Frequently Asked Questions for Dual Diploma Programs
1- What is an International Double Diploma Program?
An International double diploma program is an undergraduate program in which students spend half of their education at a university in Turkey and half of their education at a foreign university that collaborates with the Turkish university they study. At the end of the program, they receive a diploma from each university.
2- What is SUNY ?
SUNY is an abbreviation for the State University of New York. SUNY is the largest comprehensive university system in the U.S. and has 64 campuses. All the campuses are located in New York State. SUNY runs double diploma programs with four Turkish universities. You can reach more information about SUNY from this link.
3- Which SUNY campuses have double diploma programs?
8 SUNY campuses have double diploma programs. You can find the programs and campus list from here.
4- Which Turkish universities does SUNY collaborate with?
SUNY has collaboration with Istanbul Technical University, Middle East Technical University, Anadolu University and Dokuz Eylül University as of 2019.
5- Are all SUNY campuses located in New York City?
No. Only two of the campuses which has double diploma programs are located in New York City. These universities are Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Maritime. Other campuses are located across New York State. Please click here for campus distances to New York City.
6- Who can palce into double degree programs?
Programs are open for all Turkish and foreign students. Turkish students must complete the national university entrance exams and achieve the minimum score to place into the double diploma programs. Non-Turkish students can place into the double diploma programs in accordance with Turkish universities’ admission criteria. You can view the list of the criteria from YOK’s website:https://www.yok.gov.tr/
7-How can I place into double diploma programs?
First you must complete the university entrance exams organized by OSYM. The double diploma programs are listed in ÖSYM’s booklet in Turkish Universities own section with a different program code. Based on the placement scores, submit a list of your preferred higher education programs to ÖSYM. ÖSYM utilizes the placement scores and students’ preferences to place students into higher education programs. In order to choose some of the double diploma programs, you must meet the minimum score requirement that was set by the university. Istanbul Technical University and Middle East Technical University implement a minimum score requirement.
8- What are the minimum scores required to place into the double diploma programs?
The minimum scores are published in the “ÖSYM Kontenjanlar Kılavuzu” annually. To see the previous scores you can visit here.
9-What is the minimum quota for the double diploma programs?
The number of the quotas varies. To see the quotas for the past years, you can visit here.
10-Is it possible to transfer from other departments of the same university into the double diploma programs?
Transfer is possible in compliance with the regulations of Higher Education Council. You can visit www.osym.gov.tr to see the regulations and quotas.
11-What are the prerequisites to begin the double diploma programs?
The medium of all the double diploma programs is English. To begin the double diploma programs, students must meet the English requirements of the university where they enrolled in. TOEFL or IELTS is required to prove English proficiency before beginning classes at a SUNY campus. Apart from English requirements, students must also meet GPA (cumulative Grade Point Average) requirements.
12-What is the minimum TOEFL/IELTS score?
Each SUNY campus has its own admission requirements. Therefore, TOEFL and IELTS scores vary from one campus to another. Please visit ‘programs’ page to see the minimum scores by program.
13-What happens if I can’t achieve the minimum TOEFL/IELTS score?
When students take the required TOEFL/IELTS scores , they can begin from the 1st class at Turkish university. If they cannot be successful at getting the required score, they are to attend English preparation year at the Turkish university. Students are allowed up to 2 years to complete the preparatory program.
14. Do I have to meet any other requirements before going to my campus in the United States?
After you complete the first year at your campus in Turkey, you will continue your second year on a partner campus in the United States. For that reason, you must be successful in accordance with your campus requirements. You must meet GPA requirements of your campus in order to continue the double diploma program. Requirements may vary campus to campus.
15. What if I fail at any classes on my campus in the USA? Do I have to stay in the USA?
It is crucial which class you fail in the U.S. Generally, you must be successful at the major courses on the campus which you have taken the classes. Otherwise you cannot continue your classes in Turkey. However you can take the class you failed in your sophomore year when you go back to your campus in the U.S. or in your senior year. This information varies from department to department, please get contact with your coordinators to get more detailed information.
16-What is the cost of the program?
Payments are made in TL currency while studying at a Turkish university and in US Dollar while studying in the United States. To see the Turkish universities’ fees, please visit their website or contact us. To see the typical expenses for undergraduate students at a SUNY campus, please click here.
17- Do you provide scholarships?
Unfortunately, we have limited scholarship options. Some of the programs have only one %50 OSYM scholarship opportunity . Programs which provide %50 scholarship have separate program codes in the ÖSYM booklet and you need to add these programs to your preference list. Among the students, one student, who has the highest OSYM score, receives the %50 OSYM scholarship. The student who receives the scholarship pays half of the tuition fees both in the USA and in Turkey. Scholarship does not cover accommodation and other living expenses.
