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Search & filter all 6 schools Compare 6 schools in Turkey

International Schools in Turkey

Compare 6 international schools in Turkey. Filter by curriculum, fees (average TRY 75,008), location, and more to find the right international school now.

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Schools listed
6
Curricula
8
Average annual fee
TRY 75,008
Fee range
TRY 300 – 550,000
More school facts
Most common curriculum
IB (DP) (4 schools)
Average school size
765 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Gokkusagi Schools Istanbul
Oldest
Liceo Italiano di Istanbul (1888)
About international schools in Turkey

International schools in Turkey form a mixed landscape: English-medium British and American schools and IB-authorised schools operate alongside bilingual Turkish - English private schools and diplomatic or national-system schools (German, French, Italian) that serve specific communities. Many schools teach primarily in English while also offering Turkish language and literature plus other modern languages such as German, French or Spanish; the International Baccalaureate is widely available at many international sites. Annual fees vary widely - from several thousand US dollars a year at more affordable private bilingual schools to tens of thousands at higher-fee international schools, with Istanbul generally the most expensive city. Admissions follow a Northern-Hemisphere school year for most international schools (main intake in September), although some schools offer January or rolling entry; expect an application, document checks, entrance assessments and an interview or school visit, and allow several months when you are relocating.

View by curriculum (2)

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IB (5) British (5)

Choosing an international school in Turkey

Curricula

There are 6 international schools in Turkey covering 8 curricula. The most widely offered are IB (DP) (4), Cambridge IGCSE (4), IB (PYP) (3), Cambridge (Primary) (2), Cambridge (Secondary) (2). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.

Fees & what they cover

Annual tuition across Turkey runs from about TRY 300 to TRY 550,000, averaging roughly TRY 75,008. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.

Admissions & timing

Sought-after schools in Turkey run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.

Boarding

Most schools here are day schools; check individual profiles for any boarding options.

How doris stays impartial

doris lists every international school in Turkey we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.

Popular comparisons in Turkey

Gokkusagi Schools Istanbul vs MEF International School IstanbulGokkusagi Schools Istanbul vs Keystone International SchoolsKeystone International Schools vs MEF International School IstanbulMEF International School Istanbul vs The British International School IstanbulIstanbul International School - Campus B vs MEF International School IstanbulKeystone International Schools vs The British International School Istanbul
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FAQs for Turkey

Which curricula are commonly offered by international schools in Turkey?
Parents will typically find International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), British pathways (National Curriculum, IGCSE and A-level options) and American high-school diplomas (sometimes with AP courses), alongside schools following national systems from Germany, France or Italy. Some large Turkish private school networks combine bilingual Turkish instruction with international diplomas or the Turkish national curriculum, so check whether a school offers the specific qualification you want.
What languages of instruction can I expect?
English is the dominant language of instruction at most international schools, but Turkish is taught widely and is the medium in bilingual private schools and in state schools; German and French schools teach primarily in their national languages. Many international schools offer additional modern languages such as German, French and Spanish as part of the programme, and Turkish language and culture lessons are commonly included.
How much do international schools in Turkey cost?
Tuition varies considerably by city, curriculum and school type: annual fees range from several thousand US dollars at more affordable private or bilingual schools up to tens of thousands of US dollars at higher-fee international schools, with Istanbul typically having the highest fee levels. Public schooling is free for resident children under Turkish law, so some families use local state schools or local private schools as lower-cost alternatives.
When should I start the admissions process and what does it involve?
Most international schools have their main intake in August - September and some offer mid-year or rolling admissions, so begin researching schools at least six to nine months before a planned September start if you need a competitive place. Typical steps are an online enquiry or application, submission of prior school records and identification, entrance assessments or placement tests, and an interview or visit; offers are usually secured by a deposit and completion of enrolment paperwork.
What paperwork and practical steps are usually required when relocating with children?
Schools commonly require a passport, proof of residence or a residence permit, previous school reports and transcripts, immunisation records and translated/notarised documents for enrolment or equivalence processes. If you plan to use the Turkish national curriculum or seek recognition of overseas qualifications, expect extra paperwork for equivalency assessments and plan time for translations and apostilles where needed.
What should I look for when comparing international schools in Turkey?
Look beyond marketing: check the school’s authorised curricula and accreditations (for example IB authorisation), language pathways and how they match your child’s future plans, the mix of local and international students and staff, pastoral care and English-language support, and university or progression guidance at senior levels. Visit if you can, ask about class sizes and assessment approaches, and request recent school policies on safeguarding, inclusion and language support so you can compare how each school would meet your child’s needs.