REGISTRAR's OFFICE

Middle East Technical University Rules and Regulations
Governing Graduate Studies

PART 1

Aim, Scope, Basis and De5nition of Terms

Aim

ARTICLE 1 – (1) The aim of this document is to regulate the procedures and
principles regarding admissions and registration to the programs offered by
the graduate schools of Middle East Technical University and the conduct of
graduate education, examinations and assessment.

Scope

ARTICLE   2   –   (1)   This   document   comprises   the   regulations   concerning
admissions and registration to the graduate programs offered b Middle East
Technical University and those governing the conduct of graduate education,
examinations and assessment. 

Basis

ARTICLE 3 – (1) This document has been drawn up based on article 14 of
the Higher Education Act 2547 dated November 4, 1981. 

De9nition of Terms

ARTICLE 4 – (1) Wherever the following terms appear in this document, they
shall be taken to refer to:

a) Academic staff: Faculty and instructors,

b)  ALES: Academic Personnel and Graduate Education Exam,

c) CEDS: Comprehensive Examination for Doctoral Students,

d)   Concerned   GSB:   Graduate   school   boards   of   Middle   East   Technical

 
 
 
 
University,   

e) Concerned GSAB: The graduate school administrative boards of Middle
East Technical University,

f)  ECTS: European Credit Transfer System,

g)     EPE:   Middle   East   Technical   University   School   of   Foreign   Languages
English ProVciency Exam,

h) Faculty: Full-time academic staff holding a title of Assistant Professor and
higher,

i) GSD: A department under a graduate school,

j) GS Chair: The chair of a department under a graduate school,

k) GS: Graduate schools aYliated to the university,

l) GMAT: The international Graduate Management Admission Test,

m)   Graduate program: Master’s Programs (with a thesis or without a thesis)
and Doctoral programs,

n) GRE: The international Graduate Record Examinations,

0) HEC: Higher Education Council.

p)     International   joint   graduate   program:   A   graduate   program   jointly
conducted with an institution of higher education abroad,

q) IUC: Inter-university Council of Turkey,

r)     Maximum   duration:   Two   academic   semesters   for   academic   deVciency
programs, three academic semesters for Master’s programs without a thesis,
six   academic   semesters   for   Master’s   programs   with   a   thesis,   twelve
academic semesters for Doctoral programs, fourteen academic semesters
for Ph.D. on Bachelor’s degree programs,

s)   Plagiarism:   the   practice   of   knowingly   or   unknowingly   taking   and   using
someone else’s work, ideas, methods or data without crediting the source,
and presenting them as one’s own,

t) President: The President of Middle East Technical University,

u)     Program   duration:   Two   academic   semesters   for   academic   deVciency
programs, two academic semesters for non-thesis Master’s programs, four
academic semesters for Master’s programs with a thesis, eight academic
semesters   for   Doctoral,   ten   academic   semesters   for   Ph.D.   on   Bachelor’s
degree programs,

v) RO: The Directorate of Middle East Technical University Registrar’s OYce,

w) Senate: The Senate of Middle East Technical University,

x) SFL: Middle East Technical University School of Foreign Languages,

y) TAC: A thesis advisory committee,

z) University (METU): Middle East Technical University,

aa)   University   Administrative   Board:   Middle   East   Technical   University
Administrative Board,

Provisions Concerning the Conduct of Graduate Education

PART 2

Medium of Instruction and Foreign Language Pro9ciency

ARTICLE 5 – (1) The medium of instruction in METU’s graduate programs is
English. Courses that are to be conducted in Turkish or any other language
are determined by the Senate.

 (2) In order to apply to graduate programs, candidates have to document
their proVciency in English. The candidates’ English proVciency is assessed
through   EPE.   Scores   obtained   from   international   language   exams   whose
equivalences have been determined by the Senate may also be used to this
end.

(3)   English   proVciency   documentation   is   not   required   from   nationals   of
countries whose oYcial language is English and who have graduated from
an English-medium institute of higher education.

 (4) Candidates registered to a graduate program at METU for at least one
semester within the past four semesters as of the date of their application to
a graduate program are not required to document their proVciency in English
provided that they hold the score determined by the GSD they are applying to.

  (5)   The   validity   period   of   EPE   scores   and   scores   obtained   from   exams
deemed equivalent by the Senate is the period designated by the institution
that owns the exam. This period of validity should not have been exceeded
on the date of application to a graduate program. A document which is valid
on the date of application will remain valid on the date of registration.

Period of education

ARTICLE 6 – (1) The normal and maximum periods of study for graduate
programs are effective as described in the related articles of this regulation.

(2) The period spent in the academic deVciency program is not included in
the maximum period of study of the program.

 
 
 
(3) Semesters for which students have been granted a leave of absence by
the concerned administrative board are not included in the normal, maximum
and additional periods of study. 

(4)   Semesters   which   have   been   spent   in   institutions   of   higher   education
within   the   country   or   abroad   as   part   of   student   exchange   programs   and
international   joint   programs   are   included   in   the   normal,   maximum   and
additional periods of study.

 (5) All the semesters during which the students have been registered since
they   Vrst   enrolled   in   a   graduate   program   or   which   have   been   spent
unregistered due to failure to re-register are included in the normal, maximum
and additional periods of study.

(6)   Students   may   graduate   in   a   shorter   period   of   time   provided   that   they
meet all the requirements for graduation determined by the concerned GSD.

Academic year

ARTICLE 7 – (1) One academic year comprises two semesters each of which
is minimum sixteen weeks, including the period for Vnal exams.

(2) Summer School may be offered within an academic year. The principles
regarding the conduct of education in Summer School are determined by the
Senate.

(3) The duration and dates of registration, courses, examinations and other
similar   activities   within   an   academic   year   are   indicated   in   the   academic
calendar.

(4)   The   weekly   course   schedules   within   a   semester   and   during   Summer
School are prepared and announced by the concerned GSD chair under the
coordination of the RO.

(5) The courses to be offered during a semester and Summer School are
speciVed   by   the   concerned   GSD   chair   and   approved   by   the   concerned
administrative board. The sections, capacities and criteria of these courses
are determined by the concerned GSD chair.

Graduate education

ARTICLE 8 – (1) Graduate education encompasses Masters with or without a
thesis, Doctoral, and Ph.D. on Bachelor’s degree programs.

 (2) A non-thesis Master’s program can also be offered in a second track
program.

 (3) A graduate program is drawn up by the concerned GSD. It is offered after

 
 
its recommendation to the Senate by the concerned GSB, its approval by the
Senate and the issuance of consent by the HEC.

 (4) The curriculum of a graduate program comprises studies such as course
work, laboratory and applied work, workshops, studios, practicum, seminars
and   thesis   work   and   the   distribution   of   these   throughout   the   academic
semesters.

  (5)   The   changes   to   the   title   of   a   graduate   program   are   made   after
preparation   by   the   concerned   GSD,   decision   of   the   Senate   following   the
recommendation of the concerned GSB, and approval by the HEC.

  (6)   The   amendments   to   the   curriculum   of   a   graduate   program   and   the
guidelines   for   the   adjustment   of   students   to   these   are   arranged   by   the
concerned GSD and set by the concerned GSB. 

National and International graduate joint-degree programs

ARTICLE   9   –   (1)   Graduate   joint-degree   programs   may   be   offered   with
institutions of higher education within the country or abroad.

(2) Education in such programs is carried out within the framework of the
provisions of the concerned Regulation of HEC.

Exchange students

ARTICLE   10   –   (1)   Exchange   programs   may   be   offered   between   METU
campuses   and   institutions   of   higher   education   in   the   country   or   abroad
within the framework of mutual agreements. The regulations governing these
programs are determined by the Senate.

Special students

ARTICLE 11 – (1) Special students are students who are not registered to
any program at METU, but who are expected to fulVll the requirements of the
limited number of courses they are registered to. The regulations governing
these programs are determined by the Senate. 

