1. Is there a resource where I can find information about the rules and regulations?
The current regulation texts (Hacettepe University Graduate Education and Examination Regulation and YÖK Framework Regulation) available under the "Regulations" tab on the Nuclear Sciences Institute's website are your primary resources (NSI Regulations Page).
2. Where can I find application periods and required documents?
Registrations are held on the dates specified in the institute's academic calendar, which is approved and announced by the University Senate (Hacettepe University Graduate Education and Examination Regulation, Article 17). You can access the required application documents from the "Student Affairs" tab on the institute's website (NSI Website).
3. Where will I get my email address and student ID after registration?
Although not explicitly stated in the regulations, in accordance with the administrative procedures of Hacettepe University, @hacettepe.edu.tr email addresses and student IDs are assigned by the Student Affairs / Department of Information Technology (BİDB) once your registration is finalized.
4. What is the maximum number of semesters allowed to complete my master's degree?
The maximum duration for completing a master's program with a thesis is six semesters (YÖK Graduate Education and Examination Regulation, Article 7).
5. How and where can I select my courses?
Students select their courses online via the Student Information System (BİLSİS) with the approval of their advisors during the registration period of each semester.
6. What is the minimum number of ECTS credits required for graduation?
To graduate from a master's program with a thesis, a student must complete a total of at least 120 ECTS credits (YÖK Graduate Education and Examination Regulation, Article 6).
7. What is the deadline for submitting a thesis proposal?
The student must propose the thesis topic, determined in consultation with their advisor, to the institute by the end of the second semester at the latest (YÖK Graduate Education and Examination Regulation, Article 8).
8. Can I change my advisor? How can I do it?
Yes. Students can request a change of advisor by submitting a written application to the institute directorate or the department chair; this request is finalized by a decision of the institute administrative board (Hacettepe University Graduate Education and Examination Regulation, Article 31).
9. Is it possible to change my thesis proposal?
Yes. Subsequent requested changes to the thesis topic are also reported to the institute by the department chair and finalized by a decision of the institute administrative board (Hacettepe University Graduate Education and Examination Regulation, Article 32).
10. Can I change my thesis title during my thesis defense examination?
If the committee/jury deems it necessary after the defense examination, they may suggest a change in the title of a successful thesis; this situation is reported to the institute with a formal report (General Graduate Examination Procedures).
11. I will not be able to attend the university for one semester. What should I do?
In case of a valid excuse (health, military service, etc.), you must officially apply to the institute with your excuse documents at the beginning of the relevant semester or on the date the excuse occurs and request a "Leave of Absence" (Registration Freeze).
12. What should I pay attention to when choosing a co-advisor?
If the nature of the thesis work requires more than one thesis advisor, the second thesis advisor to be appointed must have at least a Ph.D. degree, even if they are not a member of the university staff (YÖK Graduate Education and Examination Regulation, Article 8).
13. What should I do to take a course from another university?
A maximum of two of the courses to be taken by the student can be selected from graduate courses offered at other higher education institutions, upon the recommendation of the advisor, the approval of the department, and the decision of the institute administrative board (YÖK Graduate Education and Examination Regulation, Article 6).
14. Can I apply even if I am not a Turkish citizen? What documents do I need?
Yes, you can apply according to the International Student application principles. An undergraduate diploma, an equivalency/recognition certificate, a document showing a sufficient Turkish or foreign language (TÖMER, YDS, TOEFL, etc.) score, and valid identification (passport) documents are required (Hacettepe International Student Admission Procedures).
15. Where can I access the academic calendar?
You can access the academic calendar approved by the Senate from the university's main website, the Student Affairs website, or the "Academic Calendar" tab on the institute's website (NSI Website).
16. Where can I find the documents related to thesis processes?
You can access them from the "Forms" menu under the "Student Affairs" tab on your institute's website (NSI Website).
17. How will my thesis defense examination jury be determined?
The thesis jury is appointed by the Institute Administrative Board upon the recommendation of your thesis advisor and the institute department chair. The jury consists of three or five members, including the advisor and at least one faculty member from outside your university (YÖK Graduate Education and Examination Regulation, Article 9).
18. Which language will I use when writing my thesis?
As a rule, the medium of instruction of the graduate program is used (ENGLISH at the Nuclear Sciences Institute).
19. I was not notified of the examination periods, the deadline for submitting the thesis proposal, or the deadline for appointing the thesis jury. What can I do?
Dates are not notified to individuals personally. It is the student's responsibility to personally follow the "Academic Calendar" dates determined and published by the university.
20. Is it possible to drop a course I failed?
With the joint decision of the department chair and the advisor, you can only replace an "elective" course you failed by taking a new elective course. Mandatory courses must be retaken if failed (Hacettepe University Graduate Education and Examination Regulation, Article 24).
21. What is the maximum number of courses I can drop/replace?
Although there is no specific upper limit stated in the regulations regarding replacing courses due to failure, you can take different elective courses with your advisor's approval to replace the elective courses you failed until you reach your total graduation credits (ECTS) (Hacettepe University Graduate Education and Examination Regulation, Article 24).
22. I work at another institution. Am I still required to attend classes? What is the absenteeism limit?
Yes, being employed does not provide an exemption from class attendance. Generally, in graduate courses, there is a mandatory attendance requirement of 70% for theoretical courses and 80% for practical courses (YÖK and University Graduate Attendance Requirements Legislation).
23. Who can I choose as an advisor?
You can choose your advisor from among the faculty members within your own university's staff who hold a Ph.D./Proficiency in Art degree within the institute (YÖK Graduate Education and Examination Regulation, Article 8).
24. Is it possible to do a mandatory/voluntary internship?
Although there is no "mandatory" internship requirement for graduation in most thesis-based graduate programs, you may do voluntary research internships approved by the department as part of your research or supported projects. You can contact the Internship Coordinator for more detailed information.
25. What documents do I need for an internship?
(The internship form from your own university is mandatory.) If a voluntary internship is to be undertaken, documents such as the Internship Acceptance Document/Form and the Insurance Declaration for insurance entries (if covered by the University) must be submitted to the Institute / Student Affairs (University Internship Procedures).
26. What are the accommodation options for Hacettepe students?
Student Houses/Dormitories located on Hacettepe University's Beytepe and Sıhhiye campuses, as well as on-campus/off-campus KYK Dormitories, are available. Applications should be made to the relevant housing units or the Department of Health, Culture, and Sports (SKS).
27. Which application is used for attendance tracking?
PROLİZ Mobil
28. I had previously started a master's process at another higher education institution and successfully completed some courses. Is it possible to transfer those credits?
Yes. Within the framework of the "principles and rules regarding equivalence in intra-institutional and inter-institutional course transfers" determined by the Senate, you can obtain approval by applying to the administrative board of the institute you are enrolled in for the exemption (credit transfer) of the courses you previously took and passed (Hacettepe University Equivalence / Summer Term Course Procedures legislation).
