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MEF International School Istanbul

Turkey, Istanbul

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees TRY 23,610 - 42,915
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 400
Type Co-educational
Opened 1998
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages English, French, Spanish, Turkish
Typical class size 6
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

MEF International School Istanbul provides education for ages 3 to 18, offering IB Primary Years Programme, IB Diploma Programme, and Cambridge Secondary with IGCSE. The nine-acre campus is in Ortaköy, shared with MEF National School. The Early Childhood Center serves Preschool to Kindergarten separately; the Primary School occupies the lower floors and the Secondary School the upper floors. Facilities include a Whole School library, a dedicated reading library, fully wired computer labs and science laboratories, MEF Tech with a makerspace, iMac Lab, Lego Robotics, Greenbox Studio, plus wireless infrastructure and smartboards. Sports facilities comprise two outdoor pitches, a tennis court, a 25m heated pool with stadium seating, an indoor gym, a dance studio and playgrounds. The program features a broad co-curricular offering, including Math Olympiad, MUN and Code Monkey; Arts studios and music spaces; service-learning and a Student Council. IB DP includes CAS, EE and TOK as core components today.

Ulus, Leylak Sk. No:22, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye

The Essentials

MEF International School Istanbul has 400 pupils, typical class sizes of 6, instruction in English.

Location
Located in Ortaköy, Istanbul, on the European side, MEF International School, Istanbul sits near the city center. The campus spans 9 acres and shares facilities with MEF National School. The address is Ulus Mah. Leylak Sok. No:22, 34340 Ulus, Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey.

Stages
Early Childhood Centre (Preschool through Kindergarten); Primary School (Grades 1–5); Middle School (Grades 6–12); High School (Overview, Cambridge IGCSE, IB Diploma Programme, and IB Certificate Programme).

Additional learning support
Guidance Counseling; English Language Learning; Learning Support; Career Counseling; Overseas College Counseling.

Bus service
Bus service for the 2025–2026 Academic Year is provided by Transay Transportation & Employee Services Co., a company operating in the transportation sector since 1989. Parents can register via the MEF IS School Bus Sign-Up Form. For inquiries, contact MEF IS bus liaison Ms. Derya Seyitoğlu at T: +90 549 171 75 11 or +90 212 275 30 03, E: mef@transay.com.tr or deryaseyitoglu@transay.com.tr.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
There is no school uniform for everyday wear. A PE uniform is issued for PE and sporting events, consisting of a tracksuit and a house-color shirt. Students must wear clothing appropriate for the season and proper footwear; there is a simple dress code.

Food Options
Students are served a hot lunch each day. Each meal includes soup, a main dish, a side dish, fruit/dessert, and a choice of salads; a morning and afternoon snack is provided. All food is freshly prepared on site under the supervision of the Head Chef and Food Engineer.

House System
The school has a house system. Primary students compete in House Day, and house colors are used to identify teams during events.

Governance and Ownership
The school is an Arıkanli Holding company.
Fees

Annual tuition at MEF International School Istanbul ranges from TRY 23,610 to TRY 42,915 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees

- Application fee (one-time, non-refundable for new applicants): USD 1,250.
- Registration fee (one-time, non-refundable for new applicants; for ECC students registration fee is paid when they start Grade 1): USD 4,250.

Placement Fee (annual, secures the place for new and returning students)

- Placement fees by year group (annual):
- Early Childhood Centre (Pre‑School / Pre‑Kindergarten): USD 4,500.
- Kindergarten: USD 6,000.
- Primary School (Grades 1–5): USD 7,500.
- Middle School (Grades 6–7): USD 7,500.
- Middle School (Grade 8): USD 7,500.
- High School (Grades 9–11): USD 7,500.
- High School (Grade 12): USD 7,500.
- IB Year 1 (IB‑1): USD 8,000.
- IB Year 2 (IB‑2): USD 8,000.

