
For each course taken, the student is given one of the following grades by the course teacher. The letter grades, grade point and percentage equivalents are given below:
| SIVAS CUMHURIYET UNIVERSITY ECTS GRADING SCHEME | |||||
| ECTS Grade | Local Grade | 4 Point Numerical Note | 100 Point Numerical Note | Degree of Success | Final Decision |
| A | AA | 4,00 | 100 | Very Good | Pass |
| B | BA | 3,50 | 88,33 | Good – Very Good | Pass |
| C | BB | 3,00 | 76,66 | Good | Pass |
| D | CB | 2,50 | 65 | Medium – Good | Pass |
| E | CC | 2,00 | 53,33 | Medium | Pass |
| E | DC | 1,50 | 41,66 | Weak – Medium | Pass |
| E | DD | 1,00 | 30 | Weak | Pass |
| F | FF | 0,00 | 0 | Unsuccessful | Fail |
| F | GR | 0,00 | 0 | Not Attended to Exam(s) | Fail |
The grade of YT (successful) is given for the successfully completed courses such as project or seminar and is not included in the calculation of CPGA.
Conditions for Award of Diploma: Student must have a CPGA of not less than 2.00 out of 4.00 and have successfully completed all the courses in the programme in order to graduate.
At Sivas Cumhuriyet University, academic achievements of incoming Erasmus+ students are evaluated according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). For transparency and comparability, the university applies a general grade conversion table between the Turkish grading system and the ECTS scale. This table is used as the standard reference for most faculties and departments.
However, it is important to note that some faculties apply their own specific conversion tables, reflecting the particularities of their academic structure and assessment methods. For example, the Faculty of Medicine has a distinct grade conversion system that differs from the general table.
Incoming Erasmus+ students are therefore advised to:
- Refer to the general conversion table for an overview,
- Check the websites of the relevant faculties for faculty-specific conversion tables,
- Contact the International Relations Office or their faculty Erasmus coordinators for further clarification when needed.
By following these guidelines, students can ensure that their grades and credits earned during their mobility period are recognized both by Sivas Cumhuriyet University and by their home institution.
| FACULTY OF MEDICINE ECTS GRADING SCHEME | |||||
| ECTS Grade | Local Grade | 4 Point Numerical Note | 100 Point Numerical Note | Degree of Success | Final Decision |
| A | AA | 4,00 | 95-100 | Very Good | Pass |
| B | BA | 3,50 | 85-94 | Good – Very Good | Pass |
| C | BB | 3,00 | 75-84 | Good | Pass |
| D | CB | 2,50 | 65-74 | Medium – Good | Pass |
| E | CC | 2,00 | 60-64 | Medium | Pass |
| F | FF | 0,00 | 0,59 | Unsuccessful | Fail |
| F | GR | 0,00 | 0 | Not Attended to Exam(s) | Fail |
Diploma Supplement
What is the Diploma Supplement?
The Diploma Supplement (DS) is an official document issued to all graduates of Sivas Cumhuriyet University, prepared in line with the standards of the European Commission, the Council of Europe, and UNESCO/CEPES. It is designed to provide a transparent and internationally comparable record of the academic qualifications obtained by students.
Purpose
The DS aims to:
- Ensure international transparency of qualifications,
- Facilitate academic and professional recognition of diplomas across countries,
- Provide detailed information about the nature, level, context, content, and status of the studies completed,
- Support both further academic study and employment opportunities abroad.
Content of the Diploma Supplement
The DS includes:
- Information identifying the holder of the qualification,
- Details of the qualification, including awarded degree and field of study,
- Information on the level and function of the qualification,
- Programme details, such as course units, credits (ECTS), grades, and learning outcomes,
- Certification of the supplement,
- Description of the national higher education system in Türkiye.
Language and Format
The Diploma Supplement at Sivas Cumhuriyet University is issued automatically, free of charge, and in both Turkish and English. This ensures that graduates can present their qualifications in a format easily understood by universities, employers, and authorities worldwide.
Relevance for Erasmus+ Students
For Erasmus+ incoming students, the principles of the DS guarantee that:
- Their learning achievements and credits earned at Sivas Cumhuriyet University are fully documented,
- Their academic records are transparent and internationally comparable,
- They face no obstacles in the recognition of studies upon returning to their home institutions.
