Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University Graduate
Education and Teaching Regulation
Part One
Purpose, Scope, Basis and Definitions
Purpose
Article 1 – (Amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561)
(1) The purpose of this Regulation is to establish the principles governing the graduate education programs carried out within the Graduate Education Institute affiliated with Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University.
Scope
Article 2 – (Amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561)
(1) This Regulation covers the provisions relating to graduate education—consisting of thesis master's, non-thesis master's, and doctoral programs—as well as scientific research and application activities carried out within the Graduate Education Institute affiliated with Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University.
Legal Basis
Article 3 – (1) This Regulation has been prepared based on Article 4 of the Higher Education Law No. 2547, dated 4/11/1981.
Definitions
Article 4 – (1) As used in this Regulation;
a) ECTS: European Credit Transfer System,
b) ALES: Academic Personnel and Graduate Education Entrance Exam,
c) (Amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561) Department: The relevant department of the Institute,
ç) (Amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561) Department Chairmanship: The Institute's department chairmanship,
d) (Amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561) Institute: The Graduate Education Institute,
e) (Amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561) Institute Board: The board consisting of the Institute Director, deputy directors of the Institute, and the department chairs of the departments with education programs at the Institute, chaired by the Institute Director,
f) (Amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561) Institute Administrative Board: The board consisting of the Institute Director, deputy directors of the Institute, and three faculty members elected for three years by the Institute Board from among six candidates nominated by the Institute Director, chaired by the Institute Director,
g) Plagiarism: Presenting other people's ideas, methods, data, or works, in whole or in part, as one's own work without proper attribution in accordance with scientific rules,
ğ) Board of Trustees: The Board of Trustees of Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University,
h) ÖSYM: The Presidency of the Assessment, Selection and Placement Center,
ı) Rector: The Rector of Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University,
i) Senate: The Senate of Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University,
j) University: Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University,
k) YÖK: The Council of Higher Education,
shall have the meanings set out above.
Part Two
Master's Programs
General principles
Article 5 – (1) A master's program may be conducted in two forms: with thesis and without thesis. (Second sentence amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561) How these programs are conducted within the Institute's departments is determined by the Senate upon the recommendation of the Institute Board.
(2) Upon YÖK decision, the University may open graduate distance education programs in which teaching activities are planned and conducted based on information and communication technologies, without requiring faculty members and students to be present in the same location. The fields in which distance education programs may be opened, the courses to be offered and their credit and ECTS credit amounts, the preparation of course materials, the manner of conducting exams, protocols to be made between higher education institutions for this purpose, and other matters related to distance education are determined by YÖK.
(3) (First sentence amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561) The language of instruction for graduate programs conducted at the Institute is Turkish. Graduate education may be conducted partially or fully in a foreign language by Senate decision, upon the recommendation of the institute board.
(4) Students registered in an undergraduate program at a higher education institution may register for courses offered in graduate programs and have these courses counted toward the course load of the relevant master's program, provided they meet the following conditions:
a) Being enrolled in the final year of the undergraduate program they are following.
b) Taking no more than three courses from the graduate program, provided that none of these courses is counted in both the undergraduate and master's programs.
Application and admission
Article 6 – (1) To apply for a master's program, candidates must hold an undergraduate diploma and have an ALES score, in the score type of the program applied for, of not less than 55 points, or an ALES score determined by Senate decision upon the recommendation of the institute board, or an equivalent score accepted as equivalent to ALES and announced by YÖK.
(2) An ALES score is not required for admission to non-thesis master's programs.
(3) The evaluation criteria for candidates applying to master's programs are as follows:
a) In admission to thesis master's programs, candidates' ALES scores, undergraduate weighted grade point averages, and scientific evaluation exam results are taken into consideration. When evaluating ALES scores, the standard score type of the program applied to is used as the basis. In the evaluation for admission, candidates are ranked according to their overall achievement score. The overall achievement score consists of the sum of 50% of the ALES score, 25% of the undergraduate weighted grade point average, and 25% of the score obtained in the scientific evaluation exam. Other requirements that candidates must meet for an application in accordance with the principles of this evaluation are determined by the institute board upon the recommendation of the department chairmanship. However, the institute may also admit students to thesis master's programs based solely on ALES score evaluation.
b) In admission of students to non-thesis master’s programs, applicants’ undergraduate weighted grade point averages and the results of the science evaluation examination are taken into consideration. In the evaluation for admission, candidates are ranked according to their overall achievement score. The overall achievement score is the sum of 50% of the undergraduate weighted grade point average and 50% of the score obtained in the science evaluation examination. The principles for this evaluation, along with the other requirements applicants must meet, are determined by the institute board upon the recommendation of the department chair. However, the institute may also admit students to non-thesis master’s programs by evaluating only the undergraduate weighted grade point average. Applicants are required to obtain a score of at least 55 from the Foreign Language Proficiency Examination (YDS) or the Foreign Language Examination for Higher Education Institutions (YÖKDİL), or an equivalent score from foreign language examinations whose equivalence is accepted by ÖSYM. These scores may be changed by decision of the institute board upon the recommendation of the department chair. Candidates who completed their undergraduate education in the relevant foreign language are deemed to have fulfilled the foreign language requirement.
