In Turkey, entry into secondary education (high school) is not based only on year-end school grades. For many students, a centralized national exam called the LGS (Liselere Geçiş Sistemi) plays a key role.

This exam is one of the most important stages in the Turkish education system, as it determines which high school a student will be admitted to.

For many migrant and refugee families, the system may be unfamiliar. This article provides a clear and complete guide to understanding the LGS exam.

What is LGS?

LGS (Liselere Geçiş Sistemi) is a centralized high school entrance exam organized by the Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB).

  • It is designed for 8th grade students
  • It is held once a year, usually in June
  • It is used for admission to selective and high-ranking high schools

Who Must Take the LGS Exam?

The LGS exam is not mandatory.

However:

  • Students who want to enter competitive and high-performing high schools must take it
  • Students who do not take the exam are placed into schools based on their residential address (school registration zone system)

Purpose of the LGS Exam

The main purposes of LGS are:

  • To measure students’ academic level
  • To ensure a fair and centralized placement system
  • To place high-achieving students into selective schools

Structure of the LGS Exam

The exam consists of two main sections:

Verbal Section

  • Duration: approximately 75 minutes
  • Number of questions: 50

Subjects:

  • Turkish Language
  • History of Revolution and Kemalism
  • Religious Culture and Ethics
  • English

Quantitative Section

  • Duration: approximately 80 minutes
  • Number of questions: 40

Subjects:

  • Mathematics
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

Scoring System

  • The LGS score ranges between 100 and 500 points
  • It is a highly competitive exam
  • Students with higher scores can enter better and more prestigious schools

Types of High Schools After LGS

Based on exam results, students are placed into different types of high schools:

  • Science High Schools (Fen Lisesi): Highly competitive schools focused on science and mathematics
  • Anatolian High Schools (Anadolu Lisesi): Strong academic general education schools
  • Vocational High Schools (Meslek Liseleri): Schools focused on technical and professional skills
  • Imam Hatip High Schools (İmam Hatip Liseleri): Schools combining academic and religious education

Important Notes for Migrant and Refugee Families

For foreign families living in Turkey, the LGS system may be new and challenging.

Key points to understand:

  • The language of instruction and the exam is Turkish
  • Competition is strong
  • Preparation is very important
  • Students who do not take the exam are placed through the address-based system

Important: Not taking the LGS does not prevent students from attending high school, but it may limit school choices.

Exam Timeline

  • The LGS exam is usually held in June each year
  • Applications are automatically processed through schools
  • Results are announced a few weeks after the exam

The LGS exam is one of the most important steps in Turkey’s education system. Understanding it is especially important for migrant and refugee families to properly plan their children’s education.

Having the right information helps families:

  • Choose schools more effectively
  • Understand the education system in Turkey
  • Support their children’s academic future