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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT FIRAT UNIVERSITY TECHNOLOGY FACULTY SOFTWARE ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL JOINT UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM (UOLP)  
(*Updated on 17.07.2019*)  

The International Joint Undergraduate Program (UOLP) in Software Engineering at Fırat University’s Technology Faculty is a joint program conducted in collaboration with Sam Houston State University, located in the State of Texas, USA. It is a dual-degree program established under the approval of the Inter-University Council (ÜAK) and the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) within a State University framework.  

This program began admitting students in 2012. The medium of instruction is entirely English. Students are required to undergo one year of intensive English language training at Fırat University’s School of Foreign Languages. Those who possess valid certificates with a minimum score of 60 on the YDS or YÖKDİL, or 79 on the TOEFL IBT, may be exempt from the English Preparatory Exam.  

Students take their first and second-year courses entirely in English at Fırat University’s Technology Faculty, Software Engineering Department. Some of the courses are taught by international faculty members. Additionally, domain experts from the American university occasionally visit Fırat University to deliver intensive face-to-face lectures.  

Students who successfully complete all courses except one by the end of their second year are sent to the USA. They complete their third and fourth years at Sam Houston State University, after which they receive separate diplomas from both Fırat University and Sam Houston State University.  

Sam Houston State University is accredited by ABET (Association Board of Engineering and Technology) in the USA, making it a recognized institution with ABET certification.  

Upon successfully completing their education, students can work in the USA for approximately 27 months through the OPT (Optional Practical Training) system. This system allows graduates from US universities to work in positions related to their field of study.  

Students meeting the necessary criteria can receive scholarships from Sam Houston State University. Successful graduates may also be admitted to master’s and doctoral programs.  

As of the 2018-2019 academic year, students pay an annual tuition fee of 6,000 TL to Fırat University. A successful student, assuming no course failures, will pay a total of 18,000 TL over three years (1 year of preparatory education + first and second years). For the third and fourth years, students pay approximately $10,000 per year in tuition to Sam Houston State University. However, with a $1,000 scholarship, the amount payable by the students reduces to around $9,000 annually. In addition, living expenses in the USA are estimated to be around $1,000 per month.  

Therefore, students considering this program should anticipate a total cost of at least $45,000. However, if students fail courses or extend their studies, these costs will increase. This dual-degree program with the USA remains the most affordable among similar programs in Turkey, with all quotas filled in 2018.  

Advantages of Completing This Program:
- **Proficiency in English:** Graduates will not face language barriers. Since companies prefer engineers with strong English skills, graduates will have a significant advantage over their peers.  
- **Presence in the USA:** Currently, over 40 students from this program are in the USA. Among them, two are pursuing doctoral studies, seven are enrolled in master’s programs at various universities, and others are employed at companies. Two students have even started their own businesses. The number of graduates who have returned to Turkey is around five or six. Of these, two work at TÜBİTAK-BİLGEM, and one at TRT WORLD. Contact with the remaining three graduates has not been established.  
- **Dual Diplomas:** Graduates will receive diplomas from both Fırat University and Sam Houston State University. Holding an American diploma will provide significant opportunities when searching for jobs in the USA and in other countries.  
- **Participation in OPT:** Upon graduation, students will be eligible for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) system, allowing them to work full-time in positions related to their major for approximately 24 months after graduation. (OPT allows F1 students to work full-time for one year in a field related to their major after completing their studies. CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, permits F1 students to work for up to 20 hours per week in their field while still enrolled in studies.)  

Students in this program first traveled to the USA in the summer of 2015, and the program produced its first graduates in 2017.  

It is strongly recommended to carefully review the guide for the Fırat University Technology Faculty Software Engineering International Joint Undergraduate Program (UOLP).  

Excerpts from the Program Guide:
- **Program Code:** 103910637  
- **Program Name:** Software Engineering (English) (UOLP-Sam Houston State) (Fee-based)  
- **Faculty:** Technology Faculty, Fırat University  
- **Duration of Study:** 4 years (English preparatory year not included)  
- **Score Type:** SAY (Numerical)  
- **Quota:** 20  
- **Special Conditions and Explanations:** 16, 17, 21, 28, 251, 777 (Refer to the guide for details.)  
- **2018-YKS 0.12 Success Ranking:** 280,000  
- **2018-YKS Minimum Score:** 252.73656