Announcement of results and registration
Article 7 – (1) If the number of candidates found successful as a result of the evaluation carried out by the institute administrative board, within the framework of the department chair’s opinion, exceeds the announced quota, candidates are ranked from the highest score downward, and as many candidates as the quota are considered successful. The results are finalized and announced by the institute administrative board.
(2) Candidates admitted to graduate programs finalize their registration by applying to the institute directorate with the required documents within the dates determined by the institute administrative board. A candidate who does not complete final registration within the specified period forfeits this right. The relevant institute administrative board may decide to allow candidates who could not register within the period, but have an acceptable excuse, to complete final registration. Either the originals of the documents requested for registration or copies certified by the institute are accepted. Matters relating to military service status and criminal record are processed based on the candidate’s written declaration.
(3) If the number of candidates admitted to a graduate program is five or fewer, the institute administrative board may, after obtaining the opinion of the department chair, decide not to open that program in that semester or year.
Thesis-based master’s program
Article 8 – (1) The thesis-based master’s program enables the student to gain the ability to access, compile, interpret and evaluate information using scientific research methods.
(2) The thesis-based master’s program consists of at least seven courses, one seminar course and thesis work, totaling not less than twenty-one credits. The seminar course and thesis work are non-credit and are evaluated as pass or fail. The thesis-based master’s program consists of at least eight courses, including the seminar course, and thesis work, totaling not less than 120 ECTS credits, provided that one academic year corresponds to not less than 60 ECTS credits. The student is required to register for the thesis every semester starting from the semester following the appointment of the advisor.
(3) Up to two of the courses taken by the student may be selected from undergraduate courses, provided that they were not taken during undergraduate study. In addition, up to two courses offered at other higher education institutions may be selected upon the recommendation of the department chair and the approval of the institute administrative board.
(4) The thesis-based master’s program may be conducted as a second graduate education program.
Duration
Article 9 – (1) The duration of the thesis-based master’s program, excluding time spent in scientific preparation, is four semesters starting from the semester in which courses related to the enrolled program are offered, regardless of whether the student registers each semester, and the program is completed in a maximum of six semesters.
(2) A student who fails to successfully complete the credited courses and seminar course specified in the curriculum by the end of four semesters, or who fails to meet the success requirements set by the University within this period; or, within the maximum period, who fails in the thesis work or does not attend the thesis defense, has their relationship with the University terminated.
(3) The status of students who may graduate from the master’s program ahead of schedule is decided upon the advisor’s written request and justification, the recommendation of the department chair, and the approval of the institute administrative board.
Determination of the thesis advisor and thesis topic (Title amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561)
Article 10 – (1) (Amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561) In the thesis-based master’s program, the department chair proposes to the Institute, no later than the end of the first semester, a thesis advisor for each student from among the University’s faculty members or, if necessary, from the faculty of other higher education institutions; and, no later than the end of the second semester, the thesis proposal/topic determined by the student together with the advisor. The thesis advisor and thesis topic are finalized upon approval of the Institute Administrative Board.
(2) The thesis advisor is selected from among faculty members at the University who have the qualifications to supervise a master’s thesis. If no faculty member with the specified qualifications is available at the University, the institute administrative board may select a faculty member from another higher education institution as advisor. In cases where the nature of the thesis work requires more than one thesis advisor, the second thesis advisor to be appointed may be a person holding at least a doctoral degree from outside the University’s faculty.
(3) A change of advisor may be made upon the written application of the student and/or advisor to the institute, upon the recommendation of the department chair and the approval of the institute administrative board. The consent of the new advisor is required for a change of advisor.
(4) (Added: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561) A change of thesis topic may be made upon the request of the student and advisor, the recommendation of the department chair, and the approval of the Institute Administrative Board.
Conclusion of the master’s thesis
Article 11 – (1) The student is required to defend the thesis, written in accordance with the institute’s thesis writing guide and approved by the advisor, orally before the examination jury.
(2) Before the defense of the master’s thesis, or, in the case of theses requiring revision, together with the revision, the student completes the thesis and submits it to the advisor and the members of the examination jury. The advisor submits the thesis and the plagiarism report to the institute together with a written opinion stating that the thesis is defensible and has been written in accordance with the institute’s thesis writing guide. If the data in the report reveal an actual instance of plagiarism, the thesis is sent to the institute administrative board, together with the justification, for a decision.
(3) The master’s thesis examination jury is appointed by the approval of the institute administrative board upon the recommendation of the thesis advisor and the department chair. The examination jury consists of three or five faculty members, one of whom is the student’s thesis advisor and at least one of whom is from outside the University. If the examination jury consists of three members, the second thesis advisor may not be a member of the examination jury. At most one member of the examination jury may be selected from among experts holding a doctoral degree in the relevant field who work at institutions and organizations outside the University. If the thesis advisor is from another higher education institution, the other members of the examination jury must be selected from within the University.
(4) The members of the examination jury convene to hold the student’s thesis examination no earlier than 15 days and no later than one month from the date the thesis in question is delivered to them. The thesis examination consists of the presentation of the thesis work followed by a question-and-answer session. The thesis examination is held in an environment open to the attendance of an audience consisting of faculty members, graduate students, and experts in the field.
(5) After completion of the thesis examination, the examination jury decides, by absolute majority, to accept, reject, or require revision of the thesis. This decision is reported to the institute in the form of minutes by the department chair within three days following the thesis examination.
