You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Turkey with fee information. It includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools and you will find the right school to prepare for International Baccalaureate, and other diploma in Turkey. Some schools will follow the American or British curriculums with English speaking programs while others are regulated under the French, Italian or German education system.

Education in Turkey

Education in Turkey consists of a network of primary and secondary schools financed and operated by the state. Schooling is free and compulsory for 12 years, commonly referred to as "4+4+4". This means 4 years primary education (lst level), 4 years primary education (2nd level) and 4 years secondary education. Students are generally taught in Turkish.

Children begin their primary education in the first month of September following their sixth birthday. A primary education diploma is awarded at age of 14. At the end of secondary education, students are awarded a Lise Diplomasi (Secondary School Diploma) which means they can then take the national exam and apply for higher education. For more information about the public school system, refer to our article on "Education in Turkey".

International Schools

International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Turkey. There may be some local population, but the schools are geared for an international student body. Schools usually follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, or France and primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English. Many schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. Schools often provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

Accreditation

The CoIS (Council of International Schools) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accredits American curriculum schools abroad. European Council of International Schools (ECIS) accredits schools offering a standard acceptable in Europe.

Istanbul

British International School Istanbul (BISI)
Address: Etiler Campus - Dilhayat Sok. No:18
Etiler, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: 90 212 257 51 36
Fax: 90 212 257 76 28
Address: Alkent Campus - Seher Yildizi Sok. No:33 Alkent, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: 90 212 352 71 64
Fax: 90 212 352 71 66
Address: Pre-school/Primary - Zekeriyaköy Mah Kilyos Cad. No: 227/1,2
Sariyer, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: 90 212 202 70 27
Fax: 90 212 202 61 62
E-mail: registrar@bis.k12.tr
Tuition Rates: $9,450 - $27,525 per year

Offers a complete range of pre-school, primary and secondary school programmes, all taught in English. It is a leading private international School in Turkey, offering a modified English National Curriculum, IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The BISI is now accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). Uniform is required.

Istanbul International School
Address: Turistik Çamlica Cad. No 12
Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: 90 216 335 0055
Email: info@istanbulint.com
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Istanbul International School, located in a green suburb of Istanbul, offers Pre School, Primary and Secondary School education at three separate locations within easy reach of each other.  It is a Turkey Ministry of Education certified school and also is accredited by Cambridge as a Cambridge International School. It is a full member of the International Schools Association and has students from age 3 - 18 from more than 40 different countries. It is a popular choice with multicultural families and those who prefer an all - rounded quality education at an affordable price.

Istanbul International Community School
Address: MARMARA CAMPUS (ages 3-18)
Karaagac Mah.
G 72 Sok. No:1/1
Buyukcekmece, Istanbul 34866 Turkey
Tel: 90 212 857 8264
Fax: 90 212 857 8270
Address 2: HISAR CAMPUS (ages 3-9)
Meydan Mah.
Nafi Baba Sok. No: 1
Rumeli Hisari, Istanbul 34771 Turkey
Tel: 90 212 287 2770
Fax: 90 212 265 0580
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Multi-cultural international education from kindergarten to secondary. Established in 1911, it is one of the world's oldest international schools. It is a non-profit, co-educational, private school serving the needs of the expatriate community. Also offers Finnish, Korean, Spanish language lessons and Cambridge University International Exams. It is globally accredited by the CIS and NEASC.

Eyüboglu Egitim Kurumlari
Address: Sk. No:8 34762
Ümraniye Istanbul / TURKEY
Tel: 90 216 522 12 12
E-Mail: eyuboglu@eyuboglu.k12.tr
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Dr. Rüstem Eyüboglu founded the school in 1985 and education is in English except Turkish and Social Studies lessons. The primary school is in Kadiköy and Çamlica while the high school is located in ümraniye. As of 6th grade French and German is elective. At the end of 9th grade it is possible for the students carrying the criteria specified by the school management attend to IB (International Baccalaureate) diploma program. It is accredited by IBO & CIS.

Koç Özel Ilkögretim Okulu ve Lisesi- The Koç School
Address: Orhanli Köyü, Çayirlar Mevkii
34941 Tuzla/Istanbul
Tel: 90 216 585 62 00
Fax: 90 216 304 1048
E-mail: info@kocschool.k12.tr
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Private primary and high school. Education is in English except Turkish and Social Studies. As of 6th grade French or German are elective. At the end of 9th grade it is possible for the students carrying the criteria specified by the school management attend to IB (International Baccalaureate) diploma program.

Üsküdar Amerikan Lisesi - Üsküdar American High School
Address: BAGLARBASI VAKIF SOK. NO:1 34664
Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: 90-216-333 11 00
Fax: 90-216-553 18 18
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Established in 1876, this school provides instruction in English with the exception of Turkish Literature and Social Studies. Curriculum is based on the American system. It is one of the oldest and most prominent schools in Turkey.

