Education System in Turkey: How Institutions are Structured

If you’re considering education in Turkey for yourself or your family, the first step is understanding your options and how they fit your academic goals and circumstances. Turkey’s public, private, and international institutions can have different curricula, languages, school environments, and student support.

For a family that is location-independent, creating an education plan also includes weighing factors related to the specific school, admissions, previous educational records, language needs, and educational costs.

Global Citizen Solutions covers what you need to know about the education system in Turkey, comparing the main types of institutions and what they offer, and outlining the key questions to consider when planning education as an international family.

Turkish Education: Key Insights

Families moving to Turkey can choose between public, private, and international schools, while higher education includes universities and vocational institutions.

Early education up to age six in Turkey is followed by compulsory primary, lower-secondary, and secondary education, with optional higher education available after school.

Curriculum, language of instruction, academic focus, location, and admissions requirements are just a few of the criteria to consider when comparing Turkish schools.

Families considering relocating to Turkey can find international schools that run IB, British, American, and other curricula they may be familiar with.

Schooling in public institutions can differ from what is provided privately or at an international school, both in terms of tuition and ancillary expenses.

Pre-primary education is an important part of planning schooling for families living in Turkey with young children aged three to five years. The Ministry of National Education (MEB — Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı) governs early-education options, which include public, private, and international pre-schools. Which one you should go with depends on where you’ll be living, the language(s) your child speaks, what curriculum you know, and the learning environment you want for your child.

When comparing options at the pre-primary level, parents should look at how a child is admitted to the school, how teachers approach teaching, the language of instruction, facilities that support learning and development, and overall costs. International and private schools may offer different programs or require a specific language, so families should confirm these elements directly with each institution before deciding.

Turkey’s Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) oversees early childhood education and is responsible for certain areas of Qur’anic education and training, as well as student dormitories and hostels. Courses are available for children ages four to six.

Primary education in Turkey follows early education. More so than pre-primary, it is an important part of school planning when moving to Turkey, as it marks the start of compulsory education.

What families should consider:

• School types: Public, private, and international institutions may be available, but are mostly concentrated in larger cities.
• Curriculum: Schools may follow different curricula, particularly those that teach privately or are international institutions.
• Language: The language curricula are taught in varies across the country. Public schools teach in Turkish, whereas some private and international ones offer bilingual education.
• School placement: Families arriving in Turkey should ask how the school considers what children have previously learned and the records they have to determine the appropriate year or level.
• Admissions: Requirements and procedures to be admitted to a school are not the same for every institution.
• Additional support: International schools may have the option to learn in a language other than Turkish.
• Costs: Fees and any other charges to support study can vary by the school, location, and the student’s age.

After a child completes primary school, and what is known as lower-secondary education in Turkey, they move on to general secondary education. This phase in learning is more specialized in specific areas of study and helps them define what they want to learn long-term or the career path they want to take.

Main secondary school types in Turkey include:

• Anatolian high schools: Mainly focus on education around general academics, with some schools placing importance on learning foreign languages.
• Science high schools: Teaching emphasizes science, mathematics, and related academic subjects.
• Vocational and technical high schools: Combine general education with practical skills or skills that apply to specific careers.
• Imam Hatip high schools: Combine general academic subjects with classes that teach about religion and religious history.
• Social sciences high schools: Place greater emphasis on subjects that help children better understand humanities and social sciences.
• Private and international schools: May offer alternative curricula, programs in other languages, or internationally recognized programs.

Higher education in Turkey includes universities, vocational schools, and higher education institutions offering a wide range of academic and professional programs. This stage follows secondary school and is governed by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).

Students can pursue:

• Associate degrees (2 years, vocational focus)
• Bachelor’s degrees (4 years)
• Master’s degrees (2 years post-bachelor’s)
• Doctoral programs (3–5 years post-master’s)

Admission to public universities in Turkey typically requires success in the nationwide university entrance exam, while private universities may have their own criteria. Courses are offered in Turkish and English, with many institutions providing English-taught programs to attract international students. Some families move to Turkey and access these programs by investing in Turkey to obtain Turkish citizenship.

Higher education institutions

1. State universities: Publicly funded institutions providing a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. They are known for their affordability and extensive research facilities.
2. Foundation (private) universities: Established by non-profit foundations, these universities often offer modern campuses and international collaborations. They may have higher tuition fees, but some may provide scholarships, depending on the student.
3. Higher Vocational Schools: Focused on practical skills and vocational training, these schools offer two-year associate degree programs that prepare students for specific professions.
4. Specialized Institutions: Including conservatories, military academies, and police academies, these institutions provide specialized training in fields like music, defence, and law enforcement.

Popular universities in Turkey

Take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Citizenship by Investment in Turkey

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International schools in Turkey may be a promising alternative if a family would prefer their child to continue with a curriculum or language of study they already know, though the sensible choice depends on what their child has already learned and at what level, as well as the language they speak and their future plans.

International schools can differ in several ways:

• Curriculum: They may offer programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or a national curriculum, such as those based on British or American standards.
• Language: English is a common language of education, but some institutions offer alternatives.
• Student community: International schools often have students from different countries and educational backgrounds.
• School location: You’ll normally find them in major urban areas or larger cities like Istanbul and Ankara.
• Admissions: Each school sets its own application process, requirements, and placement procedures.
• Costs: Tuition and other expenses to support studies are charged vary by school.

You can expect to see tuition fees vary across Turkey, based on the type of school, the legal status the student holds, and the stage of education they’re currently at. Tuition ranges are a guide only, based on the current listed tuition for the 2026/27 academic year. They do not include other fees a particular school might charge, such as for registration, books, or daily meals.

Istanbul International School offers a 5% discount for advance payment. Işıkkent Education Campus offers a 10% discount for advance payment.

Scholarships

Some programs are available in Turkey that families can use to offset some of the cost of education. These can be available through government bursaries, free places, or a scholarship offered by a particular school.

A passport obtained through Turkish Citizenship by Investment or a residence permit does not guarantee that families will receive financial assistance or be eligible for a provision that lowers the cost of education.

• İOKBS: The Ministry of National Education (MEB) scholarship examination awards bursaries to eligible students who meet specific legal status, school-year, and financial requirements.
• School scholarships: Private schools and international institutions may offer their own assistance or scholarships based on individual needs or other qualifying merits they set out individually.
• Achievement-based support: Certain students with recognized sports-based or academic achievements may be granted a free placement at a specific school by the MEB.