Private and Public Schools in Turkey

Turkey is among the countries that have made significant investments in the education system. Private and Public Schools in Turkey support academic success by offering quality education programs to students and also play an important role in acquiring social skills.

While Private Schools in Turkey generally offer students advantages such as private lesson opportunities and educational programs, public schools provide comprehensive educational opportunities and the chance to benefit from public resources. In this article, we will try to convey the characteristics of private and public schools in Turkey.

Turkey Education System

The Education System in Turkey is a system managed by the Ministry of National Education. Compulsory education in Turkey is 12 years. Primary school and secondary school last 4 years each, for a total of 8 years. Then students continue their high school education. High school education usually takes 4 years.

There are both public and private schools in Turkey. Public schools are free. Private schools usually charge tuition fees. Turkey’s education system has been subject to various reforms over time. Curriculum and examination systems have undergone changes. Turkey Education System is seen as an important area for the general development of society.

Public Schools in Turkey

Public schools in Turkey offer free education. These schools are managed by the Ministry of National Education. Students are offered various elective courses along with courses such as general culture, language, mathematics, science and social sciences.

Here is important information you need to know about public schools in Turkey:

• Primary School: Primary school education, which lasts 4 years in Turkey, is for students between the ages of 6-10. At this stage, basic training is given.
• Secondary School: Students who complete primary school continue to secondary school. It is aimed at students aged 11-14. In addition to basic knowledge and skills, general training is provided.
• High School: High school education in Turkey generally lasts 4 years. They are divided into three main categories: general high schools, vocational and technical high schools. General high schools offer students a broad curriculum. Vocational and technical high schools provide education focused on specific professional fields.
• Anatolian High School: In addition to general high schools, there are also Anatolian high schools. Anatolian high schools offer programs focused on science, social sciences and foreign languages.
• Imam Hatip High School: These high schools, which provide education in the fields of Islamic culture and theology, are especially aimed at students who want to receive religious education.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Public Schools in Turkey

Continue reading our content to get detailed information about the advantages and disadvantages of public schools in Turkey.

Advantages

Advantages of public schools in Turkey:

• Free Education: Public schools offer free education to students. This is an important advantage for families with lower economic income.
• Large Scope: Public schools generally have larger class sizes and larger student groups. This gives students the chance to interact with different social environments.
• Public Resources: Public schools are generally funded by the government. This provides access to a wide range of resources.

Disadvantages

Disadvantages of public schools in Turkey:

• Class Size: Large class sizes in some public schools may reduce student-teacher interaction.
• Equipment and Resource Limitations: May cause schools to lack some equipment and resources.

Is Public School Free in Turkey?

Public schools in Turkey offer free education. Public schools are schools managed and financed by the Ministry of Education. Basic education – that is, primary and secondary school education – is provided free of charge. Additionally, tuition is free in public high schools.

The main purpose of public schools is to provide free and quality education to a wide segment of society. This covers the compulsory education process in Turkey, and most students in the country receive education in public schools.

How are Public Schools in Turkey?

General characteristics of public schools in Turkey can be listed as follows:

• Free Education: Public schools provide free education to students. Basic education is provided free of charge.
• Broad Scope: Public schools in Turkey serve a wide range of students. This allows students to interact with different environments.
• Supervision: Public schools are inspected and managed by the Ministry of National Education.
• Diversity: The educational curriculum provided by public schools is quite broad. In addition to basic courses, students are offered the opportunity to participate in arts, sports and cultural events.
• Public Resources: Since public schools are financed by the state, the advantage of schools having access to a wide range of resources stands out.

Can Foreigners go to Public School in Turkey?

Foreign students can enroll in public schools in Turkey. Foreign students residing in Turkey can receive education in public schools such as primary school, secondary school and high school. There are some procedures regarding registration and required documents.

The following documents are generally requested for foreign students to enroll in public schools:

• Population Registration Sample or Residence Certificate: Documents showing the residence status of foreign students residing in Turkey are required.
• Passport and Visa: The student’s passport and visa documents used to enter Turkey.
• Health Report: A health report is usually also requested. This report should include information about the student’s general health condition.
• Previous School Documents: Documents such as transcripts and diplomas from previous schools may also be requested.

In addition to these documents, other documents and procedures determined by the public school in which the student wishes to enroll may also be valid. Each public school may follow different procedures. Therefore, the registration process may vary from school to school.

To get more information on this subject, students and parents can contact the school they intend to enroll in or obtain information from the relevant official authorities in Turkey.

Private Schools in Turkey

Private schools in Turkey are educational institutions that operate independently of public schools. These schools usually provide education for a certain tuition fee.

