Turkish University Honours — Şeref and Yüksek Şeref
Turkish universities award academic distinction through two graduation honour designations: Şeref Öğrencisi (Honour Student, CGPA ≥3.0) and Yüksek Şeref Öğrencisi (High Honour Student, CGPA ≥3.5). Both designations require no failed courses and are formally recorded on the diploma and academic transcript. This page explains the criteria, how the diploma with distinction is issued, and how OpenEduCat automates the honours classification process for Turkish higher education institutions.
Honours Distinction Bands
CGPA thresholds and criteria for Şeref and Yüksek Şeref at Turkish universities.
| Turkish Designation | English | CGPA Required | % Equivalent | Diploma Notation | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yüksek Şeref Öğrencisi | High Honour Student | ≥3.50 (on 4.0 scale) | Roughly ≥85% average | Diploma and transcript include "Yüksek Şeref Öğrencisi" designation | Typically top 5–10% of graduating students |
| Şeref Öğrencisi | Honour Student | 3.00–3.49 (on 4.0 scale) | Roughly 80–84% average | Diploma and transcript include "Şeref Öğrencisi" designation | Typically top 15–25% of graduating students |
| Normal Mezun / Standart Diploma | Standard Graduation | 2.00–2.99 | Roughly 60–79% average | Standard diploma without distinction designation | Majority of graduating cohort |
Diploma Issuance Requirements
The full set of conditions that must be met for a distinction diploma designation at Turkish universities.
No Failed Courses
Students must have no FF (0 grade points) or FD (0.5 grade points) grades on their academic transcript to qualify for either Şeref or Yüksek Şeref distinction. Courses passed via Bütünleme (resit) exam are still counted, but the original fail may trigger ineligibility at some institutions.
Semester-Level Şeref vs Graduation Şeref
Many Turkish universities award semester-level Şeref and Yüksek Şeref certificates (Onur Belgesi) to high-achieving students each semester in addition to the graduation distinction. The semester-level award requires no FF in that semester and meeting the CGPA threshold for the semester only.
Attendance and Conduct
Students must have met the minimum attendance requirement for all courses and must not have active disciplinary proceedings. A student under academic probation during any semester is typically ineligible for distinction even if the final CGPA meets the threshold.
Diploma with Distinction Issuance
The graduation diploma (Diploma) and academic transcript (Transkript) both include the Şeref or Yüksek Şeref designation where earned. The academic registrar (Öğrenci İşleri Dairesi) verifies eligibility before printing the official diploma. Notarised translations include the distinction for international use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Turkish university Şeref and Yüksek Şeref distinction.
Related Turkey Gradebook Pages
Automate Turkish honours classification with OpenEduCat
CGPA computation, failed-course checks, Şeref and Yüksek Şeref designation at graduation — fully automated for Turkish higher education institutions.