Application and admission to graduate programs

ARTICLE   12   –   (1)   Student   applications   and   admissions   to   graduate
programs are carried out in accordance with the principles set by the Senate.

 (2) At the end of each semester, each GSD recommends, to the GS they are
aYliated to, the provisions regarding applications (EPE, ALES etc.) for the

 
 
 
following semester. These recommendations are assessed and resolved by
the   concerned   GSAB   and   are   announced   on   the   oYcial   website   of   the
concerned GS and/or GSD.

  (3)   Applications   to   graduate   programs   are   made   to   the   concerned   GS
Directorates within the period announced in the academic calendar.

(4)   Applicants   to   graduate   programs   are   to   fulVll   all   the   requirements
speciVed and announced by the concerned GSD.

 (5) Students who have applied to and earned the right for registration to a
program with false or misleading declarations and documents will not be
registered and legal action will be taken against them.

 (6) Candidates who have completed or are in their Vnal semester of their
undergraduate studies may apply to Masters’ with or without a thesis or to
Ph.D. on Bachelor’s degree programs, whereas candidates applying to Ph.D.
programs are required to have completed or be in their Vnal semester of their
graduate studies.

(7) In order to be eligible for application, candidates are to hold an ALES
score determined by the GSD which is no lower than the base score speciVed
in the Graduate Education Regulation published in the OYcial Gazette no.
29690 dated April 20, 2016. In order to be eligible for application to Master’s
without a thesis, the requirement for holding an ALES score is determined by
the concerned GSD. 

(8)   A   recent   ALES   score   is   not   required   from   those   who   dropped   out   or
graduated from any graduate program, but are applying to a program once
again   after   a   one-semester   lapse,   provided   that   they   hold   an   ALES   score
which is no lower than that announced by the GSD they are applying to.

(9) Instead of an ALES score, candidates may submit a score obtained on an
international   exam   (such   as   GRE   or   GMAT)   whose   equivalence   has   been
announced by the concerned GSD. If conditions regarding the ALES score
have not been announced by the concerned GSD, a score obtained on an
international exam equivalent to the base ALES score as announced by the
HEC may be submitted for application. 

(10)  The validity period of ALES scores or scores obtained on equivalent
international exams is the period designated by the institution that owns the
exam and is effective as of the date the candidate took the exam. The validity
should not have expired on the date of application to a graduate program. A
document which is valid on the date of application will remain valid on the
date of registration.

 (11) For admission to a graduate program, along with the fulVllment of the
general   provisions,   the   candidate   should   be   deemed   satisfactory   in   the
scientiVc evaluation carried out by the concerned GSD. ScientiVc evaluation

may   be   carried   out   through   such   methods   as   a   written   and/or   oral
examination and/or an output portfolio.

(12)   For   admission   to   a   graduate   program,   the   weight   of   the   ALES   or
equivalent exam score (provided that it is weighted at no less than 50% in the
Vnal   mark)   as   well   as   the   weights   of   such   requirements   as   the   scientiVc
evaluation, EPE or equivalent international exam score, GPA (undergraduate
and/or   graduate),   the   letter   of   reference,   and   the   letter   of   intent   are
determined by the concerned GSD.

(13)   Admission   of   students   is   determined   by   the   concerned   GSAB   by
recommendation of the concerned GSD, and the application results of are
announced by the concerned GS Directorate.

Special case student admissions

ARTICLE 13 – (1) The principles governing graduate program applications
and admissions of candidates with foreign nationality and Turkish nationals
who reside abroad are determined by the university Senate.

Student transfers between graduate programs

ARTICLE 14 – (1) Student transfers between graduate programs under the
same GSD are made in accordance with the principles determined by the
concerned GSB.

(2)   Student   transfers   are   not   possible   between   graduate   programs   under
different GSDs of the university or from a GSD of another institution of higher
education.

(3) Student transfers cannot be made from Master’s without a thesis second
track programs to regular Master’s programs.

The academic de9ciency program

ARTICLE 15 – (1) The academic deVciency program is a program aiming at
correcting the academic deVciencies of students and enabling them to adjust
to the program they have applied to.

(2)   Academic   deVciency   students   are   to   follow   an   academic   deVciency
program comprising courses speciVed by the concerned GSD.

(3)   An   academic   deVciency   program   that   lasts   for   a   maximum   of   two
semesters may be recommended to students admitted to the program by the
concerned   GSAB   by   recommendation   of   the   concerned   GSD.   This
recommendation must be made at admission to a graduate program and all

 
 
 
the academic deVciency courses that the student will take must be indicated
on the Academic DeVciency Program Form. No changes may be made to the
courses indicated on the form during the implementation of the program.

(4) The time spent in an academic deVciency program is a maximum of two
semesters. Summer School is not included in this period. The time spent in
an academic deVciency program is not included in the maximum duration for
the concerned graduate program.

(5) The total amount of course credits in an academic deVciency program
may not exceed eighteen credits.

(6)   The   provisions   regarding   the   academic   deVciency   program   are   stated
below:

a)   An   academic   deVciency   program   for   Master’s   studies   consists   of
undergraduate and/or graduate level courses. The credits of these courses
are not included in the course load of the concerned graduate program.

b)   An   academic   deVciency   program   for   doctoral   studies   consists   of
undergraduate and/or MA/MS level courses and the credits of these courses
are not included in the course load of the concerned doctoral program.

c) During an academic deVciency program, students may enroll in graduate
courses   with   NI   status   by   recommendation   of   the   concerned   GSD   and
approval of the concerned GSAB.

(7) For students to be deemed successful in an academic deVciency program
and start their graduate studies, they must earn at least the letter grade CC in
the undergraduate and CB in graduate courses they have taken and complete
the program with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of minimum 2.50.  

 (8) The duration of an academic deVciency program may not be extended,
excluding semester leaves of absence. Students who are not successful in
the academic deVciency period are dismissed from the program.

Initial Enrollment to a program

ARTICLE   16   –   (1)   The   registration   of   students   admitted   to   graduate
programs   are   conducted   by   the   RO   within   the   period   speciVed   in   the
academic calendar.

(2)   The   requirements   listed   below   should   be   fulVlled   for   completion   of
enrollment of graduate program admissions:

a) Holding an undergraduate diploma for those admitted to Master’s with or
without a thesis and Ph.D. on Bachelor’s degree programs, holding a Master’s
diploma for those admitted to doctoral programs.

 
b) For international students, not having a student visa problem.

c) FulVlling the provisions regarding tuition and education fees.

d) FulVlling other requirements announced by the University.

(3) Originals of documents required for registration or their copies approved
by the University upon presentation of the originals are accepted. Regarding
compulsory military service and judicial records, the application is processed
based on the candidate’s declaration. In case students who have earned the
right for registration with false or misleading declarations and documents are
detected, they will not be registered. If they have already been registered, the
registration   will   be   cancelled   regardless   of   the   semester   they   are   in,   all
documents issued to them, including diplomas, will be declared null and void,
and   legal   action   will   be   taken   against   them.   Those   in   this   position   are
deemed not to have earned a student status and cannot enjoy any rights
granted to students in the future.

(4) Students who have completed the registration procedures are provided
with   a   student   ID   card.   The   ID   cards   contain   personal   information   about
students.

(5) Those who have not completed their registration within the announced
period are deemed to have waived their student rights and thereafter cannot
claim any of those rights.

Courses and course credits

ARTICLE   17   –   (1)   Courses   within   graduate   programs   are   of   two   types:
compulsory and elective. Compulsory courses are those that are deVned in
the curriculum and thus must be taken. Elective courses are those whose
numbers, types and groups are deVned in the curriculum and are selected by
students.

(2)   Course   titles,   codes,   contents,   credits,   categories,   prerequisites,   co-
requisites,   midterm   exams,   Vnal   exams   and   other   similar   features   and
amendments   to   be   made   to   these   features   are   determined   by
recommendation of the concerned GSD and decision of the concerned GSB.