Tuition, Food and Annual Totals (Academic Year 2026–2027) — amounts shown in USD

- Each line below shows: Tuition | Food | Total (including 10% VAT) | Total (excluding VAT).
- Pre‑School / Pre‑Kindergarten: Tuition USD 20,070 | Food USD 3,540 | Total (including VAT) USD 23,610 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 21,463.
- Kindergarten: Tuition USD 29,920 | Food USD 3,540 | Total (including VAT) USD 33,460 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 30,418.
- Primary School (Grades 1–5): Tuition USD 37,500 | Food USD 4,100 | Total (including VAT) USD 41,600 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 37,818.
- Middle School (Grades 6–7): Tuition USD 38,815 | Food USD 4,100 | Total (including VAT) USD 42,915 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 39,014.
- Middle School (Grade 8): Tuition USD 39,050 | Food USD 4,100 | Total (including VAT) USD 43,150 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 39,227.
- High School (Grades 9–11): Tuition USD 40,900 | Food USD 4,100 | Total (including VAT) USD 45,000 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 40,909.
- High School (Grade 12): Tuition USD 42,020 | Food USD 4,100 | Total (including VAT) USD 46,120 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 41,928.
- IB‑1: Tuition USD 41,065 | Food USD 4,100 | Total (including VAT) USD 45,165 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 41,059.
- IB‑2: Tuition USD 42,165 | Food USD 4,100 | Total (including VAT) USD 46,265 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 42,059.

Installment amounts and billing schedule (payment plan)

- The placement fee is due immediately after confirmation of admission for new students; returning students must pay the placement fee by March 31, 2026 to secure re‑enrolment.
- Tuition is payable in a 5‑installment plan after payment of the placement fee. The installment due dates for the academic year are: 31 March 2026 (placement or first due by date shown in schedule), then 15 May 2026, 15 July 2026, 15 September 2026, 15 November 2026 and 15 January 2027 (final installment). Specific installment amounts by grade are shown below.

- Installment breakdown by year group (Placement Fee; then 1st — 5th installment amounts; all amounts in USD):
- Pre‑School / Pre‑K: Placement Fee USD 4,500; Installments USD 3,822 | 3,822 | 3,822 | 3,822 | 3,822; Annual total USD 23,610.
- Kindergarten: Placement Fee USD 6,000; Installments USD 5,492 | 5,492 | 5,492 | 5,492 | 5,492; Annual total USD 33,460.
- Primary (Gr 1–5): Placement Fee USD 7,500; Installments USD 6,820 | 6,820 | 6,820 | 6,820 | 6,820; Annual total USD 41,600.
- Middle (Gr 6–7): Placement Fee USD 7,500; Installments USD 7,083 | 7,083 | 7,083 | 7,083 | 7,083; Annual total USD 42,915.
- Middle (Gr 8): Placement Fee USD 7,500; Installments USD 7,130 | 7,130 | 7,130 | 7,130 | 7,130; Annual total USD 43,150.
- High School (Gr 9–11): Placement Fee USD 7,500; Installments USD 7,500 | 7,500 | 7,500 | 7,500 | 7,500; Annual total USD 45,000.
- High School (Gr 12): Placement Fee USD 7,500; Installments USD 7,724 | 7,724 | 7,724 | 7,724 | 7,724; Annual total USD 46,120.
- IB‑1: Placement Fee USD 8,000; Installments USD 7,433 | 7,433 | 7,433 | 7,433 | 7,433; Annual total USD 45,165.
- IB‑2: Placement Fee USD 8,000; Installments USD 7,653 | 7,653 | 7,653 | 7,653 | 7,653; Annual total USD 46,265.

