
Turkey has become a hub for foreign students in recent years, with 795,962 foreign students in 2016. The country has a total of 820 higher education institutions, including 167 universities, with a total student enrollment of over 1 million. While primary and secondary education in public schools is free for all children, including foreigners, public universities are not free for international students. However, the costs of studying in them are very low, ranging from $500 upwards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Primary and secondary education in public schools | Free to all children, including foreigners |
| High school education | Comprised of general, vocational and technical schools |
| Language of instruction at public schools | Turkish |
| Private schools in Turkey | Follow the Turkish national curriculum, with the language of instruction being Turkish |
| International schools | Majority located in Ankara and Istanbul |
| Public universities | Not free, but the costs of studying in them are very low |
| Tuition fees for international students at public universities | Range from $500 and above |
| Scholarships | Offered by both public and non-profit foundation universities |
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What You'll Learn
- Primary and secondary education in public schools is free for all children, including foreigners
- Tertiary education is not free, but public universities are low-cost
- Scholarships are available for international students
- Private international schools are an option, but they are expensive
- International Baccalaureate is available in Turkey

Primary and secondary education in public schools is free for all children, including foreigners
In Turkey, primary and secondary education in public schools is free for all children, including foreigners. Compulsory education in Turkey lasts 12 years and is divided into three stages: primary education, elementary education, and secondary education. Primary education is for children aged 6 to 10 and is compulsory for all citizens. It is free at state schools and lasts for four years. Secondary education is also compulsory and free at state schools. It comprises high schools of a general, vocational, or technical nature, offering four-year courses for children aged 14 to 17.
Upon completing their secondary education, students are awarded the Lise Diplomasi (Secondary School Diploma), which allows them to take nationwide exams for university entry. While public primary and secondary education is free, public universities typically charge low fees, and private universities can be highly expensive. International students have been drawn to Turkey in recent years due to its affordable tuition fees compared to destinations of similar reputation.
For expat parents, there are also international schools in Turkey, mainly in Ankara and Istanbul. These schools offer various foreign curricula and teach in several languages, including English, German, and French. Some international schools offer bilingual education, allowing students to learn Turkish while also studying in a foreign language. Spaces in international schools in Turkey, especially in Ankara, tend to be limited, so expat parents should plan ahead to secure their child's enrollment.
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Tertiary education is not free, but public universities are low-cost
In Turkey, primary and secondary education in public schools is free for all children, including foreigners and expats. The language of instruction in public schools is Turkish, and education is compulsory for all children between the ages of six and eighteen. High school education in Turkey is divided into general, vocational, and technical schools, each with a different educational focus. Upon finishing secondary education, students are awarded the Lise Diplomasi (Secondary School Diploma), which allows them to take nationwide exams for university entry.
Tertiary education in Turkey is not free, but public universities charge very low fees compared to private foundation universities. Public universities in Turkey offer high-quality education at a low cost, making the country a popular destination for international students. The tuition fees for international students at public universities can range from $500 upwards, while private universities can be highly expensive, with fees reaching $30,000 per annum.
The application process for public universities in Turkey is competitive, and admission is based on international tests and the YÖS exam, the Turkish university entrance exam for foreign students. Students can also apply with international university admissions such as SAT or high school diplomas. Additionally, public universities offer scholarships, which may include full or partial tuition waivers, merit-based scholarships, or support scholarships that cover academic materials, accommodation, and other allowances.
The quality of education at Turkish universities can vary significantly, with some institutions offering education and facilities comparable to internationally renowned universities. Turkey has become an attractive option for foreign students due to its affordable tuition fees and the availability of scholarships. In 2021, the Türkiye Scholarships, a government-funded program, received applications from prospective students in 178 countries.
Overall, while tertiary education in Turkey is not free, public universities provide a low-cost option for international students seeking a high-quality education. The country's universities offer a range of academic programs and the opportunity to study in a culturally rich environment.