(3) Prerequisite and co-requisite courses may be speciVed so that a speciVc
course   might   be   taken.   A   course   which   must   be   taken   and   successfully
completed before a speciVc course might be taken is called a prerequisite
course, whereas a course which must be taken simultaneously with another
course during the same semester is called the co-requisite course.

(4)   In   case   of   exemption   from   a   prerequisite   or   co-requisite   course,   the
student   is   deemed   to   have   fulVlled   the   prerequisite   or   the   co-requisite
requirement(s) of the concerned course.

 
(5)   Apart   from   prerequisite   and   co-requisite   courses,   some   additional
requirements   may   be   speciVed   by   the   concerned   GSD   so   that   a   certain
course might be taken.

(6)   The   credit   value   of   a   course   consists   of   all   of   its   weekly   theoretical
course   hours   plus   half   the   weekly   hours   of   laboratory,   workshop,   studio,
practicum and other similar work related to that course.

 (7) The weekly theoretical and practicum hours of non-credit courses like
seminars,   Velds   of   specialization,   term   projects   and   thesis   work   are
speciVed; however, a credit value is not allocated for such courses. 

(8)   At   least   one   graduate   course   on   the   subjects   of   scientiVc   research
techniques   and   research   and   publication   ethics   must   be   taken   during   a
graduate program. Regulations concerning such courses are drawn up by the
concerned graduate school board.

Course substitution in graduate programs

ARTICLE 18 – (1) Substitution of the courses taken by students from another
institution of higher education for courses in the graduate program they are
currently enrolled in is made by the concerned GSAB by the recommendation
of the concerned GSD.

(2) Course substitution is made in accordance with the current curriculum.

(3) The number of the exempted courses after course substitution cannot
exceed 50% of the course load of the concerned graduate program.

(4)   Except   for   the   graduate   courses   taken   with   NI   status,   courses   taken
previously in another diploma program that the student has completed and/
or   courses   taken   simultaneously   from   two   different   graduate   programs
cannot be substituted in both programs. 

(5)   The   principles   and   provisions   concerning   course   substitution   are
speciVed by the concerned GSAB.

Extra-curricular courses

ARTICLE 19 – (1) Extra-curricular courses are credit courses that do not exist
in   the   graduate   program   a   student   is   enrolled   in,   but   which   the   student
additionally   takes.   The   regulations   concerning   such   courses   are   stated
below:

a) Such courses are considered in the status NI (not included in the Grade
Point Average).

b) The status of courses falling into the NI status cannot be altered after the

 
 
registration procedures of the concerned semester are completed.

c) Courses falling into the NI status cannot be substituted for courses in the
program or programs the student is enrolled in during the semester they are
taken.

d) Except for the courses that must be taken in the NI status in an academic
deVciency program, the status of courses not taken in the NI status cannot
be rendered NI after the registration procedures of the concerned semester
are completed.

e) A course taken in the NI status can only be repeated in the same status.

f) Courses taken in the NI status are not included in Grade Point Average
calculations.

g) Courses taken in the NI status are indicated in the transcript along with the
earned letter grade. 

Semester registrations

ARTICLE   20   -   (1)   Each   semester,   students   must   re-register   on   the   online
registration   dates   indicated   in   the   academic   calendar.   However,   students
who enroll in a graduate program for the Vrst time may also register in the
add/drop   week   indicated   in   the   academic   calendar.   Students   who   fail   to
register on the designated dates are deemed unregistered and may not enjoy
the rights of registered students.

(2) Semester registration procedures consist of the following phases:

a) The student pays the tuition or education fee and fulVlls any other Vnancial
obligation (dormitory fee, library fee, etc.) pertaining to previous years, if any.

b) The student registers for the new semester.

c)   The   student   meets   her/his     advisor   to   obtain   approval   for   the   online
semester registration.

  (3)   Students   who   have   completed   their   semester   registration   during   the
online   registration   period   may   add   or   drop   courses   or   change   course
sections   during   the   add/drop   period   indicated   in   the   academic   calendar.
Advisor approval is required in order for the changes to be valid.

(4) Students who have been granted an additional period in any phase of the
graduate program must re-register for the additional period.

(5) Among students who fall into the unregistered status during the normal
period of study or maximum period of study, those who wish to register for a
semester   must   apply   to   the   chair   of   the   concerned   GSD   by   stating   and
documenting a valid reason before the termination of the designated add/

 
drop period for that semester. The student whose excuse is accepted by the
concerned   GSAB   and   who   meets   the   requirements   for   the   semester
registration is re-registered by the RO.

(6) Students who fall into the unregistered status may register for ensuing
semesters on dates indicated for the online registrations in the academic
calendar. However, these students must submit a petition to the RO latest by
the date online registrations start.

(7) The semesters for which the student has failed to register are included in
the normal and maximum periods of study. 

Course withdrawal

ARTICLE 21- (1) Graduate students cannot withdraw from courses.

PART 3

Examinations and Assessment

Attendance and examinations

ARTICLE   22   -   (1)   Students   are   to   attend   the   courses,   practical   work,
examinations and other academic studies as required by the instructors.

 (2) The attendance records of students regarding courses, practical work
and similar studies are monitored by the instructor.

 (3) The contribution of student attendance, if applicable, to their eligibility to
take mid-term and Vnal examinations and their letter grade for the semester,
the contribution of mid-term examinations, homework assignments, practical
work and other similar studies for which the students are responsible to their
letter grade for the semester, and if applicable, provisions for being eligible to
take the Vnal exam are determined by the instructor offering the course and
all of these are announced to the students at the beginning of the semester. 

(4) At least one interim assessment such as a written examination, a project
submission, a homework submission, an oral presentation is carried out for
each   course.   The   dates   of   such   assessments   are   announced   by   the
concerned instructor within the Vrst month of the semester.

(5) Students are informed of their semester standing for each course by the
concerned instructor. In issuing this information, the conVdentiality regarding
the personal information of students is protected.  

 
 
 
 
(6)   In   each   course,   at   least   one   end-of-the-term   assessment   such   as   a
written examination, a project submission, a homework submission, an oral
presentation   is   done   in   each   course.   The   regulations   regarding   Vnal
examinations are stated below:

a) In courses for which a Vnal exam is given, the date and hour are speciVed
and announced by the RO upon obtaining the opinion of the concerned GSD.

b) Announced examination dates may be changed by the RO based on the
reasoned   recommendation   of   the   concerned   GSD   provided   that   they   are
within   the   period   of   Vnal   examinations   for   that   semester.   This   change   is
made before the period of Vnal examinations for that semester starts.

(7) A make-up opportunity is given to students who have not participated in
the required assessment of any course such as taking a written examination,
submitting a project or homework or making an oral presentation provided
that their excuse is deemed valid by the concerned instructor.

(8)   If   deemed   necessary,   courses   and   exams   may   be   held   after   weekly
working hours and/or on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Assessment and grades

ARTICLE 23- (1) Students are assigned a letter grade for each course at the
end of the semester they are registered.

(2) This letter grade is at the discretion of the instructor offering the course.

(3)   In   determining   the   letter   grade,   the   students’   mid-term   and   Vnal
examination grades, their success in their studies within the semester and
their   attendance   during   course   and   practical   work   are   taken   into
consideration.

(4) The coeYcients of the letter grades and the score intervals used in the
calculation of Grade Point Average are indicated below:  

a)

Letter Grade

CoeYcient

Score intervals

AA

BA

BB

CB

CC

DC

4.00

3.50

3.00

2.50

2.00

1.50

90-l00

85-89

80-84

75-79

70-74

65-69

 
DD

FD

FF

NA

1.00

0.50

0.00

0.00

60-64

50-59

0-49

*

Letter Grade        Status

S                          Satisfactory

P                          Progressing

U                          Unsatisfactory

EX                       Exempt

I                           Incomplete                                   

b) The grade NA (not attended) is assigned by the instructor to students for
one of the reasons stated below and is processed as FF in the calculation of
Grade Point Average.

1) Not having fulVlled the requirements regarding attendance to theoretical
and practicum hours speciVed in the course schedule.

2)   Not   being   eligible   to   take   the   Vnal   exam   due   to   not   fulVlling   the
requirements   regarding   the   course   practices   speciVed   in   the   course
schedule.  

3) Not having taken any of the midterm exam(s) or the Vnal exam.

(5) Grades which are not included in the Grade Point Average are as follows:

a) The grade S (satisfactory) is assigned to students who are successful in
non-credit courses and/or thesis work.

b)   The   grade   U   (unsatisfactory)   is   assigned   to   students   who   are   not
successful in non-credit courses and/or thesis work.

c) The grade P (progressing) is assigned to students who are successfully
carrying on their non-credit courses and/or thesis work.

d) The grade EX (exempt) is assigned to students who have been exempted
from certain courses in the curriculum. Principles regarding exemptions are
determined by the Senate.

e)   The   grade   I   (incomplete)   is   assigned   to   students   who   are   not   able   to
complete the course requirements by the end of the semester or the summer
school for a reason found valid by the course instructor. The grade “I” must
be   converted   to   a   letter   grade   within   a   week   from   the   last   day   of   grade
submissions for the semester or summer school. In special cases, however,
this period may be extended latest until the date registrations start for the

following   semester,   when   it   must   be   converted   to   a   letter   grade.   These
special procedures are conducted by recommendation  of the chair of  the
GSD offering the course and the approval of the concerned GSAB.

f)   In   case   of   failure   to   convert   the   grade   “I”   to   a   letter   grade   within   the
required period, the grade “I” will be automatically converted to the grade “FF”
or “U”. The dates concerning the letter grade “I” are indicated in the academic
calendar. 

Submission and announcement of grades and grade corrections   

ARTICLE 24 – (1) Final grades for the semester are submitted by course
instructors on the dates indicated in the academic calendar.

(2)  The grades are announced on the related Internet address to be opened
to the access of students on the date indicated in the academic calendar.

(3) Any errors in grading are corrected with the approval of the concerned
GSD   chair   upon   the   course   instructor’s   application   for   correction   within   a
week from the last day for the submission of semester or summer school
Vnal grades. In cases where this period is exceeded, the correction of errors
must be made by recommendation of the chair of the GSD which offers the
course and the approval of the concerned GSAB. The dates concerning grade
corrections are indicated in the academic calendar.

Success in a course and course repeats

ARTICLE 25 – (1) Provisions regarding success in a course and repeating a
course are as follows:

a) In order to be deemed successful in a credit course, students are required
to earn a minimum of a grade CC in a Master's program, and grade CB in a
doctoral program.

b) In order to be considered successful in a non-credit course in graduate
programs, students are required to receive the grade S.

c) Students are required to repeat a course that they have failed.

e) Students who have failed in a course or have not enrolled /could not enroll
in a course indicated in the curriculum must take it the Vrst semester it is
offered.   Courses   within   the   framework   of   the   curriculum   and   found
appropriate   by   the   advisor   may   replace   elective   courses   that   are   to   be
repeated.

f) Students may repeat the course /courses in which they were successful in
order to increase their Cumulative Grade Point Averages with the approval of
the instructor offering the course. The grade earned in the repeated course is

 
 
valid regardless of the previous grade.

Grade Point Averages

ARTICLE   26   –   (1)   Students’   semester   Grade   Point   Averages   and   their
Cumulative Grade Point Averages are calculated at the end of each semester
and their standing related to success is determined.

(2)   The   total   credit   points   obtained   from   a   course   are   calculated   by
multiplying the credit value of the course and the coeYcient corresponding
to the letter grade earned from the course at the end of the semester. 

(3) The Semester Grade Point Average is calculated through the division of
the total credit points obtained from all the courses the student has taken in
the concerned semester by the total credit values of those courses.

(4) The Cumulative Grade Point Average is calculated through the division of
 the total credit points obtained from all the courses the student has taken up
to that time, the semester concerned inclusive, by the total credit values of
those courses.

(5) The Grade Point Averages obtained in these calculations are expressed
by rounding them off to the second digit after the decimal point. In rounding
the numbers off, the second digit after the decimal point does not change if
the third digit is smaller than 5, but it increases by 0.01 if the third digit is 5 or
greater.

Student Dismissal

ARTICLE 27 – (1) Students  who Vt any of the following descriptions are
dismissed from the programs they are registered in:

(1) Students who are not successful at the end of the academic deVciency
period;

(2) Students who cannot complete the course load speciVed by the GSD in
four   semesters   in   Master's   with   a   thesis   and   doctoral   programs,   in   three
semesters in Master's without a thesis programs, or in six semesters in Ph.D.
on Bachelor’s degree programs, and/or students whose Cumulative Grade
Point   Average   is   below   3.00   at   the   end   of   the   period   speciVed   for   taking
courses in those programs   

(3) Students who receive the letter grade "U" twice consecutively or three
times intermittently in their thesis work or related courses

(4) Students who fail the doctoral comprehensive exam twice

(5)   Students   who   cannot   successfully   complete   the   courses   that   are

 
 
speciVed by the Doctoral Comprehensive Examination Board and are taken in
the   NI   status   with   a   minimum   letter   grade   of   BB   or   better   within   the
maximum duration  

(6) Students in doctoral degree programs whose thesis proposals have been
rejected twice

(7) Students whose theses have been rejected  

(8) Students whose revised theses have been rejected 

(9) Students who have been deemed successful in thesis defense but have
failed to submit the bound copies of their theses to the concerned Graduate
School in one month from the date of thesis defense, or until the end of the
additional period (of maximum one month) for submission granted by the
concerned administrative board

(10) Students who cannot complete the program within maximum duration

Graduation requirements and dates

ARTICLE 28 – (1) The following requirements must be fulVlled in order to be
eligible for graduation from a graduate program:

a) The success requirements indicated in the concerned provisions of this
Regulation should have been fulVlled.

b) The Vnal registered semester must be spent at METU, with the exception
of international joint graduate degree programs conducted in collaboration
with contracted universities abroad.

(2) The date of graduation from graduate programs is determined as follows:

a) In Master’s programs with a thesis, the graduation date is the date on
which a signed copy of the the thesis is submitted to the concerned graduate
school by examining committee.

b) In non-thesis Master’s programs, the graduation date is the announcement
date of the letter grades for the concerned semester or Summer School as
indicated in the academic calendar. For those who graduate as a result of the
correction of an erroneous grade and/or the conversion of the grade “I” to a
letter   grade,   the   graduation   date   is   the   date   on   which   the   letter   grade   is
Vnalized.

c) In doctoral programs, the graduation date is the date on which a signed
copy   of   the   the   thesis   is   submitted   to   the   concerned   graduate   school   by
examining committee.

Plagiarism

 
ARTICLE 29– (1) In order for a Master's or doctoral thesis to be defended
before a thesis examining committee for the Vrst time or at the end of the
additional   period   granted   by   the   committee,   the   following   requirements
should be fulVlled:

a) The report showing the similarity index of the thesis should be received by
the thesis supervisor by running the thesis through plagiarism software.

b)   The   similarity   percentage   of   the   thesis   should   be   smaller   than   the
maximum similarity index set by the concerned administrative board.

c) The similarity index report should be distributed to the members of the
thesis examining committee together with the thesis after the approval of the
thesis supervisor.

(2) After the thesis work is completed,

a) the plagiarism report showing the Vnal status of the Master's or doctoral
thesis should be received and approved by the thesis supervisor,

b)   the   bound   copies   of   the   thesis   should   be   submitted/presented   to   the
concerned GS Chair,

c) the bound copies of the thesis should be approved by the concerned GS
Chair and  presented to the concerned GS directorate for approval.

(3) In case of detection of plagiarism in a thesis, disciplinary action will be
taken against the student according to the concerned articles of the Rules
and Regulations Governing Disciplinary Procedures in Institutions of Higher
Education published in the OYcial Gazette No. 28388 dated 18 August 2012. 

PART 4

Provisions Regarding Master’s Programs

Aim and scope

ARTICLE 30– (1) Master’s programs are conducted in two modes, namely,
Master’s programs with a thesis and non- thesis Master’s programs.

(2) The aim of Master’s programs with a thesis is to have students access
knowledge through scientiVc research, evaluate and interpret this knowledge
and convert this acquisition into an academic product in the form of a thesis.

(3) The aim of non-thesis Master’s programs is to have students gain expert-
level   knowledge   in   the   related   Veld   and   the   ability   to   use   their   existing
knowledge in professional applications.

    
 
 
The duration of Master’s programs with a thesis

ARTICLE 31 – (1) The normal duration of a Master’s program with a thesis is
four   semesters,   excluding   the   period   spent   in   the   Academic   DeVciency
Program. The maximum duration of the program is six semesters.

(2)   In   a   Master’s   program   with   a   thesis,   the   maximum   duration   for   the
completion of credit courses and seminar courses is four semesters.

(3)   In   cases   where   the   examining   committee   deems   necessary,   students
whose work is found insuYcient during their thesis defense may be granted
an additional three months to enable them to complete their thesis work. 

Course loads and success in Master’s programs with a thesis

ARTICLE 32 – (1) The phases of a Master’s program with a thesis consist of
at least seven credit courses with a cumulative minimum total of twenty-one
credits, one seminar course, thesis work and the defense of the thesis before
an examining committee, corresponding to a minimum total of 120 ECTS-
credits.

(2) From the date a thesis supervisor is assigned, the student should register
for thesis work or the related courses every semester.

(3) In Master’s programs with a thesis, courses coded 3XX and 4XX may be
taken   provided   that   they   were   not   taken   during   undergraduate   education.
However, only two of these courses may be counted in the course load of the
program.

(4) Students can take a maximum of two graduate courses offered in other
institutions of higher education, by recommendation of the GSD and with the
approval of the GSAB. 

If the courses taken are counted in the course load ofstudents in accordance
with   the   decision   of   the   Graduate   School   Administrative   Committee,   the
grade   of   the   relevant   course   is   not   included   in   the   GPA   of   students   and
assigned as EX (exempt).

(5) Students who cannot successfully complete the courses (credit courses
and seminar course) speciVed by the concerned GSD in a maximum of two
academic years (four semesters), and/or students whose Cumulative Grade
Point Average is below 3.00 are dismissed from their graduate program.  

Master’s thesis supervisor

ARTICLE 33 – (1) In a Master's program with a thesis, a thesis supervisor

 
 
 
and   a   thesis   topic   speciVed   by   the   student   and   the   supervisor   are
recommended by the chair of the concerned GSD to the concerned GS latest
by the end of the Vrst semester. The thesis supervisor and the thesis topic
are Vnalized after the approval of the concerned GSAB.

 (2) The thesis supervisor is selected from METU faculty.

 (3) In cases where the nature of the thesis work calls for more than one
supervisor,   a   second   supervisor   may   be   assigned   as   co-supervisor   by
recommendation of the concerned GSD chair and approval of GSAB. The co-
supervisor should be a faculty member of the University or a person from
outside the University holding at least a Doctoral degree. 

 (4) Provisions concerning the assignment and replacement of a supervisor
or a co-supervisor are determined by the concerned GSB. 

Preparation and 9nalization of a Master’s thesis

ARTICLE 34 – (1) The Master’s thesis comprises the phases of thesis work,
and following this, its defense before of an examining committee.

 (2) Students are expected to successfully complete their thesis work within
the maximum duration. At the end of that period, students who fail to attend
the   thesis   defense   session   are   dismissed   from   the   programs   they   are
registered in.

 (3) Students who receive the letter grade “U” twice consecutively, or three
times   intermittently   in   their   thesis   work   or   related   courses   within   the
maximum duration are deemed unsuccessful and are dismissed from their
programs.

  (4)   The   student   whose   thesis   work   has   been   approved   as   successfully
completed by the thesis supervisor must put her/his Vndings on paper in
English   in   accordance   with   the   principles   indicated   in   the   METU   Thesis
Manual. The provisions regarding thesis defense are as follows:

a)   The   student   who   has   completed   her/his   thesis   submits   a   copy   to   the
thesis supervisor. The supervisor checks the thesis for plagiarism and writes
a report on it. The plagiarism report, a copy of the unbound thesis and the
thesis jury appointment form are then sent to the concerned GS with the
approval of the GSD Chair latest one month before the meeting date of the
committee.    

b) The latest date on which students may defend their thesis is indicated in
the academic calendar for each semester.

c) The thesis jury is appointed by recommendation of the thesis advisor and
the   GSD   chair   and   the   approval   of   the   concerned   GSAB.   The   jury   is

 
composed of three or Vve members, one being the thesis supervisor of the
student, and at least one being a faculty member from another university. If
the   jury   is   composed   of   three   members,   the   co-supervisor   cannot   be   a
member of the jury. However, the co-supervisor can be a jury member if she/
he is a faculty member and if the jury comprises Vve members.

d) The jury members convene within one month as of the date they receive
the thesis to have the student defend it. The thesis defense, which must be
conducted in English, comprises the presentation of the thesis work and the
consecutive question and answer session, and is open to an audience.

e) The date and place of the thesis defense is announced on the oYcial Web
page of the concerned GSD.

(5) After the thesis defense is completed, the jury decides, in the absence of
the   audience   and   in   absolute   majority,   whether   the   result   is   “approval”,
“revision” or “refusal”. The concerned GS is notiVed of the decision of the jury
latest within three days through an oYcial exam report. The student whose
thesis is not approved is dismissed from her/his program.

(6) Students who are asked to review their theses after the defense may be
given an extension of maximum three months by the jury. The student makes
the required revisions and defends the thesis once again before the same
jury. At the end of this period, students who fail to stand before the jury for a
defense, or whose thesis is not approved after the defense are dismissed
from their programs.

(7)   Within   one   month   from   the   date   of   the   defense,   the   student   found
successful   in   her/his   thesis   defense   must   submit   to   the   concerned   GS
directorate, at least three bound copies of the thesis found appropriate as per
format by the concerned GS, together with the plagiarism report. Upon the
student's request, the submission deadline may be extended maximum one
month by recommendation of the concerned GSD and with the approval of
the concerned GSAB. Students who fail to meet these requirements cannot
receive their diplomas until they do so, nor can they enjoy the rights granted
to students. Such students are dismissed from their programs when their
maximum period for study expires.

(8) A student whose oYcial jury report has been submitted to the RO after
being signed by the concerned GS director is entitled to a Master’s degree.

 (9) A student whose thesis has been rejected may be granted, upon her/his
request   and   if   the   concerned   GSD   has   a   standard   non-thesis   Master's
program, an additional one academic semester to complete the course and
project   load   requirements   of   the   program.   If   the   student   is   also   deemed
unsuccessful   at   the   end   of   that   period,   she/he   is   dismissed   from   the
program.

The duration of a non-thesis Master’s program

ARTICLE   35   –   (1)   The   duration   of   a   non-thesis   Master’s   program   is   two
academic semesters, excluding the period spent in the Academic DeVciency
Program. The maximum duration is three academic semesters.

Course loads and success in non-thesis Master’s programs

ARTICLE 36 – (1) A non-thesis Master’s program consists of at least ten
courses with a total of thirty credits, a Semester Project course and at least
sixty ECTS-credits. The student must register for the semester project in the
semester it is offered and submit a written report at the end of that semester.
The semester project is a non-credit course, and is evaluated as "Successful"
or "Unsuccessful".

(2) In non-thesis Master’s programs, courses coded 3XX and 4XX may be
taken   provided   that   they   were   not   taken   during   undergraduate   education.
However, only two of these courses may be counted in the course load of the
program.   Furthermore,   students   can   select   a   maximum   of   two   graduate
courses offered in other institutions of higher education, by recommendation
of   the   GSD   and   with   the   approval   of   the   GSAB.   In   second-track   graduate
programs without a thesis, taking courses outside the program is regulated
by the University. 