(6) A student whose thesis is found unsuccessful and rejected has their relationship with the higher education institution terminated.
(7) A student whose thesis is subject to a revision decision defends the revised thesis again before the same examination jury within a maximum of three months. A student who is found unsuccessful at the end of this defense and whose thesis is not accepted has their relationship with the University terminated.
(8) If a student whose thesis has been rejected so requests, and provided they have fulfilled the course credit load, project writing, and similar requirements of the non-thesis master’s program, they are awarded a non-thesis master’s diploma.
Diploma
Article 12 – (1) A thesis-based master’s diploma is awarded to a student who successfully completes their coursework, has a weighted grade point average of 2.50 or above, and passes the thesis examination, provided that they submit two bound copies of the thesis to the institute within one month of the thesis examination date at the latest, and the thesis is found appropriate in form. If requested, the institute administrative board may extend the submission period by at most one month. A student who does not fulfill these requirements cannot receive their diploma or benefit from student rights until the requirements are met, and, upon expiry of the maximum period, has their relationship with the University terminated.
(2) The thesis-based master’s diploma bears the YÖK-approved name of the program in the department in which the student is enrolled. The student’s graduation date is the date on which the copy of the thesis signed by the examination jury is submitted to the institute.
(3) Within three months of the submission of the thesis, a copy of the master’s thesis is sent electronically by the institute to YÖK, to be made available for scientific research and activities.
Non-thesis master’s program
Article 13 – (1) The non-thesis master’s program provides the student with professional knowledge and shows how existing knowledge is applied in practice.
(2) The non-thesis master’s program consists of at least ten courses and a term project, totaling not less than thirty credits and not less than 60 ECTS. The student is required to register for the term project in the semester in which it is taken and to submit a written project and/or report at the end of the semester. The term project is non-credit and is evaluated as pass or fail.
(3) Up to three of the courses taken by the student may be selected from undergraduate courses, provided that they were not taken during undergraduate study.
(4) A proficiency examination may be held at the end of the non-thesis master’s program upon the recommendation of the department chair and the decision of the institute board.
(5) The non-thesis master’s program may also be conducted as second graduate education.
Duration
Article 14 – (1) The period for completing the non-thesis master’s program, excluding time spent in scientific preparation, is at least two and at most three semesters, starting from the semester in which courses related to the enrolled program are offered, regardless of whether the student registers each semester. A student who fails or cannot complete the program by the end of this period has their relationship with the University terminated.
Determination of the project advisor and project topic (Title amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561)
Article 15 – (1) In the non-thesis master’s program, the department chair determines, no later than the end of the first semester, a faculty member or an instructor holding a doctoral degree to advise each student in course selection and in conducting the term project.
(2) The non-thesis master’s student notifies the institute of the project topic determined together with the advisor within fifteen days at the latest from the date the second-semester courses begin.
(3) A change of advisor and/or project topic may be made upon the written application of the student and/or advisor to the institute, upon the recommendation of the department chair, and the approval of the institute administrative board. The consent of the new advisor is required for a change of advisor.
Diploma
Article 16 – (1) A non-thesis master’s diploma is awarded to a student who successfully completes the credited courses and term project and has a weighted grade point average of 2.50 or above.
(2) The non-thesis master’s diploma bears the YÖK-approved name of the program in the department in which the student is enrolled.
(3) Students continuing in the non-thesis master’s program may apply to transfer to the thesis-based master’s program if they meet the minimum requirements determined by the University for the thesis-based master’s program. The courses that transferring students took and passed in the non-thesis master’s program may be counted in place of courses in the thesis-based master’s program by decision of the institute administrative board.
Part Three
Doctoral Program
General principles
Article 17 – (1) The doctoral program provides the student with the skills necessary to conduct independent research, to interpret, analyze and reach new syntheses regarding scientific problems and data from a broad and deep perspective.
(2) For students admitted with a thesis-based master’s degree, the doctoral program consists of at least seven courses, a seminar, a proficiency examination, a thesis proposal, and thesis work, totaling not less than 240 ECTS credits, provided that it is not less than twenty-one credits and not less than 60 ECTS per academic year. For students admitted with an undergraduate degree, it consists of at least 14 courses totaling at least forty-two credits, a seminar, a proficiency examination, a thesis proposal, and thesis work, totaling not less than 300 ECTS credits in total.
(3) In doctoral programs, up to two courses for students admitted with a master’s degree, and up to four courses for students admitted with an undergraduate degree, may be selected from courses offered at other higher education institutions, upon the recommendation of the department chair and the approval of the institute administrative board.
(4) Undergraduate courses are not counted toward the course load or doctoral credit.
(5) Doctoral programs may not be opened as evening (second) education.
(6) The thesis prepared at the end of doctoral study must fulfill at least one of the following: bringing innovation to science, developing a new scientific method, or applying a known method to a new field.
Application and admission
Article 18 – (1) In order to apply to the doctoral program, candidates must;
a) hold a thesis-based master’s diploma and have an ALES score of not less than 55 in the relevant score type for the program applied to, or an ALES score to be determined by the Senate upon the recommendation of the institute board, or an equivalent score accepted as equivalent to ALES and announced by YÖK,
b) for those applying to the doctoral program with an undergraduate degree, have an undergraduate graduation grade point average of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 or an equivalent score, and have an ALES score of not less than 80 in the score type for the program applied to, or an ALES score to be determined by the Senate upon the recommendation of the institute board
is required.
