Institute of Graduate Programs
Program Purpose
The aim of the program is to train academics and senior-level experts who can produce original scientific research in the fields of Political Science and International Relations, and who can independently address theoretical and empirical questions through an interdisciplinary perspective.
Students are expected to develop advanced research competencies in the areas of international relations, comparative politics, political theory, and Turkish politics. Graduates are anticipated to pursue careers at national and international universities, research centers, think tanks, and high-level public institutions.
Program Structure
The doctoral program consists of compulsory and elective courses, a seminar course, a qualifying examination, and a doctoral dissertation. In accordance with the regulations of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), students are required to complete at least seven courses and one seminar course.
Students who successfully complete the coursework and seminar stages are eligible to take the doctoral qualifying examination. The qualifying examination consists of both written and oral components. Students who pass the examination proceed to the dissertation stage by submitting a dissertation proposal.
For information on compulsory and elective courses, please click here.
Language of Instruction
The language of instruction for the PhD Program in Political Science and International Relations is Turkish.
Program Duration
The doctoral program lasts a minimum of eight semesters and must be completed within a maximum of twelve semesters.
According to YÖK regulations, students enrolled in formal education programs are required to attend at least 70% of their classes.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants holding a master's degree with a thesis are eligible to apply to the PhD Program in Political Science and International Relations. Applications from graduates of other social science disciplines will also be considered.
Application and Evaluation
Applications are submitted to the Institute of Graduate Programs
Admission requirements for the PhD Program in Political Science and International Relations are determined in accordance with the YÖK Graduate Education and Training Regulation:
- A minimum score of 55 in the Quantitative-Verbal (Equal Weight - EA) category of the ALES examination.
- A minimum score of 55 on YDS, e-YDS, or YÖKDİL, or an equivalent score from an internationally recognized language examination approved by ÖSYM (TOEFL iBT: 68; Pearson PTE Academic: 51).
- Successful performance in the scientific examination (the schedule is announced by the Graduate Programs Institute).
Required Application Documents:
- Identity document
- Passport-sized photograph
- Bachelor's diploma or graduation certificate
- Bachelor's transcript
- Master's diploma or graduation certificate
- Master's transcript
- ALES score report (minimum EA score of 55)
- Foreign language examination score report (minimum score of 55 on YDS/e-
- YDS/YÖKDİL or equivalent)
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae (academic and professional)
- Military service document (required only for male applicants)
Applications are evaluated only if all required documents are submitted completely.
Tuition Fees, Scholarships, and Quotas
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the PhD Program in Political Science and International Relations will admit five fully funded scholarship students in the Fall semester and five fully funded scholarship students in the Spring semester.
Academic Staff
The program's academic staff consists of faculty members with extensive research and field experience in addition to their teaching responsibilities.
- Prof. Dr. Burak KÜNTAY
- Prof. Dr. Aylin ÜNVER NOİ
- Assoc. Prof. Pınar SAYAN
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Seval ÜNLÜ GÖK
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Edanur ERÖZER
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Özlem CİHAN
Program Coordinator
The PhD Program in Political Science and International Relations is coordinated by Prof. Dr. Burak Küntay.
Research Opportunities
Doctoral students may participate in national and international research projects conducted by faculty members and receive advisory support for applications to TÜBİTAK and other national or international funding programs. The university's academic archive and library resources are available to support students throughout their research activities.
This content was updated on 10/06/2026.