If the courses taken are counted in the course load ofstudents in accordance
with   the   decision   of   the   Graduate   School   Administrative   Committee,   the
grade   of   the   relevant   course   is   not   included   in   the   GPA   of   students   and
assigned as EX (exempt).

(3)   A   student   who   cannot   successfully   complete   the   course   load   (credit
courses and the project course) speciVed by the GSD at the end of the three
academic   semesters,   and/or   whose   Cumulative   Grade   Point   Average   is
below 3.00 is dismissed from the program. 

(4)   A   student   who   successfully   completes   a   non-thesis   Master’s   program
with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.00 in maximum three
academic semesters is entitled to a Master’s degree without thesis.

Advisor assignment in non-thesis Master's programs

ARTICLE   37–   (1)   In   the   Vrst   semester   a   student   enrolls   in   a   non-thesis
Master's program, either a faculty member or a member of the academic
staff   holding   at   least   a   doctoral   degree   is   assigned   as   advisor   for   that
student by the GSD for the purpose of course selection and advisor approval,

 
 
 
and in the semester where the student is registered for semester project, for
supervising the project work.  

PART 5

Provisions Regarding Doctoral Programs

Aim and scope

ARTICLE 38 – (1) The aim of a Ph.D. program is to equip students with the
skills of doing independent research, interpreting scientiVc phenomena with
broad and in-depth analysis and determining the necessary steps that will
lead   to   new   syntheses.   The   authentic   thesis   to   be   prepared   following
doctoral work must bear at least one of the qualities below:

a)  Introducing innovation to science by generating new knowledge.

b) Developing a new method of scientiVc research and applying this.

c) Developing a new application of a well-known method and applying this.

The duration of a Ph.D. program

ARTICLE 39 – (1) The normal duration of a Ph.D. program is eight academic
semesters, excluding the period spent in the Academic DeVciency Program.
The maximum duration of the Ph.D. program is twelve academic semesters.
In Ph.D. on Bachelor’s degree programs, the normal duration is ten academic
semesters, and the maximum duration is fourteen academic semesters.

(2) In Ph.D. programs, the maximum duration for the completion of credit
courses and the seminar course is four academic semesters:

(3) In Ph.D. on Bachelor’s degree programs, the maximum duration for the
completion   of   credit   courses   and   the   seminar   course   is   six   academic
semesters.

(4) In cases where the jury deems necessary, students whose work is found
unsatisfactory   during   their   doctoral   thesis   defense   may   be   granted   an
additional period of maximum six months to enable them to complete their
thesis work.

Course loads and success in Ph.D. programs

ARTICLE 40 – (1) A Ph.D. program consists of the phases of at least seven
credit   courses   with   a   cumulative   total   of   twenty-one   credits,   one   seminar

 
 
 
 
course, the doctoral comprehensive examination, the thesis proposal, thesis
work and the defense of the thesis before a jury, as well as a total of at least
240 ECTS-credits.

(2) The phases of Ph.D. on Bachelor’s degree programs consist of at least
fourteen credit courses with a cumulative total of at least forty-two credits,
one   seminar   course,   the   doctoral   comprehensive   examination,   the   thesis
proposal, thesis work and the defense of the thesis before of a jury, as well
as a total of at least 300 ECTS-credits

(3)   As   of   the   beginning   of   the   semester   following   the   assignment   of   the
thesis   supervisor,   the   student   must   register   for   the   thesis   work   and   the
related courses each semester.

(4) Undergraduate courses taken in a doctoral program cannot be counted in
the course load or towards doctoral credits.

(5) Of the graduate courses offered in other institutions of higher education,
students in Ph.D. programs can select a maximum of two, and those in Ph.D.
on Bachelor’s degree programs can select a maximum of four courses by
recommendation of the GSD and with the approval of the concerned GSAB. 

If the courses taken are counted in the course load ofstudents in accordance
with   the   decision   of   the   Graduate   School   Administrative   Committee,   the
grade   of   the   relevant   course   is   not   included   in   the   GPA   of   students   and
assigned as EX (exempt).

(6) Students who cannot successfully complete the courses (credit courses
and seminar course) speciVed by the concerned GSD within four academic
semesters   in   Ph.D.   programs,   and   in   six   academic   semesters   in   Ph.D.   on
Bachelor’s degree programs, and/or students whose Cumulative Grade Point
Average is below 3.00 may not sit the doctoral comprehensive examination,
and are dismissed from the programs they are enrolled in.

Ph.D. thesis supervisor

ARTICLE 41 – (1) The thesis supervisor is assigned by recommendation of
the concerned GSD and approval of GSAB latest by the end of the second
semester.

(2) The thesis supervisor is selected from METU members of faculty.

(3) In cases where the nature of the thesis work calls for more than one
supervisor,   a   second   supervisor   may   be   assigned   as   co-supervisor   by
recommendation of the concerned GSD chair and approval of GSAB. The co-
supervisor may be a faculty member from inside or outside the University

 
 
holding at least a doctoral degree.

(4) Provisions concerning the assignment and replacement of a supervisor or
a co-supervisor are determined by the concerned GSAB.

(5) In order to qualify as a thesis supervisor, the faculty member should have
supervised at least one Master’s thesis which should have been successfully
completed.

The doctoral comprehensive examination

ARTICLE   42   –   (1)   The   doctoral   comprehensive   examination   (DCE)   is   the
assessment of the students’ knowledge of the basic subjects and concepts
in their Veld, and of whether they possess the depth of scientiVc research
related to doctoral work. 

(2)   In   order   to   be   eligible   to   take   the   DCE,   students   should   successfully
complete the courses and the seminar course, and their Cumulative Grade
Point Average should be at least 3.00. 

(3) A student may take the DCE twice the most.

(4) The DCE is administered twice a year, in May and November. The names
of   applicants   for   the   DCE   are   submitted   by   the   chair   of   the   GSD   to   the
concerned GS one month prior to the exam.

(5) Students in Ph.D. programs must take the DCE latest by the end of the
Vfth semester, and students in Ph.D. on Bachelor’s degree programs must
take it latest by the end of the seventh semester.

(6)   Comprehensive   examinations   are   arranged   and   administered   by   a
Doctoral Comprehensive Board of Vve faculty members from the concerned
GSD who are assigned for a three-year term by recommendation of the chair
of   the   GSD   and   approval   of   the   concerned   GSAB.   The   Board   sets   up
examination juries in order to prepare exams in varied Velds, and administer
and evaluate these exams.  An examination jury comprises Vve members, at
least two of whom are from outside the University and one of whom is the
student’s   thesis   supervisor.   The   supervisor   has   a   right   to   vote.   The   DCE
meetings may be open to instructors, graduate students and experts in the
Veld. However, the audience is asked to leave the room during the decision
phase.

 (7) The DCE consists of written and oral examinations that will assess the
students’   competence   in   the   related   Veld   and   their   disposition   towards
research. The DCE is conducted in English in its entirety.

  (8)   Students   who   succeed   in   the   written   examination   take   an   oral
examination.   The   exam   format   and   weight,   success   criteria   and   the

 
calculation   of   the   exam   grades   are   determined   by   the   Doctoral
Comprehensive   Board.   The   jury   decides,   by   absolute   majority,   whether   a
student  is   to  be   deemed   “successful”  or   “unsuccessful”  by   evaluating   the
results of the written and oral components of the exam. The concerned GS is
notiVed of this decision latest within three days in an oYcial report approved
by Doctoral Comprehensive Board.     

