The following questions and answers are prepared in accordance with the YÖK (Council of Higher Education) Graduate Education Regulations and AGÜ Graduate Education and Examination Regulations. For more detailed information and additional context, please refer to the Regulations.
What is the Doctoral Qualification Exam?
The qualification exam is conducted to assess whether the student, having completed their coursework and seminar, possesses a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts in their field and the scientific research depth relevant to their doctoral study.
When is the Doctoral Qualification Exam held?
The dates of the doctoral qualification exam are determined by the Institute Administrative Board and announced on the Institute’s website for each fall and spring semester.
When should I take the Doctoral Qualification Exam?
Students admitted with a master’s degree must take the exam no later than the end of their fifth semester, while students admitted with a bachelor’s degree must take it by the end of their seventh semester.
What should I do to take the Doctoral Qualification Exam?
Students wishing to take the qualification exam must submit a petition signed by their advisor (page 2 of Form_D_4) to the departmental doctoral qualification committee during the application period announced by the Institute. The committee reviews and forwards it to the Institute through the department head.
Who comprises the Doctoral Qualification Exam Jury?
Qualification exams are organized and conducted by a five-member departmental doctoral qualification committee. This committee establishes exam juries to prepare, conduct, and evaluate exams in different subject areas. Each jury consists of five faculty members, including the advisor, with at least two members from outside the university.
How is the Doctoral Qualification Exam conducted?
The exam sessions are held publicly, with participation open to faculty members, graduate students, and experts in the field. The qualification exam consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral interview. The written part has two sections: fundamental knowledge and specialization. The student first takes the fundamental knowledge section, followed by the specialization section. If the student passes both written sections, they proceed to the oral exam. If they fail any part of the written exam, they must retake that section in the following semester. The qualification committee evaluates both the written and oral exam results together and decides by absolute majority whether the student is successful. To be considered successful, the student must score at least 80 out of 100 in each written section and the oral exam. Following the exam, Form 5 and its attachments must be submitted to the Institute within three days by the department.
Can I retake the Doctoral Qualification Exam if I fail?
A student who fails the qualification exam must retake the failed section in the following semester. If the student fails again, they will be dismissed from the doctoral program.
Will I be required to take additional courses after passing the Doctoral Qualification Exam?
Even if the student has completed their required coursework, the qualification exam jury may recommend additional course(s), not exceeding one-third of the total credit requirement. The student must successfully complete these courses as approved by the Institute Administrative Board.
What happens after passing the Doctoral Qualification Exam?
A Thesis Monitoring Committee (TMC) must be formed within one month for the student who has passed the qualification exam.
