Preparatory Program and Exams Held at the Beginning of the Academic Year
1.1 Is the preparatory program mandatory?
At Atlas University, preparatory education is compulsory for students enrolled in programs where the language of instruction is English. Students enrolled in programs where the language of instruction is Turkish may choose to take preparatory education. These students must inform the Student Affairs Office of their desire to study in the preparatory program during registration.
1.2 What is the duration of the English Preparatory Program?
The standard duration of the English preparatory program is 1 (one) academic year, and the maximum duration is 2 (two) academic years. Students who successfully complete the preparatory program begin their regular university programs; those who do not succeed continue their studies in the preparatory program. The English preparatory program consists of 4 courses, each lasting at least 8 weeks. Students who fail to complete the preparatory program within the maximum time limit may have their enrollment cancelled with the approval of the relevant administrative board.
The start and end dates of the program can be found on the School of Foreign Languages website. (https://www.atlas.edu.tr/yabanci-diller-yuksekokulu) You can find it in the announcements section under the academic calendar heading.
1.3 How can I be exempt from the English Preparatory Program?
Newly enrolled university students can be exempted from the English Preparatory Program by taking and passing the English Proficiency Exam (EPE) administered by the School of Foreign Languages English Preparatory Program.
1.3.1 English Level Placement Test (ELT)
Placement TestThis exam is administered to determine the English language level of students enrolling in the university for the first time and to identify those who are eligible to take the English Proficiency Exam. All students enrolling in the university for the first time who do not possess a valid foreign language proficiency certificate approved by the University Senate are required to take this exam.
English Placement Test on our campus face to face The exam consists of a test with listening, vocabulary and grammar, and reading questions.
These students are placed in preparatory program courses according to their level. DBS results are sent to the students' university email addresses.
1.3.2 English Proficiency Exam (EPE)
The English Proficiency Exam (EPE) is administered to measure students' English language proficiency levels in line with the University's foreign language proficiency goals and the language skills defined at the B2 (upper-intermediate) level within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Based on their scores, the exam also serves to determine whether students enrolled in programs requiring a mandatory English preparatory class, students who previously completed preparatory education at the University and failed, and students who have transferred to the University's programs through lateral transfer, possess the necessary proficiency for exemption from the English preparatory class.
Multiple choice section It consists of 80-100 questions and takes between 80-100 minutes. This section is worth a total of 50 points.
Writing exam Students are given 4-5 topics and asked to write a 300-350 word essay within 45 minutes. The writing section is worth 25 points.
Speaking test It is applied as a face-to-face interview. It takes between 7-10 minutes and is worth 25 points.
Students who score 70 or above in the IYS are considered successful and are entitled to start undergraduate programs.
English Proficiency Exam results can be found on the School of Foreign Languages website. (https://www.atlas.edu.tr/yabanci-diller-yuksekokulu) You can find out by going to the announcements section.
Additionally, students who have passed an e-TEP exam with a score of 74 or higher within the last two years, a total of 30/15 or higher with at least 75 out of 120 in each of the listening, speaking, reading and academic writing sections of the TOEFL IBT exam, a score of 55 or higher in the PTE exam, a score of 111 or higher in the Oxford Test of English Advanced, a minimum of B in the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam, a minimum of C in the Cambridge C2 Proficiency exam, and a minimum of 160 in the Cambridge Linguaskill General Exam, and who have a “Foreign Language Preparation Class” achievement certificate from another higher education institution may be exempt.
exams | Points |
IYS | 70 |
e-Tep | 74 |
TOEFL IBT | 75 |
PTE | 55 |
Oxford Test of English Advanced | 111 |
Cambridge Linguaskill General | 160 |
Cambridge C1 Advanced | B |
Cambridge C2 Proficiency | C |
1.4 What is the process for determining the preparatory class?
Students who do not pass the English Placement Test or the English Proficiency Test are placed in classes appropriate to their level based on their test results.
2. Preparatory Training, Exams, and Attendance
2.1 How is the training process conducted in the Preparatory Program?
English preparatory education consists of 8-week modules. Students are placed into elementary, pre-intermediate, and intermediate levels according to their DBS (Digital Placement Exam) results. The weekly lesson hours in English preparatory classes are at least 20 hours. The lesson hours and schedules of the courses are determined by the College Directorate.
Students are placed into elementary, pre-intermediate, and intermediate levels based on their Placement Test results. Upon achieving the required score on the final course exam, students are eligible to advance to the next level. Failure to pass requires retaking the same course. Completing the preparatory program requires successfully reaching the upper-intermediate level.
2.2 What are the exams and grading system in the Preparatory Program?
The success of English preparatory class students is assessed by 60% of the mid-term exam, assignments, and other assessment work administered within each level, and 40% of the End-of-Module Exam (KTS). To pass, students must achieve a minimum score of 70. Students with a level of 70 or higher are eligible to advance to the next level. Those who fail by scoring below 70/100 must repeat the level.