(2) In admission of students to doctoral programs, applicants’ ALES scores, undergraduate and/or thesis-based master’s weighted grade point averages, science evaluation examination results, and foreign language proficiency levels are taken into consideration. In evaluating ALES scores, the standard score type of the program applied to is taken as the basis. In the evaluation for admission, candidates are ranked according to their overall achievement score. The overall achievement score is the sum of 50% of the ALES score, 20% of the undergraduate and/or thesis-based master’s weighted grade point average, 20% of the score obtained in the science evaluation examination, and 10% of the foreign language score. The matters relating to this evaluation, and the other requirements applicants must meet for application, are determined by the institute board upon the recommendation of the department chair. However, the institute may also admit students to doctoral programs by evaluating only the ALES score.
(3) Excluding preparatory classes, those who received an undergraduate education with a normal duration of ten semesters are considered to hold a master’s degree.
(4) The weight, of not less than 50%, given to the ALES score in the evaluation is determined by the Senate upon the recommendation of the institute board. Equivalent scores accepted as equivalent to ALES and announced by YÖK may be raised by decision of the Senate upon the recommendation of the institute board.
(5) (Amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561) In the admission of students to the doctoral program, it is mandatory to obtain a score of at least 55 from central foreign language examinations, in a language other than the candidate’s native language, accepted by YÖK, or an equivalent score from international foreign language examinations whose equivalence is accepted by ÖSYM; the Senate may decide, upon the request of the department and the recommendation of the Institute Board, to raise these minimum scores where necessary according to the characteristics of the programs to be entered.
Duration
Article19 – (1) The doctoral program, excluding time spent in scientific preparation, is eight semesters for those admitted with a thesis-based master’s degree, with a maximum completion period of twelve semesters, starting from the semester in which courses related to the enrolled program are offered, regardless of whether the student registers each semester; and ten semesters for those admitted with an undergraduate degree, with a maximum completion period of fourteen semesters.
(2) The maximum period for successfully completing the required credited courses of the doctoral program is four semesters for those admitted with a thesis-based master’s degree, and six semesters for those admitted with an undergraduate degree. A student who fails to successfully complete the credited courses within this period, or whose weighted grade point average is not at least 3.0 out of 4.0, has their relationship with the University terminated.
(3) A student who has successfully completed the credited courses, passed the proficiency examination, and had the thesis proposal accepted, but fails to complete the thesis work by the end of the twelve or fourteen semesters specified in the first paragraph, has their relationship with the University terminated.
(4) Students who applied to the doctoral program with an undergraduate degree and who fail to complete their credited courses and/or thesis work within the maximum period, or who are unsuccessful in the doctoral thesis, are awarded a non-thesis master’s diploma upon request, provided that they have fulfilled the credit load, project, and other similar requirements necessary for a non-thesis master’s degree.
Appointment of the thesis advisor
Article 20 – (1) The department chair proposes to the institute, for each student, a thesis advisor and, together with the thesis title, a thesis topic to be determined jointly by the advisor and the student. The thesis advisor and thesis proposal are finalized by decision of the institute administrative board. The thesis advisor must be appointed no later than the end of the second semester.
(2) The thesis advisor is selected from among faculty members at the University who have the qualifications to supervise a doctoral thesis. If no faculty member with the specified qualifications is available at the University, the institute administrative board may select a faculty member from another higher education institution as advisor. In order for a faculty member to supervise a thesis in doctoral programs, they must have successfully supervised at least one master’s thesis. In cases where the nature of the thesis work requires more than one thesis advisor, the second thesis advisor to be appointed may also be a person holding at least a doctoral degree from outside the University’s faculty.
(3) A change of advisor may be made upon the written application of the student and/or advisor to the institute, upon the recommendation of the department chair and the approval of the institute administrative board. The consent of the new advisor is required for a change of advisor.
Proficiency examination
Article 21 – (1) The proficiency examination measures whether a student who has successfully completed their coursework and seminar has attained sufficient depth of scientific research knowledge in the fundamental subjects and concepts of their field and in relation to their doctoral work. A student may take the proficiency examination at most twice a year.
(2) A student admitted with a master’s degree must take the proficiency examination no later than the end of the fifth semester; a student admitted with an undergraduate degree must take it no later than the end of the seventh semester.
(3) Proficiency examinations are organized and conducted by a five-member doctoral proficiency committee proposed by the department chair and approved by the institute administrative board. The committee establishes examination juries to prepare, administer, and evaluate examinations in different fields. The examination jury consists of five faculty members including the advisor, at least two of whom are from outside the University. The institute administrative board decides whether the advisor has voting rights. If the advisor is from another higher education institution, the examination jury must consist of one faculty member from outside the University and three from within the University. If the advisor does not have voting rights, the examination jury consists of six faculty members including the advisor. Proficiency examination sessions are held open to the attendance of an audience consisting of faculty members, graduate students, and experts in the field.
