Guide to Schools in Turkey for Foreigners

Why Families Should Choose a School Before Buying Property in Turkey

For families relocating to Turkey, choosing a school is often the first and most important step. It affects not only academic progress, but also how smoothly a child adapts to a new environment. School surroundings play a decisive role: if a child feels comfortable, finds friends quickly, and learns Turkish naturally, integration is much easier. If the opposite happens, language barriers and learning difficulties may lead to stress and shape how the family experiences life in a new country.

The choice of school impacts the whole family’s routine. Daily school trips determine parents’ schedules, commuting times, and even how after-school activities are organized. That is why foreign buyers often start property searches in areas with strong schools. Access to education often becomes the deciding factor in choosing a neighborhood.

Education also has financial implications. State schools are free, while private and international schools require significant tuition fees. This makes it important to evaluate options in advance. The right decision ensures both the child’s academic success and the parents’ peace of mind.

Schools for Foreign Students in Turkey

Turkey’s education system offers three main options for foreign families:

• Public schools – free schools with instruction in Turkish, open to foreign children if the family has a residence permit.

• Private Turkish schools – fee-based institutions following the Ministry of Education program but with a stronger language focus and modern teaching methods.

• International schools – schools for expat and Turkish families offering IB, Cambridge, American, and other international programs, with globally recognized diplomas.

Each type has distinct features, advantages, and drawbacks. Let’s look at them in detail.

Public Schools in Turkey

Language of Instruction and Enrollment

In public schools, all subjects are taught in Turkish. Foreign children are accepted under the same conditions as Turkish citizens, provided the family has a residence permit. Enrollment requires submitting documents such as residence permits, passports, birth certificates, medical cards, and photographs.

Admission is tied to the family’s official residential address: a child can only attend the school assigned to the area where the family lives. This makes the choice of neighborhood directly linked to education.

Is Public School in Turkey a Good Option for Foreign Families?

Public schools are best for families planning long-term residence and aiming for full integration into Turkish society. Education is free, and foreign children study alongside Turkish peers, fully immersed in the language. Younger children usually adapt quickly, often learning conversational Turkish within a few months. Some schools also offer free Turkish courses and adaptation programs. Parents can request that their child be exempted from religious education classes.

There are, however, challenges. In middle and high school, a lack of prior Turkish language skills can make learning difficult. Class sizes are often large, with up to 40 students, limiting individual attention. English is taught for just two hours per week, compared to 8–10 hours in private schools.

Still, many public schools provide solid basic education. In major cities, certain public high schools such as Fen Lisesi are considered highly prestigious and academically demanding.

Private Schools in Turkey

What Makes Private Schools Different from Public Schools

Private schools follow the national curriculum but offer smaller class sizes, usually 15–20 students. They place strong emphasis on foreign languages, with intensive English lessons and often a second language such as German, French, or even Chinese. Some schools operate as bilingual institutions, where certain subjects in higher grades are taught in English. Graduates receive a Turkish diploma while also reaching high levels of English proficiency.

Private schools use modern teaching methods such as project-based learning and critical thinking development. Some combine the Turkish program with international frameworks like IB or A-Level. Infrastructure is typically modern, with science labs, IT centers, sports halls, and swimming pools.

Extracurricular options are diverse, ranging from robotics and programming to drama and sports. Extended care and school bus services are widely available.

Tuition Fees in Turkish Private Schools

Tuition varies by city and reputation. On average, annual costs range from $3,000–$10,000, with prestigious Istanbul schools charging $20,000 to $30,000. In 2025, fees range from 300,000 to 2,300,000 TL per year. Uniforms, meals, transport, and extracurriculars are charged separately. Discounts are often available for siblings, and some schools offer scholarships for gifted children.

International Schools in Turkey

Which Programs Do International Schools in Turkey Offer

International schools follow foreign curricula, preparing children for global university admissions. Instruction is usually in English, with programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge IGCSE/A-Level, or American Advanced Placement. Graduates receive internationally recognized diplomas that open doors to universities worldwide. Many schools hold accreditations from organizations like IBO, Cambridge, CIS, and NEASC.