Pop Quizzes* | Portfolios** & Online Homework*** | Mid-term | End-of-module Exam |
%20 | %20 | %20 | %40 |
*Pop Quizzes: These are short, unannounced assessment exams designed to monitor students' learning processes at regular intervals, in line with the learning outcomes of the course. A total of five (5) pop quizzes are administered during the eight-week module; students' assessment scores are calculated based on the four (4) highest grades they receive from these exams. **Portfolios: Consist of skill-based assignments and projects aimed at putting course learning outcomes into practice, supporting course materials and improving students' language skills. Students submit four (4) portfolios during the eight-week module. ***Online Homework: Students access the publisher's online learning platform using access codes provided with textbooks and complete online assignments designed to reinforce course content. These assignments are used to support students' independent learning processes and contribute to the development of course learning outcomes. | |||
2.3 Continuation Status
Attendance is compulsory in the English preparatory program. Students who exceed 15% of the total course duration will be considered to have failed that course and will have to repeat it.
2.4 How does the make-up process work for the exams I missed?
Students who are unable to attend midterm or final exams must apply in writing to the relevant unit within five business days, providing supporting documentation for their excuse. The unit will review the application and inform the student of the result. Students whose excuses are accepted will be given the opportunity to take the make-up exam. The procedure for the make-up exam will be determined by the relevant unit. There will be no make-up exams for pop quizzes or re-administered portfolios.
2.5 How does the process for appealing exam results work?
After the announcement of exam results, students may request a review of their exam papers and performance evaluations for midterm and KTS exams by submitting a written application to the relevant unit within five business days at the latest. The re-evaluation of appealed exams is carried out by the Exam Appeals Evaluation Committee.
2.6 How can I check my grades and attendance status?
Students can access their grades and attendance records on the MyAtlas Campus Portal using the passwords and usernames provided to them during registration. https://my.atlas.edu.tr They can learn about it by logging in. The relevant area is a web service that allows you to access all the applications listed below and more through a single portal. You can log in with the Username and Campus Password you received.
- MyAtlas Mobile Application • You can download our MyAtlas application from the Play Store or App Store and use it by logging in with your “Username” and “Campus Password”.
- Support System • https://my.atlas.edu.tr After logging in to [website address] with your "Username" and "Campus Password," you can create a support request through the Support System located in the left-hand menu.
- Student Information System (OIS) • https://ois.atlas.edu.tr Go to the website and click the "Student" button. On the login screen that appears, you can log in using your "Username" and "Campus Password".
- Course Attendance System • Student attendance is recorded via the MyAtlas website or the MyAtlas Education Mobile application.
Preparatory Program and Exams Held at the Beginning of the Academic Year
Is the Preparatory Program Mandatory?
At Istanbul Atlas University, preparatory training is mandatory for students in the Turkish Preparatory Program, where the language of instruction is Turkish. Students enrolled in English-medium programs may take optional preparatory training. These students must inform the Student Affairs Office of their wish to study in the Preparatory Program at the time of registration.
What is the duration of the Turkish Preparatory Program?
The standard duration of study in the Turkish Preparatory Program is one academic year, while the maximum duration is two academic years. Students who successfully complete the Preparatory Program begin courses in their university programs, while those who fail continue their studies in the Preparatory Program. Students who fail to complete the preparatory program within the maximum period are dismissed by decision of the School of Foreign Languages Board of Directors.
Optional Preparatory Class students are assigned to the first year at the end of the first academic year, regardless of whether they are successful or not.
How can I be exempt from the Turkish Preparatory Program?
In order to be exempt from the Turkish Preparatory Program, newly enrolled students must take and pass the exams given by the Turkish Preparatory Program of the School of Foreign Languages.
Turkish Proficiency Level Determination Exam (DBS)
This exam is administered to measure the Turkish proficiency of students entering university for the first time and to determine who will subsequently take the Turkish Proficiency Exam. Participation in the Level Determination Exam is mandatory for undergraduate students who are enrolling for the first time, those placed in programs taught in Turkish, and those wishing to pursue optional study in the Preparatory Program. The DBS is a face-to-face exam that includes multiple-choice questions on grammar, reading, and listening, as well as assessing writing skills. Students who answer at least 70 out of 45 questions correctly on the exam are considered successful and eligible to take the Turkish Proficiency Exam. Those who fail below this threshold are placed in the appropriate level within the Preparatory Program based on their Turkish Level Determination Exam results.
You can find the results of the Turkish Proficiency Exam on the School of Foreign Languages website. (https://www.atlas.edu.tr/yabanci-diller-yuksekokulu) You can find out by going to the announcements section.
Turkish Proficiency Test (TYS)
The Turkish Proficiency Exam is a test that measures a student's Turkish proficiency and allows them to be exempt from the Preparatory Program. Students who successfully complete the Level Determination Exam, administered at the beginning of the academic year and thus qualify to take the proficiency exam, are considered successful in the Preparatory Program.
