Education in Turkey
Turkey (Türkiye) runs a large, centralized education system under the Ministry of National Education, with Turkish as the language of instruction. Rooted in Atatürk's secular republican reforms, it now mandates twelve years of compulsory schooling under the "4+4+4" structure. Access to university is famously competitive, filtered through the national YKS exam, and Turkey has become a significant destination for international students through generous government scholarships.
Structure & stages
Since a 2012 reform, schooling follows the 4+4+4 model — three four-year stages:
- Primary (İlkokul, 4 years)Grades 1–4, ages ~6–10
- Lower secondary (Ortaokul, 4 years)Grades 5–8 — including the option of imam-hatip (religious) middle schools
- Upper secondary (Lise, 4 years)Grades 9–12 — general/Anatolian, science, social sciences, vocational-technical, imam-hatip, fine arts, or sports high schools
Compulsory education & enrolment
Education is free and compulsory for twelve years, from age 6 to 18. The school year runs September to June. A new national curriculum (the "Century of Türkiye Education Model") has been rolling out from 2024–25.
Public schools
Most students attend free public schools under a nationally uniform curriculum. Entry to selective high schools (science, social sciences, some Anatolian and imam-hatip schools) is by a central exam, the LGS. A notable feature is the large and expanding network of imam-hatip schools, which combine the standard curriculum with Islamic religious education.
Private & international schools
Turkey has a substantial private and international-school sector (offering IB, British, and American curricula), concentrated in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
Curriculum & language of instruction
The curriculum covers Turkish language and literature, mathematics, the sciences, social studies, religious culture and ethics, and foreign languages (English is widely taught; some schools and universities teach in English).
Exams & qualifications
Two central exams shape students' paths:
- LGSThe high-school entrance exam, for placement into selective schools
- YKSThe Higher Education Institutions Exam — the university-entrance exam, comprising the Basic Proficiency Test (TYT), the Field Proficiency Test (AYT), and a foreign-language test (YDT). With well over two million candidates a year competing for limited places, it is one of the most competitive exams anywhere
Higher education
Turkey has more than 200 universities, overseen by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). Leading institutions include the Middle East Technical University (METU), Istanbul Technical University (ITU), the English-medium Boğaziçi University, and the private Koç and Sabancı universities, alongside the historic Istanbul University. Several teach partly or wholly in English.
Studying in Turkey from abroad
Turkey is a growing destination for international students, helped by strong government support:
- Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları)A generous, competitive government scholarship program covering tuition, living costs, and more, drawing students from around the world
- AdmissionInternational applicants typically take a foreign-student exam (YÖS) or use recognized qualifications
- English programsA growing number of English-taught programs are available
- PracticalitiesInternational students obtain a student residence permit; confirm requirements directly
Special education & support
Turkey provides special education through special schools and integration in mainstream schools with support, backed by national policy.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is not generally permitted in Turkey; school attendance is required, with open/distance schooling available in specific circumstances.
Costs & funding
Public education is free at every level (public-university tuition is low for Turkish and many international students). Private and international schools and universities charge tuition. The currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY).
Key facts for families
- LanguageTurkish (English widely taught; some English-medium universities)
- Structure4 + 4 + 4 (primary + lower + upper secondary)
- CompulsoryAges 6–18 (twelve years)
- ExamsLGS (high-school placement) and YKS (university entrance)
- Higher edMETU, ITU, Boğaziçi (English-medium); 200+ universities
- International studentsTürkiye Scholarships; YÖS exam
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current, official details: