# Zero-to-AI Learning Roadmap 2026: 12-Month Detailed Turkish Roadmap

> Source: https://sukruyusufkaya.com/en/blog/sifirdan-yapay-zeka-yol-haritasi-2026
> Updated: 2026-05-13T19:58:16.294Z
> Type: blog
> Category: yapay-zeka
**TLDR:** Detailed 12-month roadmap to become an AI engineer from zero: Month 1-2 Python + math foundation, Month 3-4 classic ML, Month 5-6 deep learning + PyTorch, Month 7-8 LLM + RAG + agentic, Month 9-10 MLOps + production, Month 11-12 specialized + job search. Each month with specific courses (Coursera, fast.ai, DeepLearning.AI), books, milestone projects, Turkish resources (BTK Akademi, Coursera Turkish subtitles), daily study plan, portfolio requirements (5-10 GitHub projects), Kaggle strategy, certifications, job application tactics. SMB/freelance/abroad options.

<tldr data-summary="[&#34;12 months = zero to junior AI Engineer. Daily 2-3 hours (14-21 hours/week). Intensity: 6 months full-time possible, 18 months part-time possible.&#34;,&#34;Month 1-2 FOUNDATIONS: Python syntax + pandas/numpy + math basics (linear algebra + probability + calculus). 2 milestone projects.&#34;,&#34;Month 3-4 CLASSIC ML: scikit-learn + Coursera Andrew Ng Machine Learning + 3 Kaggle competitions entry.&#34;,&#34;Month 5-6 DEEP LEARNING: PyTorch + Coursera DL Specialization + fast.ai + 2 production-grade DL projects.&#34;,&#34;Month 7-8 LLM + AI: Andrej Karpathy LLM Zero to Hero + LangChain + RAG personal project + agentic workflow.&#34;,&#34;Month 9-10 PRODUCTION: Docker + AWS/GCP + FastAPI + MLflow + 1 end-to-end deployed ML/AI system.&#34;,&#34;Month 11-12 JOB SEARCH + SPECIALIZATION: 5-10 GitHub projects + LinkedIn + 50+ applications + interview prep. Turkish NLP, agentic, or computer vision specialized.&#34;,&#34;BUDGET: $200-500 total (Coursera Plus $59/mo × 6 = $354, books $150). Free alternatives: YouTube + fast.ai + freeCodeCamp + BTK Akademi.&#34;,&#34;Turkish student advantages: BTK Akademi free Turkish content, Coursera Financial Aid (Turkey often approved), Bogazici/METU AI summer schools, Turkish AI communities (Yapay Zeka Turkiye, Veri Bilimi Turkiye Discord/Slack).&#34;]" data-one-line="12 months + 2-3 hours/day = junior AI Engineer. Python → Math → ML → DL → LLM → Production → Job. Budget $200-500 or fully free alternatives."></tldr>

## 1. Target

12-month roadmap. End state: junior AI/ML/DS engineer in Turkey (₺70-100K monthly net) or freelance/remote.

## 2. Month-by-Month

- **Month 1-2:** Python + Math (linear algebra, probability, calculus)
- **Month 3-4:** Classic ML (scikit-learn, XGBoost, first Kaggle)
- **Month 5-6:** Deep Learning (PyTorch, CNN, transformers, fast.ai)
- **Month 7-8:** LLM + RAG + Agentic (LangChain, Pinecone, Karpathy)
- **Month 9-10:** Production (Docker, FastAPI, AWS/GCP, MLflow)
- **Month 11-12:** Specialize + Job search

## 3. Portfolio Requirements

5-10 quality GitHub projects covering: pandas analysis, ML classifier, Kaggle medal, NLP (Turkish), Computer Vision, RAG chatbot, multi-agent, production-deployed ML API, full-stack AI app.

## 4. Budget

- Standard: $500-700 (Coursera Plus + books + certifications)
- Free: $0 (BTK Akademi, YouTube, fast.ai, Karpathy)

## 5. Turkish Resources

BTK Akademi (free Turkish content), Yapay Zeka Türkiye Discord, Veri Bilimi Türkiye, Boğaziçi/METU summer schools, Türk LLM models (Trendyol, Turkcell).

## 6. Certifications

DeepLearning.AI ML/DL Specializations, Hugging Face Certified ML Engineer, AWS AI Practitioner, Google ML Engineer (premium).

## 7. Job Search (Month 12)

GitHub optimization, LinkedIn, 50 target companies (Trendyol, Getir, banks, fintech, remote EU/US), referrals, cold outreach.

## 8. Conclusion

12 months + 2-3 hours/day is sufficient for entering the AI/ML field. Strong portfolio + LinkedIn presence + Turkish AI community involvement key. Specialization in Turkish NLP, agentic systems, or computer vision provides premium positioning.