Payment terms, invoicing and penalties

- Amounts are required in US dollars; payments must be made to the school's USD bank account. Transfers are subject to bank charges; ensure the full USD amount is credited to the school. Email a copy of the bank receipt with the child's name and "26‑27 Child's name" to the Admissions email address upon settlement. Separate bank account details exist for IB DP tuition payments.
- Bank account details (wire/SWIFT/IBAN for USD payments) are provided for the school's Yapi Kredi Bankasi account; the account holder is MEF Okullari ve Ozel Egitim Hizmetleri A.S. (full wire details and IBAN are provided with the school's payment instructions).
- A 2% discount is available for payments made in full before March 6, 2026 (full payment discount deadline as stated).
- Invoices: the annual school fee is divided into ten equal amounts (September–June) and e‑invoices are issued monthly by the school's billing system.
- Overdue payments: installments not received by the stated due dates are delinquent; a late fee of 3% is added to past‑due accounts. After one month of non‑payment parents will be asked to make payment in full or withdraw the child; accounts not settled within two months may be referred to a legal collection agency.

What tuition includes and excludes / Other chargeable items

- Included in tuition: cooked lunch, morning and afternoon snacks, usage of textbooks, yearbook, one physical education uniform, clubs/sports/music/art offered by MEF IS teachers during school and after school, coverage of Cambridge Checkpoint and up to eight IGCSE exam fees per year (certain exam‑related extra charges excluded), and one session of IB DP final exam fees (excludes re‑marks/re‑takes).
- Not included in tuition and charged separately by families as needed: school bus transport (optional, fee‑based), clubs or activities run by outside organisations, IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/ACT fees, computers/laptops/iPads/calculators, personal stationery, extended overnight or out‑of‑city trips, exam late‑entry fees, rechecks and postal charges. Families are responsible for devices required (Grades 4–8 iPad requirement; Grades 9–12 recommended laptop specifications).
- Uniforms: one physical education uniform is included in tuition; additional uniform items are an extra cost.

Refunds and withdrawals

- Withdrawal refund rule: a 10% deduction will be made from the full year school fees (placement fee + yearly tuition) when a child's enrolment is withdrawn during the academic year. If the school year has not begun, the remaining amount after the 10% deduction is reimbursed in full. If withdrawal occurs during the school year, the refund is prorated based on the number of days until withdrawal; refunds are returned to the original payer. Late fees (if any) are not refunded.
- New registrations during the school year: tuition will be calculated pro rata for the number of days attended in the registration month plus the remaining part of the academic year.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable. MEF International School, Istanbul operates as a day school; students are expected to remain on campus for the school day and the school offers an optional, fee‑based bus service for transportation.

Fee payment options (accepted methods and practical notes)

- Primary accepted payment method: international bank transfer (wire) in US dollars to the school's USD account (SWIFT/IBAN details are provided in the school's payment instructions). Transfers should cover all bank charges so the school receives the full USD amount. Email a copy of the bank receipt to the Admissions/registration email provided by the school once payment is made.
- The school's payment policy notes that different bank accounts are specified for general tuition and IB DP tuition; follow the payment instructions for the correct beneficiary account.

Discounts

- Sibling discount: 10% for two siblings, 15% for three or more siblings applied to total tuition (not to application, registration or placement fees). Corporate group discount: 5% for five or more enrollments from the same company/consulate meeting eligibility requirements. The total discount cannot exceed 25%; multiple discounts are applied in a stepped order starting with the largest.

(End of fees summary.)
Academics

MEF International School Istanbul teaches IB (PYP), IB (DP), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Cambridge IGCSE is offered in Grades 9–10; in Grades 11–12 MEF IS offers either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the IB Certificate Programme (Course Certificate route). The IB Diploma Programme uses six subjects across Groups 1–6 with Core Components: CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service); Extended Essay (EE); and Theory of Knowledge (TOK).

Student Teacher Ratio
Staff to student ratio is 5:2.

Exam Results
2024: MEFIS Highest Score 44; MEFIS Average 32; Global Average 30.32. 2023: Highest 40; Average 32; Global Average 30.24. 2022: Highest 44; Average 34; Global Average 31.98. 2021: Highest 43; Average 37; Global Average 32.98. 2020: Highest 42; Average 33; Global Average 31.34.

