Subject Requirements for IB STEM Applicants in Turkey.

Subject Requirements for IB STEM Applicants in Turkey.

Turkey recognises the IB Diploma across both public and private universities. However, for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs, subject-level requirements are often more important than total IB score alone.

Universities evaluate:

• Higher Level (HL) vs Standard Level (SL) choices

• Specific science combinations

• Minimum subject grades

• Alignment with the intended degree

For IB students targeting Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, or Natural Sciences in Turkey, subject selection in Grade 11 directly affects eligibility.

STEM Admission Snapshot for IB Students in Turkey

Program	Core Subject Expectations
Engineering	Math HL + Physics HL preferred
Computer Science	Math HL strongly recommended
Medicine	Chemistry HL mandatory (most cases)
Dentistry	Chemistry HL + Biology HL preferred
Natural Sciences	Relevant HL science required
General Minimum IB Score	28–36+ (program dependent)

1. Mathematics Requirements

Mathematics HL (AA)

For most competitive STEM programs, Math HL (Analysis & Approaches) is the safest choice.

Required or strongly preferred for:

• Engineering

• Computer Science

• Physics

• Mathematics

Top institutions such as:

• Koç University

• Bilkent University

• Middle East Technical University

expect strong quantitative preparation.

Math AI SL may not be sufficient for competitive engineering pathways.

Mathematics SL

Math SL (AA or AI) may be accepted for:

• Some Computer Science programs

• Certain applied sciences

• Less competitive private university STEM degrees

However, students applying to top-tier programs should prioritise Math HL.

2. Physics Requirements

Physics HL is typically expected for:

• Mechanical Engineering

• Electrical & Electronics Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering

• Physics degrees

Applying to engineering without Physics HL may significantly reduce eligibility at selective institutions.

3. Chemistry Requirements

Chemistry HL is mandatory in most cases for:

• Medicine

• Dentistry

• Pharmacy

• Chemical Engineering

Private and public institutions alike treat Chemistry HL as a core prerequisite for medical-related programs.

Without Chemistry HL, access to Medicine or Dentistry is generally not possible.

4. Biology Requirements

Biology HL is strongly recommended for:

• Medicine

• Dentistry

• Biomedical Engineering

• Molecular Biology & Genetics

For Medicine in particular, the strongest profiles typically include both Chemistry HL and Biology HL.

5. Engineering Combinations: What Works Best?

Strongest Engineering Profile

• Math HL

• Physics HL

• Chemistry HL (optional but advantageous)

This combination preserves eligibility across nearly all engineering disciplines.

Risky Engineering Profile

• Math SL

• Physics SL

This may limit options, especially at competitive public universities.

Strong IB STEM Combinations in Turkey

Target Degree	Recommended IB Combination
Engineering	Math HL + Physics HL
Computer Science	Math HL
Medicine	Chemistry HL + Biology HL
Dentistry	Chemistry HL + Biology HL
Chemical Engineering	Math HL + Chemistry HL

6. Public vs Private University Differences

Public Universities

Institutions such as:

• Middle East Technical University

• Boğaziçi University

tend to:

• Enforce stricter HL subject alignment

• Expect higher academic performance

• Be less flexible with Math SL for engineering

Eligibility requirements are more rigid.

Private Universities

Private institutions may:

• Accept a broader range of IB subject combinations

• Provide conditional admission

• Offer flexibility in Math SL for some STEM programs

However, elite private universities maintain high standards for engineering and medical fields.

7. Minimum Subject Grades

Beyond simply taking the correct HL subjects, Turkish universities often expect:

• HL grades of 5–7 for STEM fields

• Strong overall IB totals (30–36+ depending on institution)

In competitive programs, both subject level and subject grade matter.

8. Common Mistakes IB Students Make

• Choosing Math AI SL while targeting Engineering

• Taking Chemistry SL for Medicine

• Applying to Physics-heavy programs without Physics HL

• Assuming total IB score compensates for weak subject alignment

In Turkey, subject eligibility often precedes score evaluation.

9. Strategic Planning Advice

If targeting STEM in Turkey:

• Select Math HL if considering Engineering or Computer Science

• Take Physics HL for Engineering flexibility

• Choose Chemistry HL for Medicine, Dentistry, or Pharmacy

• Aim for HL grades of at least 5 or higher

Early planning preserves access to both public and private institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )

1. Is Math HL required for Engineering in Turkey?

At most competitive universities, yes. Math HL is strongly preferred or required.

2. Can I apply for Medicine with Chemistry SL?

In most cases, no. Chemistry HL is typically mandatory.

3. Is Physics required for Computer Science?

Not always, but Math HL is usually more important for Computer Science.

4. Are private universities more flexible with subject requirements?

Some are, but elite private universities still expect strong HL alignment.

5. Do subject grades matter, or only subject choice?

Both matter. Taking the correct HL subjects is necessary, but strong grades (5–7) are also expected.

Final Takeaway

For IB STEM applicants in Turkey, subject combinations are decisive. Engineering typically requires Math HL and Physics HL, while Medicine and Dentistry require Chemistry HL, often alongside Biology HL. Public universities tend to enforce stricter alignment rules, while private universities may offer limited flexibility.

IB students should prioritise correct HL subject choices over total score strategy alone. Subject eligibility determines whether an application can be considered in the first place.