In an associate-professorship (doçentlik) application in Türkiye, the most critical strategic decision is which journals you publish in — because each article's score depends on the index and quartile of the journal it appears in. A journal in the wrong category may not bring the points you expect, even if your paper is accepted. This guide explains how to plan journal selection under the 2026 associate-professorship framework. (Exact points and numbers vary by main field; the only binding source is ÜAK's current table — always check it before applying.)
Which indexes count in 2026?
The indexes defined in the 2026 associate-professorship criteria: SCIE, SSCI, AHCI, ESCI, Scopus, TR Dizin, plus BKCI, CPCI and other indexes. The scoring logic is roughly:
- SCIE / SSCI / AHCI — scored by quartile (Q1–Q4); the highest category, with Q1 most valuable.
- ESCI / Scopus — they count and earn points, but usually in a lower category than the main three indexes.
- TR Dizin — the national-article score was raised in 2026; it's also at the center of the mandatory requirement.
If what the indexes are and how they differ is confusing you, first read the SCI/SSCI/ESCI/Scopus difference — associate-professorship strategy is built on this distinction.
The mandatory requirement: TR Dizin and single-authorship
Within the 2026 framework, a common core requirement is: at least 6 TR Dizin publications (at least 4 single-authored) and 50 points. Those who cannot meet it are expected to publish an international article within SCIE / SSCI / ESCI. The total application score is 100, of which 90 points must be earned after the doctorate / proficiency in art / specialization.
Two subtle points here should shape your publication plan from the start:
- Single-authorship — multi-authored articles contribute points but don't satisfy the single-authored requirement. Aim for at least 4 single-authored TR Dizin publications.
- Point distribution — not just articles; to reach a total of 100, plan your publication types (article, book chapter, proceedings, project) in a balanced way.
How do you choose a journal that counts?
When evaluating a journal for associate professorship, check three things together:
| Check | Why it matters | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Index (SCIE/SSCI/AHCI/ESCI/Scopus/TR Dizin) | Determines the score category | Clarivate Master Journal List / Scopus source list / TR Dizin |
| Quartile (Q1–Q4) | Determines the score in SCIE/SSCI/AHCI | JCR (Web of Science) |
| Scope fit | Wrong scope = desk reject, not points | The journal's aim & scope + recent issues |
A common mistake is choosing a journal just because it's "internationally indexed." What actually matters is exactly which category the journal falls into under your main field's criteria. What TR Dizin is and how journals get indexed and choosing the right journal are both part of this decision.
Turning strategy into practice
Targeting journals for associate professorship means checking the index, quartile and scope fit of dozens of journals one by one — tedious by hand. Peerfect's free journal recommendation engine puts journals matching your paper's scope in front of you together with index and quartile information; because it also covers TR Dizin journals, you can plan both your national requirement and your international points in one place.
In short: associate-professorship points rest on a plan, not luck. Factor in the index, quartile and single-authorship requirement from the start; always verify exact points against ÜAK's current table; and choose a journal not just by its prestige but by its category under the criteria.
Sources: ÜAK — Associate-professorship application requirements announcement, New Associate-Professorship Criteria 2026 — Akademik Hukuk, 2026 Associate-Professorship Criteria — Rehber Panda. Points and numbers may vary by main field; the binding source is ÜAK.