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Scholarships are available for international students
Turkey has become a hub for foreign students in recent years, with 795,962 foreign students in 2016. The government has announced a plan to attract around 500,000 foreign students to its universities by offering attractive scholarships. In 2021, the Türkiye Scholarships, a government-funded programme, received 165,000 applications from prospective students in 178 countries.
Turkey's public universities are generally considered to be affordable, with tuition fees ranging from $500 upwards. However, scholarships are also available for international students, which can further reduce the cost of studying in Turkey. These scholarships may be full or partial tuition waivers, merit-based scholarships, or support scholarships that cover expenses such as academic materials, accommodation, and food. Additionally, student assistantships and research fellowships are other forms of support that international students can benefit from during their studies in Turkey.
The British International School in Istanbul is one example of an international school in Turkey that offers scholarships. This school provides scholarships for children from low-income families, in addition to special needs support throughout its primary and secondary departments.
Istanbul has also established a specialised school called HAYPADER Special Education Practice School, which offers equal opportunities in education for children with disabilities. This school is another potential source of scholarships for students who meet their admissions criteria.
It is worth noting that admission to public universities in Turkey can be competitive, and international students may need to take the YÖS exam or provide results from international university admissions tests such as the SAT or high school diploma. The difficulty of obtaining admission varies depending on the chosen university major.
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Private international schools are an option, but they are expensive
In Turkey, primary and secondary education in public schools is free for all children, including foreigners and expats. The language of instruction at these schools is Turkish, and all children are required to learn a foreign language. However, most expat parents opt to send their children to private or international schools instead.
Private international schools are an option for students in Turkey, but they are expensive. Most international schools are based in Ankara and Istanbul, and they cover various international curricula and teach in several foreign languages, including English, German and French. Some of these schools also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.
Spaces at international schools in Turkey are often limited, especially in Ankara, which has a large diplomatic community due to the presence of foreign embassies in the city. Expat parents need to plan well ahead to secure a spot for their child.
The fees for private foundation universities in Turkey can reach $30,000 per annum. However, scholarships are available for international students, and Turkey has become a popular destination for students worldwide.
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International Baccalaureate is available in Turkey
In Turkey, primary and secondary education in public schools is free for all children, including foreigners. The language of instruction at public schools is Turkish, but all children are required to learn a foreign language. Expat parents often choose to send their children to private or international schools, where the language of instruction may be English, German, or French. There are a vast array of schools available in the main cities, offering a variety of curricula, ethos, and academic qualifications.
International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes are available in Turkey. There are 116 IB World Schools in Turkey, mainly teaching in English and Turkish. These schools offer at least one of the IB's four programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP). 74 schools are authorised to teach the DP, 16 are authorised to teach the MYP, and 66 are authorised to teach the PYP.
While public universities in Turkey are not free for international students, the costs of studying in them are considered low, ranging from $500 upwards. Turkey's public universities are highly ranked, with many among the top 500 universities in the world. Private universities in Turkey are also in high demand among international students, offering high-quality education and global recognition.
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Frequently asked questions
Primary and secondary education in public schools in Turkey is free for all children, including expats. However, public universities in Turkey are not free, but the costs of studying in them are very low compared to private universities.
The costs of studying at a public university in Turkey are low compared to other countries and institutions. The exact fees vary depending on the university and program.
Private foundation universities in Turkey can be highly expensive, with fees reaching $30,000 per annum.
Yes, there are scholarships available for international students in Turkey. Turkey Campus, for example, is an educational consultancy organisation that provides free counselling and admission services, as well as assistance with applications, visas, and housing arrangements. Additionally, both public and non-profit foundation universities in Turkey offer scholarships that may cover tuition, academic materials, accommodation, food, and allowances.
Turkey has become a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education, rich culture, and economical lifestyle. Turkish universities offer a wide range of programs in various fields, globally recognised degrees, and numerous opportunities for students to connect with different people and cultures.
