Erasmus Without Paper (EWP)
Erasmus Without Paper (EWP)
Sivas Cumhuriyet University is fully integrated into the Erasmus Without Paper (EWP) network. This EU-wide digital infrastructure allows universities to exchange student data and mobility documents securely and electronically. Through EWP, Learning Agreements, Inter-Institutional Agreements, and other essential documents are managed digitally, reducing paperwork and increasing efficiency. This ensures that Erasmus+ students experience a smooth, transparent, and eco-friendly mobility process.
European Student Card Initiative (ESCI)
The European Student Card Initiative (ESCI) is part of the European Commission’s effort to digitally transform student mobility. Its main goal is to make Erasmus+ mobilities easier by offering students access to services across Europe with a single digital identity. By participating in ESCI, Sivas Cumhuriyet University contributes to creating a more connected and inclusive European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
European Student Card (ESC)
The European Student Card (ESC) allows students to identify themselves electronically across universities in Europe. With this card, students can access campus services such as libraries, cafeterias, and events, both at their home university and at their host institution. For Erasmus+ students at Sivas Cumhuriyet University, the ESC represents a step towards a unified and borderless student experience in Europe.
EWP Dashboard
For universities and students that do not yet have their own integrated IT systems, the European Commission provides the EWP Dashboard. This web-based platform enables the management of Learning Agreements, Inter-Institutional Agreements, and nominations. Sivas Cumhuriyet University actively uses the EWP Dashboard to support student mobilities, ensuring that all Erasmus+ documents are processed in line with EU standards.
eduroam (Education Roaming) WiFi
What is eduroam?
eduroam (education roaming) is the secure, world-wide roaming access service developed for the international research and education community.
eduroam allows students, researchers and staff from participating institutions to obtain Internet connectivity across campus and when visiting other participating institutions by simply opening their laptop.
Where can I eduroam?
Having started in Europe, eduroam has gained momentum throughout the research and education community and is now available in over 100 territories.
eduroam is available in thousands of locations across over 100 countries worldwide. From campuses to coffee shops. Click here for an interactive map of countries where you can eduroam.
Is it safe?
eduroam is based on the most secure encryption and authentication standards in existence today. Its security by far exceeds typical commercial hotspots. Find out about eduroam security here.
How does eduroam work?
eduroam allows any user from an eduroam participating site to get network access at any institution connected to eduroam. Depending on local policies at the visited institutions, eduroam participants may also have additional resources at their disposal.
The user credentials are kept secure because eduroam does not share them with the site you’re visiting. Instead they are forwarded to the user’s home institution, where they can be verified and validated.
The system uses a network of servers run by the institutions, and the participating National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) to securely route these requests back to your home institute. All this happens seamlessly and virtually instantly – all thanks to eduroam!
How does eduroam work?
eduroam provides authenticated network access at any location where the service is enabled.
Each participating organisation offering network access to authenticated users is able to apply its own filtering policies as long as it is clearly informing users about the filtering rules.
For more information please visit the website of eduroam global and eduroam Türkiye.
eduroam at Sivas Cumhuriyet University
Sivas Cumhuriyet University is part of the eduroam network, providing free and secure Wi-Fi access across the campus, including faculties, libraries, dormitories, and social spaces.
If you are an Erasmus+ student and your home university is a member of eduroam, you can use your own university credentials (username and password) to connect instantly to the Wi-Fi network at Sivas Cumhuriyet University — just as you do at your home institution. No additional registration is required.
How to Connect
- Search for the “eduroam” wireless network on your device.
- Select it and enter your home university login credentials.
- Once connected, you can securely access the internet throughout the campus.
Benefits for Erasmus+ Students
- No need to create a new account or password,
- Secure and encrypted internet connection,
- Access not only at Sivas Cumhuriyet University but also at other eduroam-enabled institutions across Türkiye and Europe.
Student Card & E-Mail Address
Student Card
All Erasmus+ students who complete their registration at Sivas Cumhuriyet University are entitled to receive a university student card. This card provides access to various services on campus, such as:
- Entry to libraries and study areas,
- Use of dining halls and cafeterias at student rates,
- Access to sports facilities and cultural events,
- Student identification for public transportation discounts in Sivas.
The student card will be issued within approximately two weeks after registration. Students will be notified by the International Relations Office when their cards are ready for collection.
University Email Address
In addition to the student card, Erasmus+ students may request a Sivas Cumhuriyet University email address. This institutional email account can be used for:
- Communication with academic and administrative staff,
- Access to online learning platforms and course materials,
- Receiving important announcements from the university.
The email address registration will be completed by the International Relations Office upon the student’s request. Students who would like to obtain a university email should inform the office during or after the registration process.