Higher Education Progression
Almost 100% of graduates have attended world-class universities. 2022 university acceptances include UK: Imperial College London; Newcastle University; The University of Nottingham; University of Bristol; University of Cambridge; University of Kent; University of Manchester; University of Reading; University of Sheffield; University of Southampton; University of Surrey; University of Warwick. USA: Boston College; Boston University; Drexel University; Fordham University; Georgia Institute of Technology; Hofstra University; Indiana University Bloomington; Michigan State University; North Carolina State University; Pennsylvania State University—University Park; Pepperdine University; Texas A&M University; Texas Christian University; UC campuses (Davis, Santa Cruz, Merced, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara); University of Indianapolis; University of Massachusetts Dartmouth; University of Massachusetts Amherst; University of Massachusetts Boston; University of Miami; University of Minnesota; University of Wisconsin. Canada: McGill University; McMaster University; Toronto Metropolitan University; University of British Columbia; University of Toronto. Europe: Trinity College Dublin; Erasmus University College; Jacobs University; Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano; Stenden University of Applied Sciences; TIO University of Applied Sciences; Universidad Carlos III de Madrid; University College Maastricht; University of Amsterdam; University of Twente; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Wageningen University and Research Centre; Yeditepe University.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
PSHE is taught in Early Childhood Centre, Primary School, Middle School and High School. Guidance Counseling is available to support student welfare.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Support is available as part of Student Support Services. If applying with a learning disability, provide medical, psychological, and/or educational reports and the Individual Education Plan in English.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The medium of instruction is English; English Language Learning is offered for students.

Mental Wellbeing
Guidance Counseling is available to support student wellbeing.

Safeguarding
Anti-Bullying Procedure and Child Protection Policy are in place.
Parent Experience

History
The MEF International School, Istanbul is part of ARIKANLI Holding Inc. The founder, Dr. Ibrahim ARIKAN, founded MEF Tutoring School in 1972 and MEF Schools in 1996. On February 11, 1996, ARIKAN brought all his companies under the umbrella of ARIKANLI Holding Inc. By 2011 the holding comprised 23 companies. Dr. Ibrahim ARIKAN died on February 2, 2016.

Community
MEF International School Istanbul maintains an active school community with events organized by the PTA in collaboration with parents, students and staff. The PTA organizes many family and fundraising events during the school year, including the Winter Bazaar, Bake Sales, Teachers' Appreciation Day, Children's Appreciation Day and Fun Day. These activities foster engagement and connection within the MEF IS community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
MEF International School Istanbul has an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA collaborates with parents, students and staff to plan and run family and fundraising events throughout the school year. Notable events include the Winter Bazaar, Bake Sales, Teachers' Appreciation Day, Children's Appreciation Day and Fun Day. Through these activities the PTA fosters strong home–school partnership and community engagement. The PTA is integrated within the Beyond the Classroom framework at MEF IS. Members include parents and staff who support school life and community events.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
MEF International School, Istanbul is in Ortaköy on 9 acres, sharing its campus with MEF National School. The primary school (grades 1–5) occupies the first three floors, while the secondary school (grades 6–12) is on the upper floors. The Early Childhood Center serves Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten and is set apart from the main building. The campus provides a reading library, a Whole School library and MEF Tech.

Sports Facilities
Two outdoor soccer pitches, a tennis court, a dance studio, an indoor gymnasium and a fully heated 25m swimming pool with stadium seating support athletic and dance programs. There are playgrounds for outdoor recreation.

Academic Facilities
Fully networked computer lab and science laboratories for chemistry, biology and physics exist. A Whole School library serves Primary and Secondary students. Technology is integrated with wireless Internet, smartboards, Apple TVs and LCD projectors; MEF Tech includes a makerspace, iMac Lab, PC Lab, Lego Robotics Station, Greenbox Studio and Robotics Station.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Three art studios and two music studios support arts programming. Community events include Parade of Nations, music concerts and theatrical performances.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Clubs are offered during the day and after school to help students realize their full potential. Primary Clubs are offered for one period each week; Secondary Clubs are offered for two periods per week for Grades 8 to 12, and four periods per week for Grades 6 and 7. Examples of clubs include Math Olympiad, Model United Nations (MUN), Code Monkey, TechQuickie, World Cinema, and Chess. These activities foster collaboration, problem solving, and opportunities to compete, connect with peers, and apply academic interests beyond the classroom.

