The LL.M. Program in Private 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 ultimate goal of the program is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the classical conceptual and theoretical foundations of private law, while fostering the ability to critically engage with both national and international legal developments.
Applicants seeking admission to the LL.M. Program in Private Law are expected to demonstrate academic-level proficiency in both Turkish and English. In addition, candidates are expected to have begun learning at least one Continental European language.
The program is designed for candidates planning an academic career in Civil Law, Law of Obligations, Commercial Law, Civil Procedure Law, and Private International Law, and offers a curriculum that incorporates courses intersecting with all areas of private 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.
Online Application Portal:
https://stars.bilkent.edu.tr/gradapp/
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
Interview Dates: June 11–12, 2026
Private Law LL.M. Program (with Thesis) Curriculum:
https://stars.bilkent.edu.tr/homepage/curriculum.php?DEPT=LAW
