The LL.M. Program in Public Law aims to prepare its students for academic careers at leading universities in Türkiye and around the world, while contributing to the advancement of legal scholarship and addressing the need for further academic research in Türkiye, all within a framework that respects the principles of academic freedom.
The program approaches law as an integrated whole, providing students not only with advanced knowledge in their chosen field of specialization but also with opportunities to engage with other branches of law. Its ultimate goal is to educate graduates who will make significant contributions to Türkiye’s intellectual and academic development.
Applicants seeking admission to the LL.M. Program in Public Law are expected to demonstrate academic-level proficiency in both Turkish and English.
The program is designed for candidates planning an academic career in Social Law, Administrative Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Public International Law, Tax and Budget Law, and Human Rights Law, and offers a curriculum that incorporates courses intersecting with all areas of public law.
Admission Requirements
ALES (Equal Weight): 55
Proof of English Language Proficiency:
TOEFL iBT: 87 (*)
IELTS: 6.5 (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each section), or
Bilkent PAE: Grade C
(*) Only TOEFL examinations administered by a state university in Türkiye are accepted.
Undergraduate Degree: Law.
Graduates of law faculties located outside Türkiye are required to submit a certificate of equivalency approved by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).
A statement of purpose of no more than 500 words explaining the reasons for applying to the LL.M. program, the applicant’s research interests, and career plans.
Two letters of recommendation.
Applicants who do not possess a valid language proficiency certificate at the time of the interview may submit the required document by the final registration deadline for the Fall semester if they are admitted to the program.
If an admitted applicant is unable to obtain a valid language proficiency test result by the registration deadline, they may be conditionally enrolled and required to take the Bilkent PAE English proficiency examination. Applicants who do not successfully pass this examination will have their enrollment cancelled.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
Interview Dates: June 11–12, 2026
Online Application Portal:
https://stars.bilkent.edu.tr/gradapp/
Public Law LL.M. Program (with Thesis) Curriculum:
https://stars.bilkent.edu.tr/homepage/curriculum.php?DEPT=LAW
