Turkey — Living: Education

Key facts

• Government expenditure on education: 3.1 % of GDP (2022)
• School enrolment, primary: 102 % gross (2023)
• School enrolment, secondary: 118 % gross (2023)
• School enrolment, tertiary: 106 % gross (2023)
• Adult literacy rate: 97.3 % of people aged 15+ (2021)

Steps

1. Determining the Right Education Path — Relocating families should research the local education options, including public and private schools, to determine the best fit for their child's needs. This may involve consulting with local authorities or school administrators, or seeking advice from expat communities or online forums.
2. Navigating the Enrollment Process — The enrollment process for international schools or English-speaking programs may vary depending on the institution. Families should expect to provide documentation, such as transcripts and proof of language proficiency, and may need to attend interviews or assessments with school administrators.
3. Understanding Language Requirements — While some schools may offer English-speaking programs, Turkish language proficiency may still be required for admission or to access certain resources. Families should be prepared to provide language support or enroll their child in language classes as needed.

Costs

• Enrollment fees for international schools: varies by school and program
• Language classes or tutoring: €20-€50 per hour or €100-€300 per month

Timelines

• Enrollment process: 2-6 weeks or more, depending on the school and program
• Language proficiency assessments: 1-3 days

Required documents

• Birth certificate
• Transcripts and diplomas from previous education
• Proof of language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS scores)
• Health insurance documents

Common mistakes

• Underestimating the language requirements for admission or accessing resources
• Not researching local education options thoroughly
• Assuming all international schools or English-speaking programs are available in all regions

What these figures do not cover

Gross enrolment ratios can exceed 100% because they count pupils of any age against the school-age population. These are national statistics. International schools, fees, admissions, curricula and school calendars are not covered here.