If you’ve decided to continue your studies in Turkey, you’ve probably heard of the Blue Diploma. The Blue Diploma is a highly valuable academic credential that eases the admission process to European countries. One of the main advantages of holding a Blue Diploma is that students with this qualification can pursue further education in European Union member countries after completing their studies.
Graduates with a Blue Diploma also have better chances for improved job opportunities. The recognition of the Blue Diploma in Turkey is valid only if it is equivalized. Medical graduates and those in related fields must first receive equivalency from the “YÖK” organization. To do this, they need to take an exam. In this article, the Elm Vira Institute provides a complete introduction to the Blue Diploma.
What is the Blue Diploma?
The Blue Diploma is one of the types of diplomas awarded to students by various universities worldwide. It signifies that students holding this diploma have the opportunity to pursue further education in universities within the European Union, should they wish. The Blue Diploma includes detailed information about the graduate’s qualifications, skills, and professional level. The Turkish Blue Diploma offers the same opportunities to students. Accredited educational institutions that offer the Blue Diploma must meet the following criteria:
- Achieve high educational standards.
- Have a multinational educational system.
- Provide education in more than one language.
- Focus on student-centered education.
Conditions for Receiving a Turkish Blue Diploma
Given the high recognition of the Blue Diploma in the European Union and the United States, students must meet exceptional and specific conditions to obtain it. In Turkey, simply completing regular education is not enough to receive a Blue Diploma. Below are the conditions for obtaining the Turkish Blue Diploma:
- Achieving high grades in university courses.
- Completing education according to the “YÖK” standards, without exceeding the prescribed duration.
- Completing all aspects of the academic program, including practical training, self-study, seminars, assignments, exams, and both theoretical and practical elements.
- Obtaining approval from the university’s committee for the issuance of the diploma.
If a student wishes to receive the Turkish Blue Diploma, they must enroll in universities that offer this diploma. In Turkey, 72 universities grant the Blue Diploma to eligible students. Below are some of the universities offering the Blue Diploma:
- Adıyaman University
- Ankara University
- Atatürk University
- Afyon Kocatepe University
- Anadolu University
- Akdeniz University
- Ardahan University
- Bahçeşehir University
- Başkent University
- Şeyh Edibali University

The Recognition of the Blue Diploma in Turkey
Since the Blue Diploma is an international qualification, it must be recognized in Turkey through a process called equivalency. Medical students and those in related fields must apply to the “YÖK” organization to have their Blue Diplomas recognized. To evaluate their academic credentials, they must take the OSYM exam, scoring at least 40 out of 100. Once the academic evaluation and equivalency process is complete, the recognition of the Blue Diploma in Turkey is confirmed.
Universities offering the Blue Diploma in Turkey align their undergraduate and graduate courses with international curricula. These universities award the Blue Diploma through the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). To enhance the credibility and international standing of their programs, universities provide diploma supplements in English. Given the advantages of the Blue Diploma, students planning to migrate for education in Turkey may choose universities offering this qualification.
The Recognition of the Blue Diploma in Other Countries
As mentioned earlier, one of the key benefits of the Blue Diploma is that its holder can continue their education in any country within the European Union. However, in some countries, students may need an additional complementary qualification alongside the Blue Diploma. The Turkish Blue Diploma is recognized in 22 European countries. Some of the countries where the Blue Diploma is valid include:
- France
- Spain
- Germany
- Austria
- Bulgaria
- Luxembourg
- Sweden
- Belgium
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Italy
- Hungary

Benefits of the Turkish Blue Diploma
The Blue Diploma is not a mandatory qualification, but students and graduates who hold this diploma from Turkey can find it easier to gain admission to European universities. The general benefits of the Blue Diploma are as follows:
- It showcases students’ achievements and competencies due to fair evaluation.
- It opens up better and more academic and career opportunities.
- The diploma is recognized by European universities without the need for equivalency.
- It offers the possibility to continue education at the international level.
- High-quality education with excellent facilities.
- It is a significant advantage when seeking employment in Turkey.
- It simplifies migration to European countries.
Fields and Academic Levels Covered by the Blue Diploma
Universities that award the Blue Diploma provide an environment with high educational standards. These institutions ensure that their educational, research, and welfare conditions meet European Union standards for their students. The Turkish Blue Diploma is accepted for all academic levels except for associate degrees because the associate degree qualifications in many Turkish universities do not meet EU educational standards. Therefore, to benefit from the advantages of the Blue Diploma, students must complete their undergraduate studies at universities offering this qualification.
Afterward, they can continue their studies in European Union member countries. Graduates in fields such as medicine, dentistry, international relations, engineering, arts, and business will have excellent academic and career opportunities in European and American countries.
YÖK Organization in Turkey
All higher education institutions in Turkey are fully supervised by the “YÖK” (Council of Higher Education). This organization uses specific techniques and strategies to enhance the quality of education in Turkish universities and ensure necessary coordination. One of YÖK’s responsibilities is the equivalency process of the Turkish Blue Diploma and other educational credentials. Graduates from medical, dental, and related fields (whether inside or outside Turkey) must have their activities overseen by YÖK.
Employment Abroad with a Turkish Blue Diploma
Students studying in Turkey can continue their studies at universities offering the Blue Diploma for both undergraduate and graduate programs. With the Blue Diploma, they receive an equivalent degree in EU and American countries. As a result, they can easily pursue education and employment opportunities in EU member countries and the USA.
Summary
The Turkish Blue Diploma is a prestigious educational qualification offered by 72 universities in Turkey. Universities that grant the Blue Diploma must meet specific criteria, including providing educational quality that aligns with global and EU standards. Additionally, the educational system must be multinational and offered in more than one language.
Students who wish to obtain the Blue Diploma must meet special requirements and follow specific standards and regulations. They must achieve high grades in their university courses, complete their academic years according to YÖK’s rules, and avoid any extended study periods.
These students must also complete all their academic programs, such as practical sessions, seminars, workshops, exams, and assignments. One of the main advantages of the Turkish Blue Diploma is that students holding this valid qualification can continue their education in EU countries and have better job opportunities. To validate the Blue Diploma in Turkey, the YÖK organization ensures its equivalency. For medical and related fields, YÖK evaluates and validates the diploma through the OSYM exam.
Elm Vira Immigration Institute, with its excellent track record in managing successful immigration cases, is one of the most reputable immigration institutions. With the help of its experienced lawyers and consultants, Elm Vira provides the best routes to successful and legal educational migration for applicants. By guiding clients with the latest immigration laws and legal advice, Elm Vira has made the migration journey easier for compatriots. You can complete and submit the free consultation request form.
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