 (9) The DCE jury may require a student who is successful in the DCE to take
a   course   /   courses   additional   to   those   taken   even   if   the   course   load
requirements   have   been   fulVlled.   Upon   approval   by   the   Doctoral
Comprehensive Board, the concerned GS is notiVed of these courses through
the concerned GSD chair.The student must earn the letter grade BB minimum
in the speciVed courses. These courses are taken in NI status and are not
counted   in   the   Cumulative   Grade   Point   Average.   A   student   who   cannot
successfully complete these courses within the maximum period may not
defend her/his  thesis before a jury and is dismissed from the program.

  (10)   Students   who   fail   their   Vrst   exam   re-sit   the   exam   in   the   ensuing
semester. If a student is deemed unsuccessful once again, then she/he is
dismissed from the program.

 (11) Students who fail to sit any phase of the DCE are considered to have
exercised their right to take that exam and are deemed unsuccessful in that
phase.

Doctoral thesis advisory committee (TAC)

ARTICLE 43 – (1) A TAC is assigned, within one month, to a student who is
successful   in   the   DCE   by   recommendation   of   the   chair   of   the   GSD   and
approval   of   the   concerned   GSAB   so   as   to   approve   the   student’s   doctoral
thesis   proposal   and   to   monitor   the   course   of   the   thesis   work   in   ensuing
semesters.

(2) The TAC is composed of three faculty members. In addition to the thesis
advisor, there are two other members in the committee, one from the GSD
and the other from outside the GSD. In cases where a co-supervisor has been
appointed, the co-supervisor may attend the meetings if he/she wishes.

(3)   In   ensuing   semesters,   TAC   members   may   be   replaced   by
recommendation   of   the   chair   of   the   GSD   and   approval   of   the   concerned
GSAB.

Defense of the thesis proposal and monitoring the course of the thesis work

ARTICLE 44 - (1) Within six months latest after the DCE, the student who is
deemed   successful   defends   orally   and   in   English   her/his   thesis   proposal

 
which comprises the purpose of the thesis work, the research method and
the future work plan before the TAC. The student submits a written report to
the TAC members at least Vfteen days prior to this meeting.

 (2) The TAC decides, with absolute majority, to “approve”, "return for revision"
or “reject” the presented thesis proposal. One month is allotted for revision.
At the end of this period, and by latest within three days after the defense of
the thesis proposal, the chair of the GSD notiVes, in an oYcial report, the
concerned GS of the Vnal decision which is taken by absolute majority as
"approval" or "refusal".

(3)   Students   whose   thesis   proposals   are   rejected   have   a   right   to   choose
another thesis topic or thesis supervisor, in which case a new TAC may be
assigned.   Students   who   choose   to   continue   the   program   with   the   same
thesis supervisor defend their proposal once again latest within the ensuing
three   months,   and   those   who   choose   a   different   thesis   topic   and   thesis
supervisor do so latest within the ensuing six months. In case of rejection of
the   thesis   proposal   a   second   time,   the   student   is   dismissed   from   the
program.

  (4)   For   the   student   whose   thesis   proposal   has   been   approved,   the   TAC
convenes twice a year, once between January and June and once between
July   and   December.   The   student   submits   a   written   report   to   the   TAC
members at least one month before their meeting. In this report, a summary
of the work covered thus far and the work plan for the next semester are
given. The letter grade for the student’s thesis work is determined as (S) or
(U) by the TAC. Students who receive the letter grade "U" twice consecutively,
or three times intermittently, in their thesis work are deemed unsuccessful
and dismissed from their programs. 

(5) A student who fails to attend the thesis proposal defense session without
a   valid   excuse   within   the   period   stated   in   Article   1   of   this   Regulation   is
deemed unsuccessful and her/his thesis proposal is rejected.

(6) In order for the student's thesis to be Vnalized, at least three TAC reports
should be presented. 

Preparation and 9nalization of a Doctoral thesis

ARTICLE 45 – (1) The Doctoral thesis comprises the phases of thesis work,
and following this, its defense before a jury.

(2)   Students   should   successfully   complete   their   thesis   work   within   their
maximum duration. Students who fail to stand for the defense of their thesis
before the maximum duration terminates are dismissed from their program.

 (3) The student whose thesis work has been approved as completed by the

 
thesis supervisor must put her/his Vndings on paper in accordance with the
principles indicated in the METU Thesis Manual. The regulations regarding
the thesis defense are as follows:

a) Upon completing her/his thesis, the student submits a copy of it to her/his
thesis supervisor, who checks it for plagiarism, prepares a plagiarism report,
and   together   with   it,   sends   a   copy   of   the   unbound   thesis   and   the   GSD
approved jury-member appointment form to the concerned GS.

b)   The   latest   date   on   which   students   may   defend   their   thesis   for   each
semester is indicated in the academic calendar.

c) The doctoral thesis jury is appointed with the approval of the concerned
GSAB   by   recommendation   of   the   thesis   advisor   and   GSD   chair.   The
committee is composed of Vve members of faculty including those in the
TAC   and   at   least   two   members   from   a   different   institutions   of   higher
education. The thesis supervisor has a right to vote. In addition to the Vve
members   of   the   thesis   jury,   the   co-supervisor   may   attend   the   meeting
without a right to vote.

d) The jury members convene within one month as of the date they receive
the thesis so as to have the student defend the thesis. The thesis defense,
which must be conducted in English and shall comprise the presentation of
the thesis work and a consecutive question and answer session, is open to
an audience. The audience is asked to leave the room before the decision is
announced.

e) The date and the place on which the thesis defense is to take place is
announced on the oYcial Internet page of the concerned GSD.

(4) After the thesis defense is completed, the jury decides in the absence of
the   audience   and   in   absolute   majority,   whether   the   result   is   “approval”,
“revision” or “rejection”. The decision of the jury is sent to the concerned GS
by the chair of the GSD with the oYcial jury report latest within three days of
the defense. Students who are unsuccessful and whose theses are rejected
are dismissed from their program.

(5) Students who are asked to review their theses after the defense may be
given an extension of maximum six months by the jury. The student makes
the required revisions and defends the thesis once again before the same
jury.   Students   who   fail   to   stand   before   the   jury   for   a   defense   before   this
period   expires,   or   whose   thesis   is   not   approved   after   this   defense   are
dismissed from their program.

(6) The student found successful in her/his thesis defense must submit to
the   concerned   GS,   at   least   three   bound   copies   of   the   thesis   found
appropriate as per format by the concerned GS, along with the plagiarism
report, within one month as of the date of the defense. Upon request, the

student   may   be   given   an   extension   of   maximum   one   month   for   the
submission of the thesis by the chair of the concerned GS. Students who fail
to meet these requirements cannot receive their diplomas or exercise rights
granted to students until they do so, and are dismissed from their programs
if the maximum duration expires.   

(7) A student whose oYcial jury report has been submitted to the RO after
being signed by the concerned GS director is entitled to a Doctoral degree.

(8)Students   in   Ph.D   on   Bachelor’s   degree   programs   or   those   who   have
graduated from a Master’s degree program with a thesis but carry out Ph.D
studies   in   a   different   department   of   the   Graduate   School   and   who   fail   to
complete   their   credit   courses   and/or   thesis   studies   within   the   maximum
duration   or   whose   PhD   thesis   has   been   rejected   by   the   jury   are   given   an
additional   semester   to   fulVll   the   requirements   of   the   course   load,   project
load, etc of the non-thesis Master’s degree program, if they request and the
department of the Graduate School they are enrolled in for Ph.D has a regular
non-thesis Master’s degree program. At the end of this period, the students
who have duly fulVlled the requirements of the non-thesis Master’s degree
program,   such   as   course   load   and   project   load,   are   granted   a   non-thesis
Master’s degree diploma.  Students who are deemed unsuccessful at the end
of that period are dismissed from the program.

