How to get into Özyeğin University's Pilotaj program

Özyeğin University's Pilotaj program combines a 4-year bachelor's degree with flight training at AYJET, and graduates are entitled to an ATPL from SHGM. Getting in depends on your citizenship: Turkish citizens go through the national YKS exam, international students apply to the university directly. Everyone needs an SHGM Class 1 medical before registration.

Route 1: Turkish citizens and the YKS SAY score

Pilotaj places for Turkish citizens are filled through ÖSYM's central placement using the SAY score type. The program has two tracks:

• Paid (ücretli): 48 places in 2025, base score 300.95, base ranking about 305,000.
• Full scholarship (burslu): 7 places in 2025, base score 531.76, base ranking about 1,650.

Base scores move every year, so treat these as a guide and check YÖK Atlas before you submit your preferences.

Route 2: international students

If your high school diploma is equivalent to a Turkish one, you can apply to Özyeğin University directly with an ÖzU-YÖS or equivalent exam score, or with your diploma grades. ÖSYM publishes the international quotas every year, and new students start at the beginning of the academic year.

Expect to upload a passport, your diploma and transcripts, a motivation letter and an English test result if you have one. Foreign diplomas also need an equivalency certificate (denklik) for enrollment.

English: the preparatory year

All courses are taught in English. If your level is below the university's threshold, you start with the English Preparatory Program. That is common and not a problem, but it can add a year, so it is worth preparing for an English exam early.

The SHGM Class 1 medical comes first

To register, you need a valid Class 1 medical certificate from an aeromedical centre authorised by SHGM, with no limitation that would stop you flying solo as pilot-in-command. Do it early: if something needs a second opinion, you want months, not days. See our guide to the SHGM Class 1 medical.

A sensible order of steps

1. Check your eligibility and route (YKS or international).
2. Book the SHGM Class 1 medical.
3. Prepare documents: diploma, transcripts, translations, equivalency.
4. Take or plan your English exam.
5. Apply, receive the decision and enroll before the academic year starts.