Özel Erisim Anaokulu
Address: Ebulula Mardin Main Street, öztürk Street N.2 34335
Levent-Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: 90 212 3510060
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

International school offering an English language program to children aged 2-6. Also have a comprehensive program for infants.

Beykent Educational Institutions
Address: Cumhuriyet Mh. Simsek Sk.
Pk:34522 Büyükçekmece/ Istanbul
Tel: 0212 872 2242
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This school (Turkish: Beykent Educational Institutions) is actually a group of schools in Edirne and European side of Istanbul, Turkey, established by Beykent University Chairman of the Board of Trustees Adem Çelik. It consists of primary, secondary, and higher education. Instruction is primarily in English.

PLUS International Preschool
Address: Bagdat Cad.
Kadiköy, Istanbul
Tel: 90 216 350 0606
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

A pre-school programme for children between the ages of 2-6, following the British Curriculum's Early Years Foundation Stage. Accredited by CIS and IBO.

Atölye Preschool
Address: Sümer Korusu Gülveren Sok. No: 21
Tarabya - Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 299 93 25
Fax: 90 212 299 92 44
Email: info@atolyecocukevi.com
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Pre-school for children between the ages of 2 and 5. Full day and half-day programs with both English and Turkish classes offered. There is also a crèche and toddler playgroup for the 0-2 age group.

Bosphorus International Pre-school
Address: Sirin Sok. No: 39
34467 Emirgan - Istanbul/Turkey
Tel: 90 212 277 84 44
Fax: 90 212 277 43 91
E-mail: preschool@bipschool.net
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Pre-school programme in English catering for children aged between 2 and 5 years, serving the educational needs of international, bi-cultural and Turkish families in a multi-cultural environment.

Eden's Garden International Preschool
Address: Güzelce Ali Pasa Cad. No: 50
Yeniköy, Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 262 4302
Fax: 90 212 262 4425
E-mail: director@edensgardenpreschool.com
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Provides early years education for ages 2-6, a nursery program for children aged 1.5 to 3, a pre-school program for children aged 3-6 and a summer discovery camp for children aged 2-8. All Programs are taught in English.

The American College (AEC)
Address: Yildiz Posta Caddesi
Dedeman Is Merkezi 52/4 Gayrettepe/ISTANBUL
Tel: 90 392 650 2000
Fax: 90 392 650 20 62
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The school provides English instruction and maintains close contractual ties with universities in North America and Europe.

Dogus Schools
Address: Acibadem, Kadiköy
34722 Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: 0 216 544 55 77
Fax: 0 216 325 49 03
E-mail: dek@dogus.k12.tr
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This school provides kindergarten to university classes. Instruction is in Turkish, with an intensive English language program.

Keystone International School
Address: Küçük Çamlıca Mah. Gulhan Sok. No:1/1 PK: 34660 Uskudar-Istanbul Turkey
Tel: +90216-370 4951
E-mail: info@keystoneschools.com.tr
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

With three campuses in Istanbul, Keystone International Schools (KIS) was established to provide children with an English-speaking, holistic educational environment from the age of 3 up to High School Grade 12. At KIS, they implement the Canadian Prince Edward Island (PEI) Curriculum, combined with project-based learning activities. They also provide dedicated Mommy & Me, Playgroup, Preschool, & Kindergarten programs.

Nobel Bridges School Istanbul
Address: Ayazağa Mah, Kemerburgaz Cad. No.10/1,
Sarıyer, Istanbul 34450
Tel: +90 212 289 50 05
M: +90 549 289 50 05
E-Mail: info@bridges-istanbul.com
Tuition Rates: Inquiries at school or via email

Nobel Bridges School Istanbul is a member of the Nobel Education Network, a family of schools that operate under a common framework and a shared mission. Nobel Bridges School Istanbul brings together communities and ideas in a challenging learning environment through inquiry-based, multilingual learning. Nobel Istanbul offers a full time programme for students aged 4-14.

Tarabya British Schools | TBS
Address: High School: Salcikir Cad. No: 44 Tarabya, Sariyer, Istanbul - Turkey
Tel: +90 212 262 17 74
Address: Primary School: Sait Halim Pasa Cad. No:10, Yenikoy, Sariyer, Istanbul - Turkey
Tel: +90 212 223 1 222
E-Mail: bilgi@ingilizokullari.com.tr
Tuition Rates: £10,000 to £16,500

Tarabya British Schools are authorized by Cambridge International Examinations to offer its globally respected comprehensive educational programme for 3 – 19 year olds. They raise “globally-minded” individuals that fulfill the criteria of the most prestigious universities thanks to the international network they provide while they are teaching

French Schools in Istabul

Pierre Loti School
Address: Tomtom Kaptan Sok.
Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: 90 212 244 38 14
Fax: 90 212 249 17 22
Address: Haydar Aliyev Caddesi
no 128 Tarabya 34457 Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: 90 212 299 94 00
Fax: 90 212 299 94 10
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This independent school in the Turkish national education system. All lessons are in French from kindergarten through high school. The second language is English. The diploma given is French Baccalaureate, which allows students to attend state universities in France.