PART 6

Diplomas and Documents, Academic Advisors, Disciplinary
Procedures, Student Grants, Health Services, Tuitions and Other
Fees, Leaves of Absence, Withdrawal of Registration and Student
NotiOcations

Diplomas and documents

ARTICLE   46   –   (1)   Diplomas,   certiVcates   awarded   and   other   documents
issued to students and graduates, and the provisions regarding the issuance
of these are as follows:

a) Master’s with a Thesis Diploma: This diploma is awarded to those who
meet the graduation requirements of a Master’s program with a thesis.

b) Master’s without a Thesis Diploma: This diploma is awarded to those who
meet the graduation requirements of a Master’s program without a thesis.

c) Ph.D. Diploma: This diploma is awarded to those who meet the graduation
requirements of a Doctoral program or a Ph.D. on Bachelor’s degree program.

 
 
 
d) Provisional CertiVcate of Graduation: This document is issued only once
as   a   substitute   for   a   diploma   to   students   who   are   deemed   eligible   for
graduation, and it is valid until the date of the commencement ceremony of
the concerned academic year.

e) Diploma Supplement: This is a document which accompanies diplomas
and aims at the international recognition of the academic and professional
competences of their holders. 

d)   Transcript:   This   document   is   a   complete   oYcial   record   of   the   courses
taken each semester, their credits values and the grades earned, the grade
point   averages   for   the   concerned   semesters,   the   cumulative   grade   point
averages and the standing of a student starting from the student’s admission
to the university.

e)   Student   CertiVcate:   This   is   a   document   which   shows   the   University
registration status of a student.

(2)   Diplomas,   certiVcates   and   other   such   documents   are   signed   by   the
below-mentioned authorities:

a) Diplomas are signed by the President, the concerned GS director and the
chair of the GSD.

b)   Provisional   certiVcate   of   graduation   is   signed   by   the   concerned   GS
director, the chair of the GSD and authorized RO staff.

c) The diploma supplement, transcript and student certiVcate are signed by
authorized RO staff.

(3)   The   names   of   the   GS,   the   GSD,   and/or   if   applicable,   the   program   the
student is enrolled in are indicated on diplomas and documents.

(4) The format, size and information to be written on diplomas are speciVed
by the Senate.

(5) In the event of the loss of a diploma, a replacement copy is issued, once
only. The replacement copy bears the notation “second copy”.

(6) In the event of a change in the name and/or surname of the graduate
after the graduation date, replacement copies of diplomas and/or certiVcates
are not issued, nor is the information on them changed.

Academic advisors

ARTICLE   47   –   (1)   Chairs   of   each   GSD   assign   an   academic   advisor   from
among   full-time   faculty   to   each   student   admitted   to   a   graduate   program.
Once the thesis supervisor is assigned, she/he also performs the function of
an academic advisor.

 
(2) The duties/responsibilities of the academic advisors are stated below:

a) They inform students about the courses they are to take each semester
and provide guidance in choosing them.

b) They approve semester registrations after evaluating the courses to be
taken with the student according to her/his academic standing.

c)   They   provide   information   and   guidance   to   the   student   in   adapting   to
university life, professional development and career choices.

Disciplinary procedures

ARTICLE 48 – (1) The disciplinary procedures regarding students are carried
out   in   accordance   with   the   provisions   of   the   Rules   and   Regulations
Governing the Disciplinary Procedures in Institutions of Higher Education.

Student grants

ARTICLE 49 – (1) The provisions governing the distribution of student grants
and aids obtained from various sources are determined by the Senate.

Health services

ARTICLE 50 – (1) The provisions governing the health services offered to
students are determined by the Senate.

Tuition and other fees

ARTICLE 51 – (1) Tuitions, education fees and other fees are determined by
the University Administrative Board within the framework of the Council of
Ministers decree.

Leaves of absence

ARTICLE 52 – (1) Students may be granted a leave of absence from the
University for a maximum period of two semesters with the decision of the
concerned   GSAB   based   on   obligations   related   to   health,   military   service,
education   in   an   institution   of   higher   education   in   Turkey   or   abroad,   or
Vnancial   and   familial   obligations.   In   obligatory   cases,   this   period   can   be
extended by the concerned GSAB.

(2) Students who wish to be granted a leave of absence must apply to the
concerned GSD chair with a petition stating valid grounds for the request and

 
 
 
 
 
the   necessary   documents   latest   by   the   end   of   the   add-drop   week   of   the
related   semester.   The   GSD   chair   submits   the   student’s   leave   of   absence
request   to   the   concerned   GSAB   along   with   the   views   of   both   student’s
academic advisor/thesis supervisor and the GSD chair. Excluding unexpected
circumstances,   applications   made   after   the   add-drop   week   are   not
processed.   

(3) The decision of the concerned GSAB is sent to the RO, which processes
the   decision   and   notiVes   the   student   and   the   concerned   academic   and
administrative units.

(4) The academic status of the students whose leave periods have ended
may   register   for   the   new   semester   on   the   dates   stated   in   the   academic
calendar. 

(5) Students who wish to return to University earlier than the termination of
the leave period must apply with a petition to the concerned GSD chair before
interactive   registrations   start.   After   the   application   is   evaluated   by   the
student’s   academic   advisor/thesis   supervisor,   the   GSD   chair   and   the   GS
directorate, it is sent to the RO. The status of the student is evaluated within
the framework of the related articles in this Regulation. Students who meet
the registration requirements may register for the new semester on the dates
stated in the academic calendar.

Withdrawal of registration

ARTICLE   53   –   (1)   Students   who   wish   so   may   withdraw   their   registration
through the Student Affairs Information System.

 (2) Students who withdraw their registration or are dismissed on grounds of
disciplinary   action   must   follow   the   procedures   for   registration   withdrawal
speciVed by the University and fulVll their Vnancial obligations in order that
they may receive their diplomas or their personal documents in the RO Vles.

(3)   Students   who   have   withdrawn   their   registration   but   wish   to   return   to
University may re-apply to the related program. This application is evaluated
by   the   concerned   GSD   chair   within   the   framework   of   the   provisions   for
application and admission to programs.

Noti9cations

ARTICLE 54 – (1) All types of notiVcation to students are sent to their postal
address in the students’ oYcial records or to the e-mail addresses provided
to them by the University. 

(2)   Students   are   obliged   to   follow   the   messages   sent   to   their   e-mail

 
 
addresses provided by the University.

PART 7

Miscellaneous and Final Provisions

Northern Cyprus Campus

ARTICLE   55   –   (1)   The   procedures   and   principles   regarding   the
implementation   of   these   rules   and   regulations   to   the   graduate   programs
carried out at the Northern Cyprus Campus are determined by the Senate.

Invalidated regulation

ARTICLE  56   –   (1)   The   regulation   entitled   Middle   East   Technical   University
Rules   and   Regulations   Governing   Undergraduate   Studies   published   in   the
OYcial Gazette no. 28907 dated February 08, 2014 has been invalidated. 

Articles Governing the Transition Period

TRANSITORY   ARTICLE   1–   (1)   The   implementation   of   the   new   provisions
introduced by this Regulation and the speciVed periods in it shall be valid as
of the 2016-2017 Academic Year Fall Semester.

(2)  Students in Master's programs whose theses were refused by the thesis
examination   jury   in   the   2015-2016   Academic   Year   Spring   Semester,   who
were given an extension, and/or whose theses were not approved before the
extension period expired may be given, for once only, an extension of two
academic semesters. Doctoral students in the same status may be granted
an extension of four academic semesters.

(3) The provision included in the Higher Education Council's Academic Rules
and Regulations Governing Graduate Studies, stating that students who apply
to   the   Ph.D.   on   Bachelor’s   degree   programs   must   earn   a   minimum   ALES
score   announced   by   the   concerned   GSD   providing   it   is   no   less   than   80
according to the score type/category of the programs, shall be valid as of the
application dates for the 2016-2017 Academic Year Spring Semester. 

Validity

ARTICLE 57 – (1) This regulation is effective as of the date of its publication.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Implementation

ARTICLE 58– (1) The provisions of this regulation are implemented by the
President of Middle East Technical University.  

Regulation Published in the Odcial Gazette;

Date

21/9/2016

Number

29834

Amending Regulation Published in Odcial Gazette;

Date

18/4/2017

Number

30042

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