Arabic and international schools in Istanbul: how to choose a school for your children

In Istanbul, choosing a school often comes before choosing the flat, because traffic makes the daily trip to school a big part of children’s day. The city has many options, but they are not all equal in licensing and recognition.

Types of school

1. Turkish state schools

• Free, with Turkish as the language of instruction.
• Foreign children who hold residence permits enrol using their residence permit number.

2. Turkish private schools

• The Turkish Ministry of Education curriculum, with extra languages and sometimes English programmes.
• Fees vary widely.

3. International schools

• Foreign curricula such as the International Baccalaureate, British and American.
• A special licence from the Turkish Ministry of Education to admit foreign students.
• Fees are usually high.

4. Arabic-curriculum schools

• They teach the curricula of Arab countries and are found in areas with a large Arab community.
• They vary widely in licensing, quality and recognition.

Questions to ask before enrolling

1. What type of licence does the school hold, and what is its number? Then check it with the education directorate.
2. Does my country recognise its certificates? Ask your Ministry of Education or your embassy.
3. What is the language of instruction? And are Turkish and Arabic taught?
4. How many students are in a class?
5. What school transport is there? And how long is the trip at rush hour?
6. What are the full fees? Registration, books, transport and uniform.

Recognition of certificates

• Moving to a Turkish school requires your previous certificates to be recognised (equivalence) by the education directorate.
• Returning home requires recognition of the certificates from the school your child attended. Plan for both directions.

The school and your choice of neighbourhood

• Live close to the school or its transport route. See the Istanbul transport guide.
• Family compounds near several schools are an advantage. See the guide to living in Başakşehir.
• Residence permit: schools require children to hold a valid residence permit. See the family residence permit guide.

Trabzon or Istanbul?

If an Arabic or international curriculum is a priority, Istanbul offers far more choice than Trabzon. See the guide to schools and universities in Trabzon.

The bottom line

Choose the school by its licence and recognition before the building and the fees, then choose a neighbourhood close to the school or its transport route. Visit the school yourself before enrolling, and talk to current parents.

Contact us and we will suggest neighbourhoods and properties close to the schools you are considering.