Education and Schools in Turkey

The standard of education and schools in Turkey varies. As Turkish is the language of instruction at all public schools, most expat parents choose to send their children to private or international schools instead.

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Public schools in Turkey

Education in Turkey is compulsory for all children between the ages of six and 18 from primary through to secondary school. Primary and secondary education in public schools is free to all children, including foreigners.

High school education in Turkey comprises different branches, including general, vocational and technical schools, with each having a different educational focus. Upon finishing their secondary education, students are awarded the Lise Diplomasi (Secondary School Diploma), which secures the right to partake in nationwide exams for university entry.

The language of instruction at public schools is Turkish, but all children are required to learn a foreign language. Language choices are typically either English, German, Spanish or French.

The school day is generally made up of a morning and afternoon session, with the school week running from Monday to Friday. The academic year in Turkey typically runs from mid-September through to early June and is divided into two semesters.

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Private schools in Turkey

Private schools in Turkey follow the Turkish national curriculum, with the language of instruction being Turkish. Some of the more prestigious private schools offer bilingual education.

Expat children wanting to attend a private school in Turkey will have to undergo a general exam to determine their level of competency.

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International schools in Turkey

Most international schools are based in Ankara and Istanbul. These schools cover various international curricula and teach in several foreign languages, including English, German and French.

Spaces are often limited at international schools in Turkey. This is particularly true in Ankara, which has a large diplomatic community owing to the number of foreign embassies in the city. Expat parents will therefore need to plan well ahead to secure a spot for their child.

Most international schools offer students the opportunity to learn the Turkish language. They also have field trips and cultural activities to assist children in assimilating better into Turkish culture and society.

Tuition at private and international schools is costly. It is important to factor this into one's contract when negotiating a package for relocation to Turkey.

To learn more about specific international schools, see International Schools in Istanbul and International Schools in Ankara. 

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Homeschooling in Turkey

Homeschooling is considered illegal in Turkey. A loophole that some expat parents use is that this law specifically refers to Turkish children, and foreigners therefore tend to have some success with homeschooling. That said, parents of children with dual Turkish citizenship will have to follow the law or face hefty fines or, in extreme cases, imprisonment.

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Special-needs education in Turkey

The Turkish government has a policy to keep children living with disabilities in mainstream classes as far as possible.

Many international schools in Turkey offer special-needs education, but the type of support offered varies between schools. Some schools offer assistance for students with mild learning difficulties, while others will have more extensive support systems designed to deal with a range of needs. 

The British International School in Istanbul is one international school that offers special needs support throughout its primary and secondary departments. 

Istanbul has also opened a special education and training school, called HAYPADER Special Education Practice School, which offers equal opportunities in education to children with disabilities. This school also offers scholarships for children from low-income families.

Expat parents looking for special-needs education should be sure to research schools before relocating to Turkey. The ideal is to find the best fit between the school and the child – one that can meet their particular needs and has the right experience and resources. Parents could contact the Guidance and Research Centre in the area they will be living in. 

The Guidance and Research Centre is an organisation that reviews children’s physical abilities, personal development and academic capabilities and uses this data to provide recommendations on education options. It also gives the family guidance and counselling on the care and treatment of a child with special needs. 

Useful links

• Expats can visit the Ministry of Education's website to find out more about Guidance and Research Centres. 

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Tutors in Turkey

Receiving private tutoring in Turkey while preparing for a national examination is common. Due to fierce competition to get into elite high schools and universities, most children will receive tutoring at some point during their academic careers.

There are three forms of private tutoring in Turkey. The first, and priciest, is one-on-one tutoring. This is usually done by an accomplished university student or a retired teacher. These tutors often guarantee excellent results and therefore charge high prices.

The second type of tutoring happens on school premises and is offered by volunteer teachers outside normal class hours. This form of tutoring is frequently organised by the school board.

Finally, the most popular form of tutoring is provided by private tutoring centres (dershaneler). These centres act like private schools with professional teachers. Students first complete an entrance test and are placed into classes according to their results. These schools charge a monthly fee and can be costly.