Moving to a new country can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to finding the right school for your child. Turkey is a country where East meets West, and its education system reflects that blend beautifully: structured and academically focused, yet increasingly international and forward-looking.

This guide will help you understand how Turkey’s education system works, what types of schools exist, how cultural norms shape schooling, and what higher education looks like for students planning to study locally or internationally.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about education in Turkey as a new resident. You’ll discover:

• How the Turkish school system works, from preschool to high school and beyond.

• The different types of schools available: public, private, and international, and how they compare.

• Language and cultural expectations in classrooms, including how schools support foreign students.

• University and higher education opportunities for both local and international students.

• Practical tips on how to choose the right school, navigate admissions, and integrate smoothly into the Turkish education environment.

Whether you’re an expat parent looking for an international curriculum or a family planning long-term integration into Turkish society, this guide will help you make confident, informed decisions about your child’s education in Turkey.

Understanding the Turkish School System

Turkey’s education system combines a long-standing tradition of rigorous academics with growing access to bilingual and international programs. Education is compulsory and free for 12 years, divided into three main stages and overseen by the Ministry of National Education (Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı – MEB).

The Structure of Schooling in Turkey

1. Okul Öncesi (Preschool / Kindergarten): Ages 3 to 6
   Preschool is optional but increasingly common, especially in cities.

   • Focuses on social skills, creativity, and early literacy.

   • Offered through public kindergartens (anaokulu) and private institutions.

2. İlköğretim (Primary Education): Ages 6 to 14
   This stage includes eight years of compulsory schooling, divided into:

   • Primary School (Grades 1–4): Core subjects like Turkish, math, science, and art.

   • Lower Secondary School (Grades 5–8): Adds English, social studies, and technology.
     Students take national assessments at the end of this stage to guide their high school options.

3. Ortaöğretim (Upper Secondary / High School): Ages 14 to 18
   Upper secondary education lasts four years and is also compulsory. Students choose between several types of high schools depending on academic goals:

   • Anadolu Lisesi (Anatolian High Schools): General education schools emphasizing languages and sciences.

   • Fen Lisesi (Science High Schools): Focus on mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.

   • Meslek Lisesi (Vocational High Schools): Technical and career-based education with practical skills.

   • İmam Hatip Lisesi (Religious High Schools): Combine standard curriculum with religious studies.

   • Private / International High Schools: Offer bilingual or foreign curricula such as IB, British A-Levels, or American diplomas.

What Comes After High School?

After upper secondary school, students can pursue higher education based on their performance in national exams:

• Universities (Üniversiteler) – Offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

• Vocational Schools (Meslek Yüksekokulları) – Provide 2-year associate degrees focused on practical careers.

• Specialized Institutions – Include fine arts, music, and military academies.

Admission to universities is determined by the YKS (Higher Education Institutions Exam), which evaluates general aptitude and subject-specific knowledge.

Can Students Switch Between Paths?

Yes, the system allows flexibility. Students can move between general and vocational tracks, though transitions usually depend on academic performance and exam results. Students in vocational programs can also enter university through additional entrance pathways.

School Types: Public, Private, or International?

Turkey offers a wide range of schooling options depending on your goals, budget, and preferred language of instruction.

Public Schools (Devlet Okulları)

• Tuition-free for all residents.

• Instruction is in Turkish.

• Follow a national curriculum developed by MEB.

• Increasingly, some public schools offer English immersion programs or science-focused tracks.

• Ideal for families planning long-term residence and language integration.

Private Schools (Özel Okullar)

• Charge tuition but typically offer smaller class sizes and bilingual education.

• Many have strong reputations for preparing students for university exams.

• Language of instruction may be Turkish with additional English, French, or German classes.

International Schools

• Located mainly in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.

• Offer IB, British, American, or French curricula.
  Teach primarily in English or other foreign languages.

• Cater to expatriates and Turkish families seeking global education.

• Examples include Istanbul International Community School, British International School Istanbul, and Ankara Esenboğa International School.

Language and Integration

• Turkish is the main language of instruction in public education.
  
  

• Most students study English as a foreign language from Grade 2 onward.

• Many schools, especially in major cities, also offer French, German, or Arabic.

• For foreign families, international schools or bilingual programs are excellent transition options.

In public schools, children may receive extra Turkish lessons through language integration programs (Türkçe destek sınıfları).

Universities in Turkey

Turkey is home to a dynamic and growing higher education system, offering both local and international degrees.

Some of the most well-known universities include:

• Boğaziçi University (Istanbul) – Top-ranked and English-language instruction.

• Middle East Technical University (METU, Ankara) – Renowned for engineering and sciences.

• Koç University (Istanbul) – Private institution with English programs and strong research reputation.

• Sabancı University (Istanbul) – Modern and globally oriented.

• Istanbul University – Historic and broad-ranging in disciplines.

Academic Calendar: September to June

Tuition Fees:

• Public universities charge nominal fees for residents.

• Private universities range from €3,000–€15,000 per year.
  Language: Many top universities offer English-taught programs, especially at graduate level.

Cultural School Norms in Turkey

Understanding cultural norms is key to helping your child adjust to school life in Turkey.

• Respect and discipline: Teachers are highly respected and often addressed formally (Öğretmenim or Hocam).

• Uniforms: Required in most public and private schools.

• School hours: Typically run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extracurriculars or additional study sessions afterward.

• Parental involvement: Parent-teacher associations are common and active.

• National holidays: Schools celebrate national days such as Children’s Day (April 23) and Republic Day (October 29) with performances and ceremonies.

• Homework and exams: The curriculum is rigorous and test-oriented, particularly at the secondary level.

• Lunch and meals: Some schools have cafeterias, but many students bring packed lunches from home.

Where to Begin Your Search

Here’s a simple roadmap to help you choose the right school:

1. Define your priorities: Language, curriculum, location, or future university goals.

2. Research options: Use the Ministry of National Education website or local expat networks to identify nearby schools.

3. Visit schools: Schedule in-person visits or open days to meet teachers and see facilities.

4. Ask about language support: If your child doesn’t speak Turkish, check if the school offers integration classes.

5. Understand the admissions timeline:

   • Public schools: Enrollment usually starts in May–June for September entry.

   • Private and international schools: Accept applications year-round, depending on availability.

6. Talk to other families: Expat groups (such as Internations Istanbul or Expat.com Turkey) are excellent resources for school reviews and advice.

Schools for Expat Families

Istanbul

• Istanbul International Community School (IICS): IB-accredited; English-language curriculum.

• British International School Istanbul: British National Curriculum and IB Diploma.

• MEF International School: Dual curriculum (British & Turkish) in English.

Ankara

• Bilkent Laboratory & International School: Follows IB and American systems.

• TED Ankara College: Bilingual education with strong English program.

Izmir

• Izmir SEV American College: English-medium private school with international ethos.

• Izmir International School: Follows an international curriculum and emphasizes cultural diversity.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Turkey offers a rich educational landscape, blending academic rigor with growing global connections. Whether you prefer the cultural immersion of a Turkish public school, the structure of a private bilingual school, or the familiarity of an international curriculum, there are excellent options to fit every family’s needs.

With its welcoming people, quality education, and strategic location between Europe and Asia, Turkey is an ideal place for both learning and living.

Start your research early, explore your local area, and take time to visit schools in person your child’s next educational adventure in Turkey awaits.