(4) The proficiency examination is conducted in two parts, written and oral. A student who passes the written examination is admitted to the oral examination. The weighting of the examinations and the rules for calculating scores are determined by the institute administrative board upon the recommendation of the department chair. The examination juries evaluate the student’s performance in the written and oral examinations and decide, by absolute majority, whether the student is successful or unsuccessful. This decision is reported to the institute in the form of minutes by the department chair within three days following the proficiency examination.
(5) A student who fails the proficiency examination is re-examined in the following semester in the part(s) in which they failed. A student who also fails this examination has their relationship with the doctoral program terminated.
(6) The proficiency examination jury may require a student who passes the proficiency examination to take additional course(s), even if they have completed their course load, provided that this does not exceed one-third of the total credit amount. The student must pass the courses to be determined by decision of the institute.
(7) A student who was admitted to the doctoral program with an undergraduate degree and has successfully completed at least seven courses may transfer to a master’s program appropriate to the doctoral program, or, if none exists, to a program close to the field determined by the institute board. The conditions for transferring to a master’s program are determined by the institute board.
Thesis monitoring committee
Article 22 – (1) A thesis monitoring committee is established within one month for a student found successful in the proficiency examination, upon the recommendation of the department chair and the approval of the institute administrative board.
(2) The thesis monitoring committee consists of three faculty members. In addition to the thesis advisor, the committee includes one member from within and one from outside the department. If a second thesis advisor is appointed, the second thesis advisor may attend committee meetings if they wish.
(3) In the semesters following the establishment of the thesis monitoring committee, changes may be made to its members upon the recommendation of the department chair and the approval of the institute administrative board.
Thesis proposal defense
Article 23 – (1) A student who successfully completes the doctoral proficiency examination orally defends, before the thesis monitoring committee, within six months at the latest, a thesis proposal covering the purpose, method, and work plan of the research to be conducted. The student distributes a written report on the thesis proposal to the committee members at least fifteen days before the oral defense.
(2) The thesis monitoring committee decides, by absolute majority, to accept, request revision of, or reject the thesis proposal submitted by the student. One month is allowed for revision. The decision reached by absolute majority at the end of this period, whether acceptance or rejection, is reported to the institute in the form of minutes by the department chair within three days following the completion of the process.
(3) A student whose thesis proposal is rejected has the right to choose a new advisor and/or thesis topic. In this case, a new thesis monitoring committee may be appointed. A student wishing to continue in the program with the same advisor is re-examined in the thesis proposal defense within three months; a student who changes advisor and thesis topic is re-examined within six months. A student whose thesis proposal is also rejected at this defense has their relationship with the University terminated. The time spent at these stages is counted toward the student’s doctoral education period.
(4) For a student whose thesis proposal is accepted, the thesis monitoring committee meets at least twice a year, once between January-June and once between July-December. The student submits a written report to the committee members at least one month before the meeting date. This report summarizes the work carried out to date and the work plan for the following period. The student’s thesis work is determined by the committee as successful or unsuccessful. A student found unsuccessful by the committee twice in succession, or three times at intervals, has their relationship with the University terminated.
(5) A student who, without a valid excuse, fails to attend the thesis proposal defense within the period specified in the first paragraph is deemed unsuccessful and the thesis proposal is rejected.
Conclusion of the doctoral thesis
Article 24 – (1) A student in the doctoral program writes the results obtained in accordance with the institute’s thesis writing guide and defends the thesis orally before the examination jury.
(2) Before the defense of the doctoral thesis, or, in the case of theses requiring revision, together with the revision, the student completes the thesis and submits it to the advisor. The advisor submits the thesis and the plagiarism report to the institute together with a written opinion stating that the thesis is defensible and has been written in accordance with the institute’s thesis writing guide. If the data in the report reveal an actual instance of plagiarism, the thesis is sent to the institute administrative board, together with the justification, for a decision.
(3) In order for the student’s thesis to be concluded, at least three successful thesis monitoring committee reports, submitted at intervals of no more than six months each, are required. If thesis monitoring procedures are not carried out on time, the student is deemed unsuccessful in the thesis monitoring result for that period.
(4) The doctoral thesis examination jury is appointed upon the recommendation of the advisor and the department chair and the approval of the institute administrative board. The examination jury consists of five faculty members including the advisor, three of whom are faculty members serving on the student’s thesis monitoring committee, and at least two of whom are from outside the University. If the advisor is from another higher education institution, the examination jury must consist of one faculty member from outside the University and four from within the University. The institute administrative board decides whether the advisor has voting rights. If the advisor does not have voting rights, the examination jury consists of six faculty members. In addition, the second thesis advisor may serve on the examination jury without voting rights.
(5) The members of the examination jury convene to hold the student’s thesis defense no earlier than fifteen days and no later than one month from the date the thesis in question is delivered to them. The thesis defense examination consists of the presentation of the thesis work followed by a question-and-answer session. Thesis defense sessions are held open to the attendance of an audience consisting of faculty members, graduate students, and experts in the field.
(6) After completion of the thesis examination, the examination jury, closed to the audience, decides by absolute majority to accept, reject, or require revision of the thesis. Students whose theses are accepted are evaluated as successful. This decision is reported to the institute in the form of minutes by the department chair within three days following the thesis examination. A student whose thesis is found unsuccessful and rejected has their relationship with the University terminated. A student whose thesis is subject to a revision decision makes the necessary revisions and defends the thesis again before the same examination jury within six months at the latest. A student found unsuccessful at this defense has their relationship with the University terminated. Those admitted to the doctoral program with an undergraduate degree who are unsuccessful in the thesis are, upon request, awarded a non-thesis master’s diploma in accordance with the first paragraph of Article 16.
