How much time does a dual diploma take?
The right starting grade depends on your transcript and the courses you have left. In the partner dual diploma, at least 5.5 credits must be earned at VHS Learning Academy. Starting earlier lets you spread them across more years.
What does a course week look like?
The school year has fall and spring terms. The Academy’s 2026–2027 school profile lists 15 weeks for semester courses and 33 weeks for full-year courses. Confirm the calendar for the course you choose. In a typical week you read or watch materials, contribute to a written discussion, submit an assignment and review the teacher’s feedback. You choose when to log in, within the weekly deadlines.
Weekly hours per course
| Level | Hours per week | Typical work |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | About 6 | Reading, writing, problem-solving and regular practice. |
| Honors | About 8 | Deeper analysis, advanced reading and more independent work. |
| AP | At least 10 | College-level content, often with prerequisites. |
Individual students may need more or less time. These hours are in addition to schoolwork in Türkiye.
Estimate your weekly workload
How starting grade affects the estimate
This example spreads 5.5 credits evenly across the years left before graduation, using full-year standard courses. The actual mix of courses and credits depends on the transcript review.
| Starting grade | Years left | Credits per year | Approx. hours per week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 4 | 1.4 | 8 |
| 10 | 3 | 1.8 | 11 |
| 11 | 2 | 2.75 | 17 |
| 12 | 1 | 5.5 | 33 |
Balancing school and the YKS
- Try to keep the final exam year lighter by moving some US courses to Grades 9–11.
- Reserve regular study blocks for the week’s work.
- Compare Honors and AP workloads before choosing the level.
- Use office hours and contact the teacher when an assignment is unclear.
Frequently asked questions
How many years does it take?
The number of years varies with the starting grade, the credits accepted and the courses still to complete. Your individual plan follows the transcript review.
Is a dual diploma difficult?
Workload depends on course numbers and levels. Budget about 6 hours a week for a standard course, 8 for Honors and at least 10 for AP, on top of school in Türkiye.
Are there live classes?
Most coursework is asynchronous with weekly deadlines. Live office hours and extra help sessions provide support.
Sources
- VHS Learning Academy, School Profile 2026-2027
- VHS Learning Academy, Dual Diploma Highlights
- Scholege, VHS Learning Academy program brochure