Saint-Joseph Fransiz Lises
Address: Dr Esat Isik Cad. No:66/11 34710
Kadiköy, Istanbul - Türkiye
Tel: 90 216 4145260
Fax: 90 216 3487169
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

One of the oldest and most prestigious schools in Turkey. Education is in French except Turkish Literature and social Studies. English is being taught as a second foreign language.

Sainte Pulcherie Fransiz Lisesi - Sainte Pulcheri French High School
Address: Çukurluçesme Sok. No: 7 Parmakkapi 34433
Beyoglu / ISTANBUL
Tel: 0212 244 25 36 / 292 00 01
Fax: 0212 252 70 24 / 244 56 79
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This school was founded in 1846 by the Congregation Sisters of The Charity. It's a coeducational bilingual (French & Turkish) school. Duration of education is five years, the first year intensive French and four years of high school. The diploma of the school that allows the student to study at universities in France or other foreign countries is equivalent to the IB certificate.

Lycée Notre-Dame de Sion
Address: Cumhuriyet Cad. 127
Harbiye 34373 Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: 90 212 219 16 97
E-mail: ndsl@nds.k12.tr
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Instruction is in French, with classes in Turkish. The curriculum is approved by the Ministry of Turkish National Education and the French. The French Alliance is bound by an agreement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The establishment of Our Lady of Sion is an examination center of the French Alliance.

German schools in Istanbul

Özel Istanbul Alman Lisesi
Address: TR-34 420 Beyoglu
Istanbul Sahkulu Bostani Sokak No. 10
Tel: 90 (212) 245 13 90 / 91
Fax: 90 (212) 252 22 10
E-mail: info@ds-istanbul.de
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

A German High School, this school also goes by Beyoglu Deutsche Schule Istanbul (formal German name) or simply Alman Lisesi ("German School of Istanbul"). Education is in German, except Turkish Literature and Social Studies. English is the second foreign language. It was established in May 1868 for the children of German traders, artists, engineers and diplomats living in Istanbul. Education through the 12th grade culminates with the optional German Abitur.

Österreichisches Sankt Georgs-Kolleg
Address: Bereketzade Mh. 34420
Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: 0212 244 4255
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

St. George's Austrian High School, also known as Karaköy St. Georges, is one of the most established and prestigious schools of Turkey. It is one of several secondary schools that were founded by European or American missions in Turkey during the 19th century, but were then secularized after the founding of the modern Turkish Republic in 1923. Education is in German with the exception of Turkish Literature and Social Studies. The school is subject to regulation by the Turkish Ministry of National Education, and almost its entire student body is Turkish, but a large part of its administrative and teaching staff remains Austrian (appointed by the Austrian Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture), and it offers a mixture of Turkish and Austrian curricula in a bilingual environment.

Fröbel Istanbul Anaokulu
Address: Konaklar Mah. Büyükdere Cad.Meseli Sok.
No.19 Besiktas 4. Levent/Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 279 9607
Email: info@frobel.com.tr
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

International kindergarten - the first and only in Turkey to implement the German FRÖBEL pedagogical philosophy. They offer an innovative, play-based early childhood education curriculum which includes Turkish, German and additional offers in English language to children aged 2-5.

Italian School in Istanbul

Liceo Scientifico Italiano I.M.I.
Address: Tomtom Kaptan Sokak No:3
34453 Beyoglu - Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: 0090 212 2441301 - 0090 212 2524584
Fax: 0090 212 2452548
E-mail: liceo-italiano@anet.net.tr
Annual Tuition Rates: around 16,336 TL per year

Italian students have the occasion to participate in the Maturita, or Italian State exam, which certifies a successful completion of the high school program. Turkish students also have the right to take this exam if they wish, and after passing the exam, are considered by The Turkish government to have obtained the equivalent of a minimum of 185 points on the ÖSS (Turkish University Entrance Exam), an academic recognition which can also be obtained by students taking the German Abitur, French Baccalaureate, GCE A-Level Certificate, or the International Baccalaureate.

Ankara

International Pre-school and Kindergarten
Address: Resit Galip Cad. No: 102
GOP, Ankara, 06700
Tel: 90 312 437 8855
Fax: 90 312 437 61 55
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Offers an early childhood education programs for toddlers, pre-schoolers and kindergarten-age children.

Izmir

MEF International School
Address: Akcay Cad. No: 285
Gaziemir, Izmir, Turkey
Tel: 90 232 274 74 74
E-mail: infoizmir@mef.k12.tr
Tuition Rates: $6,373 - 21,961 per year

Offers a complete range of early years, primary and secondary education in English and University of Cambridge International Examinations.

Özel Izmir Amerikan Koleji (ACI)
Address: Inonu Caddessi No. 476
35290 Göztepe, Izmir, Turkey
Tel: 90-232-355 0 555
Fax: 90-232-355 0 411
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The school was founded in 1878 as a kindergarten by American educators. ACI was the first Turkish school to be accredited by the ECIS, CIS and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.