Doctoral diploma
Article 25 – (1) A student who successfully completes their coursework and seminar, has a weighted grade point average of 3.0 or above, and passes the thesis examination, is entitled to receive a doctoral diploma, provided that they submit at least two bound copies of the thesis to the institute within one month of the thesis examination date at the latest, and the thesis is found appropriate in form. If requested, the institute administrative board may extend the thesis submission period by at most one month. A student who does not fulfill the requirements in this paragraph cannot receive their diploma or benefit from student rights until the requirements are met, and, upon expiry of the maximum period, has their relationship with the University terminated.
(2) The doctoral diploma bears the YÖK-approved name of the program in the department. The student’s graduation date is the date on which the copy of the thesis signed by the examination jury is submitted.
(3) Within three months of the submission of the thesis, a copy of the doctoral thesis is sent electronically by the relevant institute to YÖK, to be made available for scientific research and activities.
Part Four
General Principles Regarding Graduate Education and Instruction
Language of theses written in graduate programs
Article 26 – (Amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561)
(1) In graduate programs, theses are written in Turkish, English, or Arabic in Turkish-medium programs; in Turkish or the relevant language in partially foreign-language programs; and in the language of the program in fully foreign-language programs.
Science evaluation board and examination
Article 27 – (1) For the admission of students to graduate programs, a science evaluation board consisting of three regular and one substitute member is established for each program by the institute administrative board upon the recommendation of the department chair.
(2) The knowledge and achievement levels of candidates applying to graduate programs in scientific subjects are evaluated according to the results of an examination and/or interview conducted by the science evaluation board.
Admission of students to the scientific preparation program
Article 28 – (1) A scientific preparation program may be applied to students admitted to master’s and doctoral programs who obtained their undergraduate or master’s degree in a field different from the program to which they were admitted, and to master’s or doctoral program candidates who obtained their undergraduate or master’s degree from another higher education institution, in order to remedy their deficiencies.
(2) Courses required to be taken in the scientific preparation program cannot substitute for the courses deemed necessary to complete the relevant graduate program. However, a student in the scientific preparation program may, in addition to the scientific preparation courses, also take courses geared toward the graduate program, upon the recommendation of the department chair and the approval of the institute administrative board.
(3) Master’s students take their scientific preparation courses from undergraduate courses, while doctoral students take theirs from undergraduate and/or master’s courses.
(4) The legislative provisions of the program in which the student is enrolled for the course apply with respect to course attendance, course examinations, course grades, requirements for being deemed successful in courses, and other matters related to the scientific preparation program.
(5) The maximum period to be spent in the scientific preparation program is two semesters. Summer school is not included in this period. This period cannot be extended except for leave of absence, and a student who is unsuccessful by the end of the period has their relationship terminated. Time spent in this program is not included in the duration of the master’s or doctoral program.
Admission of special students
Article 29 – (Repealed: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561)
Admission of students through horizontal transfer
Article 30 – (1) A student who has completed at least one semester in a graduate program at the University or another higher education institution may be admitted to the University’s graduate programs through horizontal transfer, within the framework of the relevant legislation and the principles determined by the institute administrative board.
(2) The principles regarding transfer between thesis-based and non-thesis master’s programs are determined by the institute administrative board.
Admission of foreign national candidates
Article 31 – (Amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561)
(1) Procedures relating to application, registration, admission, and financial provisions for the admission of international students to the University’s graduate programs are carried out within the framework of the principles set out in the relevant directive adopted by the Senate, in accordance with the Regulation on Graduate Education and Instruction published in the Official Gazette dated 20/4/2016 and numbered 29690, and other relevant legislative provisions.
Student exchange
Article 32 – (1) In accordance with agreements to be made between universities abroad and in Turkey whose equivalence is accepted by YÖK, the University may, within the framework of student exchange, send students to universities in Turkey or abroad for one or two semesters, and may admit students from these universities.
(2) During this period, the registration of a student who goes abroad or elsewhere in Turkey continues at the University, and this period is counted toward the duration of study.
(3) (Amended: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561) The courses taken by the student at universities in Turkey or abroad, the reflection of the passing grades for these courses, and exemption decisions are implemented by the Institute Secretariat upon the request of the relevant department and the approval of the Institute Administrative Board.
(4) The provisions of this Regulation and the provisions of the Regulation on the Student and Faculty Exchange Program Between Higher Education Institutions, published in the Official Gazette dated 18/2/2009 and numbered 27145, apply to students who register at the University under student exchange programs and inter-university agreements.
Seminar course
Article 33 – (1) The purpose of this course is to contribute to thesis-based master’s and doctoral students’ ability to research the literature related to their thesis, produce a study in accordance with scientific research methods, and develop the ability to present and discuss this study before an audience.
Article 34 – (1) The graduate programs to which students will be admitted, quotas, application requirements, and the qualifications sought in candidates for admission to graduate programs are determined by the recommendation of the department chair, the decision of the institute board, and the approval of the Senate.
