Nowadays, many foreigners choose Turkey not only as a destination for reliable real estate investments but also as their second home. One common question asked by clients of the licensed real estate agency Azurit Group concerns education in the Republic of Turkey. This article covers key aspects: the starting age for schooling in Turkey, features of the local education system, the enrollment process, and costs. Let’s explore these topics in detail.
Education in Turkey: What Immigrants Need to Know
School education in Turkey lasts 12 years and is divided into three stages of 4 years each:
- primary school (ilk okul);
- middle school (orta okul);
- high school – lyceum (lise).
Additionally, there is a preparatory class (anasınıf), which is mandatory. Children may attend this preparatory class at the kindergarten they are enrolled in.
The starting age for Turkish schools differs from other countries. Children enter the preparatory class at 5.5 years old.
Lyceums are divided into several types:
- anadolu lisesi — general education;
- fen lisesi – with a focus on scientific disciplines;
- meslek lisesi — professional (analogous to our colleges);
- imam hatip – religious.
Turkey has both public and private schools, including Russian schools in Alanya. All children residing in Turkey are entitled to attend public schools, where instruction is free but conducted in Turkish. Before the school year starts, all foreign children undergo a two-month Turkish language course with teachers from the chosen school. Once their language skills are sufficient, they can attend classes alongside Turkish students.
Key Differences Between Public and Private Schools:
- Enrollment
Public schools cannot be chosen. Children can only attend the school located in their place of residence. Each address is assigned a specific public school.
You can choose private schools regardless of where you live, based on the characteristics that best suit you. Absolutely everyone is welcome.
- Curriculum
Education in public schools follows the traditional curriculum adopted by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Turkey.
Private schools typically implement their own specially developed programs and use their own textbooks.
- Duration of the school day
In private schools, children are busy all day—from morning until 4 or 5 PM. In public schools, especially in elementary grades, parents pick up their children between 12:00 and 12:30 PM.
Both public and private schools in Turkey offer school bus services, picking up children from home in the morning and returning them in the evening. Fees are monthly or annual, depending on the distance from home to school. Therefore, property location does not need to be tied to the school.
How to Enroll Children in a Turkish School
First, understand the required documents.
For preparatory or first grade, no special documents are needed, only a residence permit.
For second grade and above, prepare:
- Certificate of completion of previous grades, certified by the Ministry of Education (3–7 business days), translated into Turkish and notarized.
- Child’s passport.
- Child’s residence permit.
- Birth certificate translated into Turkish with an apostille.
The data is provided for informational purposes only and does not have a commercial basis.
Azurit Group is a licensed real estate agency in Turkey specializing in buying, selling, and renting properties. We offer a full range of services, including property search, document preparation, and legal support. Our experienced team ensures safe and transparent transactions, post-sale services, and trust-based property management. Choosing Azurit Group gives you a professional partner for successful real estate transactions in Turkey.