University Opportunities

With IB or A-Level diplomas, students can apply directly to universities in Europe, the US, Canada, and Asia. In Turkey, such diplomas are also recognized and often exempt students from the national entrance exam (YÖS). Schools provide support for TOEFL, IELTS, SAT preparation, and university counseling.

Tuition Fees in International Schools in Turkey

The student body is multicultural, with children from different countries, and teachers are often recruited from abroad. Extracurricular activities focus on international projects, cultural events, and global exchanges.

Tuition is higher than in private Turkish schools. Annual fees are typically $8,000–25,000 in Istanbul, $6,000+ in Ankara, and $5,000+ in Antalya or Izmir. Elite schools may charge up to $30,000. Meals, transport, and activities are billed separately.

Most international schools are located in large cities. Istanbul offers the widest choice, followed by Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya. Smaller resort towns have limited options: in Alanya, for example, the TED Alanya College offers the IB Diploma Program in high school. Families seeking international schooling usually plan to live in metropolitan areas.

How Schools Affect the Choice of Area and Property in Turkey

Transport and School Route Options in Turkey

Many schools provide shuttle buses (servis) that pick up children from home. On average, the cost is around 500 TL ($25–30) per month, but it can be higher depending on distance. In large cities like Istanbul, heavy traffic may turn school runs into one-hour journeys, while in Antalya or Alanya, trips of 5–10 km are manageable. Ideally, schools should be within a 15–20 minute commute.

Why Families Rent Before Buying Property Near Schools

Many families rent before purchasing property in Turkey. Renting for 6–12 months allows them to test a school, monitor the child’s adaptation, and evaluate the district. If the school and area prove suitable, buying nearby becomes a logical step. If not, it is easier to move to another rental than to resell the property.

Real Estate Choices with Schools in Mind

Professional agencies help families align property choices with school needs. In Antalya, expat families often choose Konyaaltı or Lara. In Alanya, areas like Oba and Kestel are popular thanks to schools and kindergartens. In Istanbul, choosing among neighborhoods with international schools requires expert guidance.

Agents also check official school zoning: for public schools, admission depends strictly on the registered home address. Agencies can arrange school visits, advise on documentation, and even assist during enrollment. A step-by-step approach is common: start with a rental during adaptation, then purchase nearby once the school proves a good fit.

FAQs About Schools in Turkey for Foreigners

What is the difference between public and international schools in Turkey?

Public schools teach in Turkish, following the national curriculum, and award a Turkish diploma. International schools use English and offer IB, Cambridge, or American programs, granting globally recognized diplomas. Public schools are free, while international schools are fee-based and expensive. Public schools provide full immersion in Turkish society, while international schools offer a multicultural environment.

Are there English-language schools in Turkey?

Yes. Turkey has a wide range of English-speaking international schools across major cities. In Antalya, options include TED Antalya College, Antalya International School, and the British International School Antalya. In Alanya, families can choose institutions such as Ted Alanya College and Bahçeşehir Alanya College. Istanbul offers the widest choice, with prestigious schools like The British International School Istanbul, Istanbul International Community School (IICS), and MEF International School Istanbul (MEFIS).

Which areas in Turkey are best for families with children?

• Antalya: Lara, Konyaaltı, Döşemealtı

• Alanya: Oba, Kestel, Tosmur

• Istanbul: Başakşehir, Beylikdüzü, parts of Beşiktaş and Sarıyer, Kadıköy, Ataşehir

Full Support from Luxury Estate Turkey for Families Moving with Children

As a licensed real estate agency in Turkey, Luxury Estate Turkey provides complete support for families relocating with children. We understand the importance of education and include the school factor in every property search.

Our team helps families select neighborhoods with quality schools, ensuring a convenient daily routine. We organize free viewing trips, advise on required documents, and even assist with school applications. Whether renting during adaptation or purchasing property near your chosen school, we provide a seamless process—from your child’s enrollment to the handover of your new home.