Tuition fees
Article 35 – (1) Graduate education at the University is subject to tuition fees. The tuition fees of graduate programs, as well as the tuition fees per course, thesis/project, or credit in these programs, are determined each year by the Board of Trustees and announced together with the payment method.
(2) The registration of those who fail to pay the tuition fee or other fees required to benefit from the University’s facilities on time is not renewed, and they cannot benefit from student rights.
Programs, examinations, and evaluation
Article 36 – (1) The curricula of graduate programs consist of the required/elective courses, thesis/project, seminar, and similar work, and the total credits required to graduate from these programs.
(2) The curricula of graduate programs are determined by the recommendation of the department chair, the decision of the institute board, and the approval of the Senate.
(3) Which graduate courses will be offered in a semester, and which faculty members will teach these courses, is determined by the institute administrative board upon the recommendation of the department chair.
(4) The following matters are taken into account in establishing the diploma level of graduate programs and the credit range determined, for the relevant field, according to the Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework, based on the ECTS credits determined taking into account students’ working hours:
a) The semester credit value of a graduate course is the sum of all of the weekly theoretical course hours and half of the weekly practice or laboratory hours of a course continuing for one semester.
b) ECTS course credits are calculated taking into account the learning outcomes expressing the course’s contribution to the knowledge, skills, and competencies to be gained by a student completing the relevant diploma program, together with the clearly defined theoretical or applied course hours and the working hours required for other activities envisaged for students.
(5) At least one course covering scientific research techniques and research and publication ethics must be given during graduate education.
(6) Which of the courses approved by the institute board will be included in students’ course schedules is decided by the student’s advisor together with the student. Until a thesis advisor is appointed, the advisory duty is carried out by the department chair.
(7) The University may determine additional success requirements necessary for the student to continue in the program after any semester.
(8) All examinations measuring proficiency, level determination, or course achievement may be administered on paper, simultaneously to all candidates, or electronically from a question bank classified by field and difficulty level and securely stored, in a manner that allows different questions to be asked to each candidate at different times. The principles relating to the preparation of examination questions, the creation and encryption of the question bank, the storage of examination questions on paper or electronically, and the assurance of examination security are determined by YÖK.
Course registration renewal, leave of absence, and withdrawal
Article 37 – (1) Students enrolled in graduate programs are required to renew their registration at the beginning of each semester in accordance with the procedure determined and announced by the institute. Otherwise, a student who fails to renew their registration within the period, without an excuse accepted by the institute administrative board, is deemed unsuccessful for that semester, and that semester is included in the student’s total period of education. Failure to pay the tuition fee is not considered an excuse. However, students who cannot register on the announced dates and who have an excuse deemed acceptable by the institute administrative board may renew their registration on dates to be determined.
(2) In the presence of just and valid reasons, master’s students may take leave of absence for at most two semesters, and doctoral students for at most four semesters, during their period of study, upon the recommendation of the department chair and the decision of the institute administrative board. Acceptance of a just and valid reason is subject to the condition that it is reported to the institute directorate no later than one month after the reason arises. Applications for leave of absence may be made at the beginning of the semester and no later than one month after the completion of registration procedures. The semester during which a student’s registration is suspended is not included in the period of study. Leave of absence may be repeated following the same procedure.
(3) A student who wishes to withdraw from the University on their own request applies to the relevant institute directorate with a petition and a clearance form. The student’s registration is cancelled and the relevant units are notified. Withdrawal cannot be carried out by mail. A written application in person by the student is required. However, in special circumstances, and provided that financial obligations have been fulfilled, a proxy designated by the student through a notary may withdraw the student’s registration from the University. A student whose registration is cancelled has their relationship with the University terminated. Other procedures and principles regarding withdrawal are regulated by the University Senate.
Courses
Article 38 – (1) The required and/or elective courses and credits that a student is obliged to take in each program are determined in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation, by the recommendation of the department chair, the decision of the institute board, and the approval of the Senate.
(2) (Added: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561) Course selection procedures carried out at the beginning of each academic year for students enrolled in a graduate program are approved by a coordinator/advisor appointed by the department chairs.
Attendance at courses
Article 39 – (1) Students must have attended 70% of the courses in order to take examinations. Each faculty member checks the attendance requirement according to these principles.
(2) A list of students who have not fulfilled the course attendance requirement is announced by the faculty member teaching the course, before the examinations, on the day the courses end as specified in the academic calendar, for each course. These students are deemed absent from the course in question and are not admitted to the examination for that course. Students deemed unsuccessful in this way are given the letter grade “DZ.”
(3) In the case of course repetition, the attendance requirement is not sought for theoretical courses for which the attendance requirement was previously fulfilled. However, a student repeating a course must comply with the other requirements determined by the faculty member teaching the course.
Examinations
Article 40 – (1) At least one midterm grade and one final examination grade are given for each course on a semester basis. Examinations may be conducted in written form or through the evaluation of assignments.
(2) Semester-end examinations are held within the period determined in the institute’s academic calendar.
(3) (Added: Official Gazette-7/8/2021-31561) A make-up examination is an examination held for students who could not take the midterm examinations due to a valid excuse. Students who could not take the midterm examinations due to an excuse submit the document stating their excuse, attached to a petition, to the Institute Secretariat within five working days at the latest from the examination date. Students whose excuses are accepted by the Institute Administrative Board are given a make-up examination by the faculty member teaching the course, on the day and at the time announced by the relevant department, within fifteen working days from the end of the midterm examinations. Health-related excuses must be documented with a medical report obtained from a health institution.