In addition to OSYM scholarship, some of the programs provide scholarship based on students’ success.
18- Will I have to apply for a visa?
Yes. All students who will study in the United States are obliged to apply for F-1 visa. Please visit the 'Current Students' page for more information on applying for a visa.
19- I am an American citizen, do I have to apply for a visa?
No. Students who are American citizen do not have to apply for a visa. You are to submit your documents to SUNY campus which you are going to study.
20- Where will I live while studying in the United States, do I have to live on campus?
It is not mandatory to live on campus at most of the SUNY campuses because, by the time you arrive to the US campus, you will be at the age of 21, which is the legal age limit. However, we suggest students to live on campus at least during their first year in order to make friends improve English skills and adopt campus life easier.
There are many accommodation options on campuses. Usually you will share your room with one or more students (same sex). Many campuses can offer single sex floors or suites, if you prefer. If you plan to live on campus, you should complete your housing application as early as possible to make sure you get the room of your choice.
There are other options such as private dorms or shared houses for students who are interested in off-campus options. However, campuses do not help about off-campus accommodation options.
21-What kind of support will I receive while studying in the United States?
Every SUNY campus has an international student services office to provide support, and some even have a double diploma program office, specifically to support the double diploma students. They will help you from the moment you arrive on campus with an orientation to introduce you to the campus and academic life. During the orientation sessions you will register for classes, learn about campus life and maintaining your visa status, etc.
22- Will I have a work permit while I am studying in the United States?
While you are studying in the USA, you will have student Visa ( F-1) and you are only allowed to work at part time jobs on your campus up to 20 hours per week. There are job opportunities at the libraries, at the restaurants or facilities on campus.
23- Any other job opportunities apart from the alternatives on campus?
Yes. If the student continues the program successfully, she/he can apply for CPT (Curricular Practical Training) which allows you you to work up to 20 hours off-campus.
24- What is CPT and how can I learn more about it?
You can apply for CPT if you live in the U.S. at least 9 months or longer. You can get CPT by working at a job related to your major and you are to apply CPT before you complete your education in the U.S.. Read more: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/student-records/fm-student-employment/f-1-curricular-practical-training-cpt
25- When I graduate, will there be any sign which says “Double Diploma Program” or “SUNY” on the diplomas?
When you complete your education successfully at both universities, you will receive a diploma from each university. The diplomas you will receive are as same as the diploma given to all the graduates of the universities. Some of the program diplomas have partner university’s name on it. You can use your diplomas seperately from each other when you apply for a job, MA or Phd.
26- What are the benefits of receiving a double diploma vs. studying only at a Turkish university?
By studying in two different universities, students receive a diploma from each partner; one from a distinguished American university and the other one from a distinguished Turkish university. Students develop excellent language skills as they study in English at a university in Turkey and as they live and study on a campus in the United States. The programs allow students to experience two distinctively different cultures. Upon completing the degree, students are well-prepared to work in a multi-cultural environment and to function effectively in an international arena.
27-Will studying in a double diploma program help me get into a graduate program?
Being a double diploma alumni will definitely help make you a much better candidate for graduate programs. The double diploma programs, different from regular 4-year degree programs, have unique curricula which blends the strengths of both institutions, providing the students with a fundamental education. In addition, experiencing two different cultures as a student will broaden your perspective, which is an attractive quality to the admissions committees. It is possible for the double diploma students to continue their graduate education at a SUNY institution, upon successfully completing the admission process.
28-What are the employment opportunities for the double diploma graduates?
As of January 2018, SUNY double diploma programs have had almost 2,425 graduates. A majority of our alumni choose to pursue professional careers, while some decide to continue their education in graduate programs all around the globe. Currently, we have alumnis working in national and international companies such as Ernst & Young, Deloitte, IBM, Aselsan, as well as banks, universities and ministries. Students who complete last year of their study in the U.S . are eligible for OPT to jump start their careers. For more stories on our alumni, visit our 'Graduates' page.
29-What is Optional Practical Training (OPT) and how can I learn more about it?
Students who complete their degree while in the US (fourth year) are generally eligible for OPT. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of F-1 immigration status that permits up to 12 months of off-campus employment for the purpose of gaining practical experience in the student's field of study after graduation. The job duties must be directly related to the student’s major area of study and commensurate with the student’s educational level. You can refer to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services' respective webpage to learn more about OPT.