Some types of private schools commonly found in Turkey:

• Anatolian High School: They are generally private high schools that offer foreign language-focused programs. It can be said that they contain a curriculum similar to science high schools.
• Science High School: It includes programs that offer students a more comprehensive education in science courses such as mathematics, physics and chemistry.
• Social Sciences High School: It includes programs that focus on social science courses such as history, geography and literature.
• College: They are private institutions that provide education from primary school to high school.
• Foreign Language Intensive Schools: They are private institutions that provide education in languages such as English, French and German.
• Art and Sports Schools: They are institutions that provide education to students with special abilities. For example; artistic branches such as music, painting, dance or sports such as football and basketball.

ib Schools in Istanbul Turkey

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized educational program that offers a rigorous and balanced curriculum for students aged 3 to 19 .Here is is 11 International Schools with IB curriculum in Istanbul, Turkey:  

İb schools in İstanbul tution fees:

• The British International School Istanbul
  Yearly fees : 455,000 To 1000 000 TL
• Istanbul International Community School
  Yearly fees : 305,773TL To  631,487 TL
• AKA School
  Yearly fees : 410,773TL To  750,487 TL
• Uskudar American Academy
  Yearly fees : 310,640 TL To  680,200 TL
• Gokkusagi Schools
  Yearly fees : 350,200 TL To  640,200 TL
• Brights International School of Istanbul
  Yearly fees : 450,000 TL To  600,000 TL
• LWIS Istanbul International School
  Yearly fees : 750,000 TL
• Tas Private Elementary School
• MEF International School Istanbul
• NÛN Schools
• Alkev Private Schools

Advantages and Disadvantages of Public Schools in Turkey

Continue reading our content to get detailed information about the advantages and disadvantages of private schools in Turkey.

Advantages

Advantages of private schools in Turkey:

• Private Lesson Opportunities: Private schools generally offer private lessons to students in smaller classes.
• Various Educational Programs: Private schools offer students educational options based on their different interests and abilities.

Disadvantages

Disadvantages of private schools in Turkey:

• Tuition Fees: Private schools charge tuition fees. This can be an economic burden for some families.
• Limited Access: The number of private schools and their distribution in residential areas are limited. This may cause access difficulties in some areas.

How Much Does Private School Cost in Turkey?

Private school fees in Turkey vary depending on the facilities offered by the school, quality of education, geographical location and education level. In addition, factors such as the grade level in which the student is enrolled and the type of school (kindergarten, primary school, middle school, high school) also affect prices.

Schools usually set the tuition charged for a school year. This fee usually includes the registration fee, training materials, and lunch.

Services such as private lessons, studies or extra activities that the student will receive may also be in addition to the tuition fee. Therefore, before enrolling in a private school, it is important to understand the services offered by the school, its fee policy and additional costs.

Generally speaking, annual tuition fees of private schools in Turkey are on average between $3,500 and $10,000. However, this figure is a general scope and there are significant differences between private schools.

What is the Most Expensive School in Turkey?

It is difficult to provide a definitive list of the most expensive school in Turkey. School fees can often vary depending on factors such as grade level, services offered by the school, location and prestige. For up-to-date information, it would be best to contact the schools’ official websites or officials directly.

It is known that some private schools in Turkey that provide high-quality education have high tuition fees. Private schools offering education at international standards located in big cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir generally have higher fees than other schools.

Does Turkey Have English Schools?

There are schools in Turkey that provide education in English. These schools often educate students using international curricula or offering an English-intensive program. English schools in Turkey are generally in big cities; It is located in metropolitan cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.

We can say that such schools offer many opportunities for students to strengthen their language skills, increase academic success at the international level and have a culturally rich experience.

International Schools in Turkey

Turkey hosts international level educational institutions. Here are the main points you need to know about international schools in Turkey:

Advantages:

• Curriculum: International schools usually have international curricula and offer students a variety of educational programs.
• Foreign Language: Schools that provide education in languages such as English, French or German help students improve their language skills.
• Cultural Diversity: International schools allow students from different cultures to come together.

Disadvantages:

• Tuition Fees: International schools usually charge tuition fees.
• Limitation: The number of international schools throughout Türkiye is limited.

International Schools in Istanbul Turkey

• Istanbul American Robert High School: It is a well-established school that provides education based on the American curriculum.
• Enka Schools: It is a well-established educational institution offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
• MEF International School: It is a school that provides education in foreign languages and aims to provide students with a global perspective.

In Conclusion Turkey Education System

The education system in Turkey provides various opportunities to students. While public schools offer free education, private schools usually stand out with private lesson options. International schools in Turkey offer students an educational experience at global standards.

Public schools are educational institutions that are comprehensive and supported by public resources. Private schools, on the other hand, usually offer more specific and special programs. English schools also aim to improve students’ foreign language skills and gain a competitive advantage at the international level.

Choosing a private or public school in Turkey depends on the student’s individual needs and the family’s budget. As a result, the education system in Turkey allows every student to discover and develop their potential.