FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ENGLISH PREPARATORY PROGRAM

Which departments have a compulsory English Preparatory Program? 

For the 2025–2026 Academic Year, the following departments have compulsory preparatory classes: 

- Faculty of Arts and Sciences: English Language and Literature 

- Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences: Business Administration (English) 

- Faculty of Arts and Sciences: English Translation and Interpretation

SEPTEMBER PROFICIENCY EXAM

What is the `September` Proficiency Exam?

The September Proficiency Exam is a two-stage exam that allows students enrolled in departments with a compulsory English Preparatory Program to be exempt from the program. Students who previously failed the English Preparatory Program in past academic years and submit their applications to the Department of Foreign Languages Secretariat by the deadline stated in the Academic Calendar may also take the exam. 

- Stage 1: Grammar, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension. 

- Stage 2: Writing and speaking skills. 

Students who score 65 or above in both stages are exempt from the preparatory program and can start courses in their departments directly.

What is the exam content?

- Stage 1: Multiple-choice questions covering listening, reading, and language use (grammar + vocabulary). Students scoring 65/100 or above proceed to Stage 2. 

- Stage 2: Writing and speaking skills. Students scoring 65/100 or above are exempt from the preparatory program.

What rules apply to the exams?

Students must bring their ID cards/student cards. Without these, they cannot take the exam. Details and rules are announced on the School of Foreign Languages website (https://ydyo.dpu.edu.tr/).

How are exam results announced? 

Results are posted on the School of Foreign Languages website (https://ydyo.dpu.edu.tr/).

Do I need to apply to take the September Proficiency Exam?

- Newly enrolled students in departments with compulsory preparatory classes do not need to apply. 

- Students who previously failed the preparatory program must apply by the deadline stated in the Academic Calendar. They should follow the website for exam time and venue announcements.

What happens if I don’t take the September Proficiency Exam? 

Students in departments with compulsory preparatory classes who do not take or fail the exam must attend the English Preparatory Program. No make-up exam is offered.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE PLACEMENT EXAM

What is the Foreign Language Placement Exam?

This exam determines the level/course at which students (compulsory or voluntary preparatory) will study in the English Preparatory Program. The exam date is announced in the Academic Calendar and on the website. Students begin their preparatory education at the level most suitable for them.

What if I don’t take the Placement Exam? 

Attendance is mandatory. Students who do not take the exam cannot be placed in a class or level. Their status is updated as “Inactive Student” in the Student Information System, and they are considered unsuccessful for each quarter they miss, losing student rights.

TRANSITION TO UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES AFTER PROFICIENCY EXAM

What language requirement do I have to meet to start undergraduate studies at DPU?

Students in departments with compulsory preparatory classes must score at least 65 in both stages of the September Proficiency Exam. Otherwise, they must attend the Preparatory Program.

What are the conditions for transitioning to undergraduate studies after preparatory education?

- The program consists of 4 quarters. 

- Students take Level Completion Exams every 7 weeks. Passing students move to the next level; failing students repeat the level. 

- Attendance of at least 80% is required to take Level Completion Exams. 

- Students who successfully complete at least B1+ level can take the End-of-Year Proficiency Exam. 

- Those failing the End-of-Year Exam or completing at least B1 level can take the Summer Proficiency Exam. 

- At the start of the new academic year, voluntary preparatory students may also apply to take the Proficiency Exam. 

- Students who complete at least B2 level successfully are exempt without needing to take the Proficiency Exam. 

- Students failing the September Proficiency Exam in the following year must repeat the program. 

- Maximum duration for compulsory preparatory education is 2 years. 

- Voluntary preparatory students may proceed to their departments even if unsuccessful.

What are the stages of proficiency exam?

- Stage 1: Multiple-choice questions (listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary). Minimum 65/100 required to proceed. 

- Stage 2: Writing and speaking. Minimum 65/100 required to pass.

DURATION OF EDUCATION AND ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT

How long is the preparatory education?

1 year.

Is attendance compulsory?

Yes. Students must attend at least 80% of classes each quarter.

What happens if I exceed the absence limit?

Students exceeding the absence limit cannot take Level Completion Exams and must repeat the level.

Are make-up exams offered in the Preparatory Program?

Only for Level Completion Exams. Applications must be submitted with valid documentation within the specified period.

Do medical reports excuse absences? 

Medical reports are only valid for requesting make-up exams for Level Completion Exams. Reports and petitions must be submitted within 3 working days after the end of the excuse period. No make-up exams or absence adjustments are allowed for other assessments.

Can class changes be made after class lists are announced?

No.

Do students stay in the same class throughout the year?

No. Class changes are made after each Level Completion Exam based on results.

OPTIONAL PREPARATORY EDUCATION

Students in departments without compulsory preparatory classes may apply for optional preparatory education. 

- During e-government registration, students must select “YES” for the question “Do you want to study in optional preparatory classes?” 

- Students registering in person must submit a petition. 

Applications are evaluated within quotas, and accepted students are announced on the website. Once registered, students must complete the 1-year program before moving to their departments.