The Department hosted this significant event to support students planning to pursue graduate studies. The seminar aimed to guide participants through the process of applying for master’s programs. During the event, essential information regarding graduate school applications—both in Türkiye and abroad—was shared with the attendees. Additionally, the seminar featured a presentation of the Political Science and International Relations Master’s Program offered by Istanbul Gelisim University, and provided a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in the application process.
Informative Sessions on ALES and Language Proficiency Exams
During the seminar, detailed information was shared regarding ALES (Academic Personnel and Graduate Education Entrance Exam), which is mandatory for graduate applications in Türkiye. Participants were informed that the exam is held three times a year, includes different scoring types (Quantitative, Verbal, and Equal Weight), and that scores are valid for five years. The structure of the exam, question types, and preparation strategies were also explained.
In addition, the session covered YÖKDİL and YDS, two national language proficiency exams accepted in Türkiye, outlining their validity periods, score thresholds, academic usage, and recommended study resources. For those aiming to study abroad, internationally recognized exams such as TOEFL and IELTS were also introduced, with practical advice on preparation techniques, score equivalencies, and acceptance criteria.
Graduate Admission Procedures in Türkiye and Abroad
The second part of the seminar focused on graduate application procedures at Turkish universities. It was emphasized that application periods vary by institution and are generally announced in the summer and winter terms in line with the national graduate education regulations. The required documents—transcripts, ALES and language exam scores, letters of motivation, and references—were discussed in detail, with a focus on academic rigor and document preparation.
For students interested in graduate studies abroad, the seminar provided an in-depth guide to application strategies. Topics included how to conduct program research, access up-to-date requirements via official university websites, contact academic advisors, and prepare a statement of purpose, curriculum vitae (CV), personal statement, and scholarship applications.
Exploring University Ranking Platforms: QS and THE
The seminar also introduced students to global university ranking systems and platforms for academic research. Participants were shown how to effectively use QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, and how to interpret criteria such as academic reputation, research impact, faculty-student ratio, and internationalization.
It was noted that these platforms can help identify leading institutions in specific academic fields and provide insight into available scholarships and research opportunities. The importance of examining not only overall rankings but also subject-specific rankings was emphasized.

Supporting Students’ Academic Planning
The event aimed to equip students with the necessary tools to make informed decisions and create personal timelines for graduate applications. In the Q&A session that followed the presentations, participants had the opportunity to ask individual questions and receive tailored guidance.
Conducted in a presentation and discussion format, the seminar enabled students to gain a clearer understanding of how to navigate graduate school applications in a timely and strategic manner. It was regarded as a valuable step toward supporting students in aligning their academic aspirations with actionable plans for the future.