Arts & Creative
Arts and creative clubs are available for students to express themselves and collaborate on projects. Examples include Ballet, Ceramics, Sculpture, Guitar/Piano, Violin, Modern Turkish Dance, Movie Making, and Film Club. Sewing and Crochet are also offered, alongside additional visual arts and performance opportunities. Primary Clubs run one period per week; Secondary Clubs run two periods per week for Grades 8–12, and four periods per week for Grades 6–7.

Cultural & Language
World Cinema and Manga/Anime provide cross-cultural exposure and language awareness. Modern Turkish Dance celebrates Turkish culture through movement. These clubs are part of the MEF IS student life program.

Social & Hobbies
Social and hobby clubs encourage peer interaction and personal interests beyond academics. Examples include Lego, Movie Making, Film Club, Chess, Board Games, Sewing, Crochet, Flow Yoga, Running/Fitness, and World Cinema. Primary Clubs run one period per week and Secondary Clubs run two periods per week for Grades 8–12, and four periods per week for Grades 6–7. These offerings are subject to change and availability.

Community & Service
MEF IS has an established record of service learning projects. Students participate in service activities including tree planting at the MEF IS Forest, volunteering at a local dog sanctuary, and helping at a retirement home, along with charity work and fundraisers. Dedicated community service is expected of every high school student, and the IB Diploma Programme CAS requirement covers creativity, activity, and service. The CAS framework aims to develop skills, collaboration, and ethical awareness while engaging with global issues.

Leadership & Professional
The MEF IS Student Council is a decision-making body that promotes collaboration and action and initiatives that raise awareness of local and global issues. The Primary School Student Council includes Grades 2–5 representatives elected by the student body and is led by the school counselor. The Secondary School Council comprises officers from both the Middle and High School, including a Middle School President and a High School President and Vice President, with roles such as secretary and treasurer. Officers meet weekly and representatives meet monthly to plan activities, including a Talent Show, a School Dance, Spirit Days, and cross-grade events.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
MEF IS emphasizes physical and mental well-being through a broad athletics program. In the Secondary school, offerings include football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, cross country, and table tennis. Sports seasons run Fall: Football and Table Tennis; Winter: Basketball; Spring: Volleyball; Year-round: Swimming and Cross Country. The school is a member of local leagues with other international schools, providing opportunities for games and tournaments in Istanbul and Ankara.
Languages

Language Provision
The medium of instruction is English; all lessons are taught in English. Modern Foreign Languages are offered to Preschool through Grade 5, with students choosing French or Spanish. Turkish is offered as a Foreign Language to Primary students from Kindergarten to Grade 5, and Turkish Language and Culture is integrated as Host Country Studies within the IB PYP. In Middle School, Language B options include French, Spanish, or English Language Support, and the English Language Learning (ELL) program provides language support across levels.

Bilingual Teaching
The medium of instruction is English; all lessons are taught in English. Turkish is offered as a Foreign Language to Primary students from Kindergarten to Grade 5. Turkish Language and Culture is integrated as Host Country Studies within the IB Primary Years Programme. French or Spanish are offered as Modern Foreign Languages in the Early Childhood Centre through Primary School.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
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Admissions

Admissions
1. Submit the MEF IS Application Form for new students and pay the application fee. Applications are considered only after the fee is paid, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. For the 2026-2027 school year, grade placement requires successful completion of the previous grade level, and the academic year runs from September to June. A proficient level of English is required for enrolment in Grades 9-12 (at least A2), with an intermediate level (B1-B2) for Grades 10-12; the school may administer a WIDA English assessment at its discretion.

Scholarships
Scholarships may be offered; if a student is found eligible for a scholarship, whether full or partial, the tuition fee will be refunded to the parent/guardian within two months after the start of the academic year.

Waitlist
There is currently no waiting list for entry into MEF IS Istanbul. From time to time, classes can reach maximum capacity, so applying early is advisable.
School Events
The school has not added events
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