Written examination It consists of listening, reading, and writing sections for our students. Each section is calculated out of 25 points.
Speaking test It is applied as a face-to-face interview. It takes between 7-10 minutes and is worth 25 points.
Based on the TYS exam results, the minimum proficiency level required to begin undergraduate and associate degree programs at our university without taking Turkish preparatory classes is B2; for graduate programs, it is C1. The minimum score required for undergraduate programs is 70/100; for graduate programs, it is 85/100.
You can find the results of the Turkish Proficiency Exam on the School of Foreign Languages website. (https://www.atlas.edu.tr/yabanci-diller-yuksekokulu) You can find out by going to the announcements section.
Additionally, those who have completed at least the last three years of their education in secondary education institutions (both domestic and international) where the language of instruction is Turkish, those who have studied in Turkish at least two semesters at a university in Turkey or abroad, provided that they can document their level, and those who have graduated from other higher education institutions in Türkiye. TOMER, DILMER ve Yunus Emre Institute Students who can prove that they have successfully completed a preparatory program of another higher education institution with at least B2 level education and documents taken from the Preparatory Program at least B2 level and valid within the last two years are exempt from the Preparatory Program if the documents they submit are approved by the relevant unit.
What is the process of determining my preparatory class?
Students who score below 70 out of 45 on the Turkish Proficiency Exam, as well as students who took the Turkish Proficiency Exam but failed, are placed in classes appropriate to their level. Classes in the Istanbul Atlas University School of Foreign Languages Turkish Preparatory Program begin on the dates announced in the academic calendar.
Preparatory Education, Exams and Attendance
How is the education process carried out in the Preparatory Program?
Turkish Preparatory education is modular. Students placed in levels A1, A2 (Basic User), B1, and B2 (Independent User) based on their DBS scores are required to complete the entire year of education. The Turkish Preparatory Class requires a minimum of 20 hours of weekly instruction. The course hours and schedules for levels A and B are determined by the School of Foreign Languages Administration.
The Turkish Preparatory Program is offered through a flexible, student-focused modular system. This system allows students to progress at their own pace, with each module targeting a specific language proficiency level. This modular system consists of four modules at levels A1, A2, B1, and B2, each lasting eight weeks. Modules build on the knowledge and skills acquired in previous levels, aiming to develop students' language proficiency in a gradual and progressive manner.
Each module is enriched with various activities and practices designed to develop students' language skills. Students strengthen their language skills through classroom interactions, group work, individual projects, presentations, and written exercises. Furthermore, activities related to Turkish culture within the program support students in using the language effectively not only in academic contexts but also in daily life and social settings.
What are the exams held in the Preparatory Program?
In Turkish Preparatory Educationevaluation process, implemented in each module two midterm exams ve completing a course In addition to the exams, students are given the opportunity to support the planning and implementation of the Turkish Preparatory Program curriculum. weekly graded and ungraded assignments These assignments are intended to encourage students to study regularly and to reinforce their language development.
Grade Evaluation System
To be considered successful, students must achieve a minimum final grade of 70 at the end of the module. Within-module exams and other work constitute 60% of the final grade (50% of midterm exams and 10% of homework), while course completion constitutes 40%. Students whose overall assessment average is below 70 points are considered unsuccessful.
Attendance Status
Attendance in the Turkish Preparatory Class is mandatory. Each module consists of 160 hours of course time. %15Students who exceed 100 cannot take the end-of-module exams and are considered to have failed the relevant module.
Students who exceed the absence limit will continue the next module at the level they failed. Students who fail to complete level B2 at the end of the academic year may take the TYS exam.
How do I make up for exams I missed?
Students who cannot take the midterm exams due to justified and valid excuses must retake the exam at the latest following the end of their excuses. 5 (five) Students are required to report their situation in writing to the Directorate of the School of Foreign Languages within one business day. Students whose excuses are deemed acceptable by the Directorate of the School of Foreign Languages are granted a make-up exam for each exam they missed.
How can I find out my grades and attendance?
Students can track their grades and attendance by logging into the MyAtlas Campus Portal at https://my.atlas.edu.tr using the password and username they received during registration. This is a web service that allows you to access all the applications listed below and more through a single portal. You can log in using your username and campus password.
- MyAtlas Mobile Application • You can download our MyAtlas application from the Play Store or App Store and use it by logging in with your “Username” and “Campus Password”.
- Support System • After logging in to https://my.atlas.edu.tr with your “User Name” and “Campus Password”, you can create a support request via the Support System in the left menu.
- Student Information System (OIS) • Click on the “Student” button at https://ois.atlas.edu.tr, and you can log in with your “User Name” and “Campus Password” on the login screen that appears.
- Course Attendance System • Student attendance is recorded via the MyAtlas website or the MyAtlas Education Mobile application.