Türkiye Burslari Turkish Language (TOMER) Guide 2027

Mandatory TOMER Year

Every Türkiye Burslari scholar must complete one year of Turkish language training at a TOMER (Türkçe Öğretim Merkezi) center before starting their degree. Even if your programme is in English. No exceptions.

12

Months Duration

C1

Required Level

37%

Still Struggle After

A1→C1

In 12 Months

The C1 Requirement

Turkish language levels follow the CEFR framework. You must reach C1 to pass TOMER and begin your degree. Here's what each level actually means in practice:

A1

Basic greetings, ordering food, asking directions. "Merhaba, bir çay lütfen."

A2

Simple conversations, past tense, shopping, describing your day.

B1

Can express opinions, understand main points in clear speech, write simple texts.

B2

Can interact with fluency, understand complex texts on familiar topics, produce detailed writing.

C1

Advanced: can understand demanding texts, express ideas fluently, use language flexibly for academic purposes. This is the target.

The TOMER to Academic Turkish Gap

Passing C1 ≠ Academic Fluency

TOMER teaches you conversational and test Turkish. But academic Turkish — reading dense textbooks, writing research papers, understanding rapid lectures with field-specific vocabulary — is a completely different beast.

What TOMER Teaches

General grammar and vocabulary
Daily conversation skills
Reading newspaper articles
Writing essays on general topics
Understanding TV news and podcasts

What University Requires

Reading 50+ page academic papers in Turkish
Writing a thesis with academic Turkish style
Understanding fast-paced lectures with jargon
Participating in academic debates and seminars
Field-specific technical vocabulary

37% of TB scholars report struggling with academic Turkish for 1-2 years after TOMER. This is especially problematic for STEM fields with heavy Turkish-language coursework.

Penalty for Non-Completion

If you fail to reach C1 at the end of the TOMER year, you may be given one additional semester. If you still fail after 18 months total, your scholarship can be terminated. This is rare but it happens, particularly to students from language families very distant from Turkish (e.g., East Asian, some African languages).

Survival Tips for TOMER

Start Before You Arrive

Use Duolingo Turkish, watch Turkish TV series (with subtitles), and learn the alphabet and basic phrases. Even A1 knowledge gives you a significant head start.

Make Turkish Friends

The biggest mistake: only socializing with other international students in your language. Force yourself to speak Turkish daily. Join university clubs. Have a Turkish tandem partner.

Watch Turkish Media Daily

Turkish TV series (dizi) are excellent for learning. Start with subtitles in your language, then switch to Turkish subtitles, then no subtitles. Recommended: "Bir Başkadır" and "Ethos."

Don't Skip Classes

TOMER tracks attendance. Missing classes puts you at risk. More importantly, each missed class is a missed opportunity for immersion. The year goes faster than you think.

Study Your Field Vocabulary

Alongside TOMER, start learning the Turkish technical terms in your field. If you're studying engineering, learn "mühendislik" terms. If medicine, learn anatomy in Turkish. This bridges the gap.

Use Language Exchange Apps

Tandem, HelloTalk, and local language exchange meetups connect you with Turks who want to learn your language. It's free, social, and incredibly effective.