Evaluation
Article 41 – (1) In graduate programs, in order for a student to be considered successful in a credited course, the semester-end grade of the course must be at least “CC.”
(2) A student may repeat a course they failed at most once, or may take the same course in summer school if it is offered. If a student fails an elective course, they may select another course in the following semester with the approval of their advisor.
(3) For each course taken, a student is given the achievement scores specified below, the letter grades corresponding to these achievement scores, and their coefficients, by the faculty members:
Score Letter Grade (Achievement Grade) Coefficient out of Four
90-100 AA 4.0
85-89 BA 3.5
80-84 BB 3.0
75-79 CB 2.5
70-74 CC 2.0
00-69 FF 0.0
00-00 DZ 0.0
(4) The grades not included in the averages are as follows:
a) The grade EK (incomplete); awarded by the faculty member to students who, despite being successful during the semester, were unable to complete the requirements for the course due to illness or another valid reason. If a student receives an (EK) grade in any course, they must complete their deficiencies and obtain a grade within 15 days from the date the grade is announced. Otherwise, the (EK) grade automatically becomes (FF). However, in cases of prolonged illness or similar circumstances, the period of the (EK) grade may be extended by the institute administrative board, upon the recommendation of the department chair, until the beginning of the next registration period.
b) The grade YT (satisfactory); given to students who pass non-credit courses included in the curricula.
c) The grade YZ (unsatisfactory); given to students who fail non-credit courses included in the curricula, courses taken in the undergraduate preparatory program, or courses taken within the framework of a student exchange program.
ç) The grade DV (in progress); given to students who have not completed non-credit courses but are continuing successfully.
d) The grade DZ (absent); given to students who fail due to not fulfilling their obligations regarding course attendance or course practice. The (DZ) grade is treated as an (FF) grade in the calculation of the grade point average.
e) The grade TR (transfer); given for courses previously taken by students who studied at another higher education institution, where the equivalence is accepted by the University’s institute administrative board. The transfer grade is not included in the calculation of the weighted grade point average or the weighted cumulative grade point average.
f) The grade GM (did not attend); given for examinations the student did not attend. If a student who receives a (GM) grade in an examination takes the make-up examination, the (GM) grade is converted to a numerical grade. If they do not take the make-up examination, the (GM) grade is converted to zero.
Objection to examination results
Article 42 – (1) Objections to examination grades are made by the student to the institute directorate within five days following the announcement of the examination grades. The objection is examined by the relevant faculty member for material error; if any material error is found to have been made, the request for correction is evaluated and decided upon by the institute administrative board upon the application of the faculty member.
Exemption upon re-registration
Article 43 – (1) A student who has previously studied at a higher education institution whose equivalency has been recognised by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) may request exemption for the courses taken and passed at that institution by applying to the institute with a petition together with the original transcript and course descriptions. The student must submit the exemption request within five days at the latest from the date classes begin in the first semester in which they enrol at the University. Exemption requests submitted in subsequent semesters, or requests for the cancellation of exemption/adaptation procedures already carried out, are not accepted. The student's exemption request is evaluated by the adaptation committee to be formed by the head of the department, and is decided upon by the institute board of directors, which carries out the adaptation.
Part Five
Miscellaneous and Final Provisions
Notification
Article 44 – (1) All notifications shall be deemed completed when sent by registered mail with return receipt to the permanent address declared by the student at the time of enrolment at the University. Notifications may also be sent electronically to students who provide an electronic address suitable for notification and request that notifications be sent to that address.
(2) Notifications sent to the declared address of students who provided an incorrect or incomplete address at the time of enrolment at the University, or who changed their address but did not inform the institute of this by petition, are valid.
Other provisions
Article 45 – (1) The undergraduate and master's programmes whose graduates may apply to master's and doctoral programmes are determined by the Senate upon the proposal of the head of the department and the decision of the institute board; where deemed necessary, they may also be determined by a decision of YÖK after obtaining the opinion of the Interuniversity Board.
(2) The University announces the names of the graduate programmes for which it will admit students, the application requirements, the application deadline, the required documents and other matters. Such announcements may be issued at the beginning of each semester for the admission of students.
(3) With the exception of non-thesis master's programmes, a student may not enrol in or attend more than one graduate programme at the same time.
Disciplinary matters
Article 46 – (1) The provisions of the Regulation on Student Discipline at Higher Education Institutions, published in the Official Gazette dated 18/8/2012 and numbered 28388, apply to students enrolled in graduate programmes.
Cases not provided for in this Regulation
Article 47 – (1) In cases not covered by this Regulation, the provisions of the relevant legislation and the decisions of the Senate apply.
Repealed regulation
Article 48 – (1) The Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University Graduate Education and Instruction Regulation, published in the Official Gazette dated 18/1/2013 and numbered 28532, is hereby repealed.
Provisional provisions
Provisional Article 1 – (1) Students who were enrolled in or graduated from non-thesis master's programmes before 6/2/2013 may apply to doctoral programmes.
Entry into force
Article 49 – (1) This Regulation enters into force on the date of its publication.
Execution
Article 50 – (1) The provisions of this Regulation are executed by the Rector of Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University.