Student selection and placement in turkish higher education

Abstract

Economic development, urbanisation and a rapidly increasing population have posed considerable problems for the higher education system of the Republic of Turkey. In particular there has been a great increase in demand for places in Turkish universities. This paper outlines the national one-stage test system which operated between 1974 and 1981 and describes in more detail the two-stage test system which has operated since 1981 by OSYM, the Student Selection and Placement Centre. The system governs selection and placement for the great majority of higher education programmes throughout Turkey. The paper ends with a discussion of the limitations of the system and suggests reasons why it appears to have gained for itself a reputation for efficiency and fairness. © 1990, The Vocational Aspect of Education Ltd.