Learn More About Turkish Education
Many students from various countries around the world are interested in getting to know more about the Turkish education system.
Thousands of students choose this educational system at the beginning of each academic year for several reasons, including the ease of educational materials and reasonable tuition fees.
In this article, we will provide you with essential information about the Turkish education system.
Stages of Turkish Education

The Turkish Ministry of National Education is responsible for education in Turkey.
The Turkish education system consists of three different stages, with each educational stage lasting for 4 years. This means that students in Turkey spend 12 years in compulsory education. The stages of the Turkish education system are as follows:
– Primary Education: Lasting for four years, students study both elective and compulsory subjects.
There are also primary schools known as Imam Hatip Schools, which also last for four years and aim to graduate preachers and imams. These schools offer various elective courses to prepare students for secondary education by supporting their knowledge and skills.
– Secondary Education: This phase includes all mandatory technical and scientific education institutions, with an academic duration of four years.
After passing the general exams, students receive a completion certificate for this level of education.
Secondary education includes specialized schools that focus on specific fields such as agriculture, industry, and computer science, while still covering other scientific subjects in a condensed format.
These schools have different names depending on their specialization, such as high schools, technical high schools, agricultural technical schools, and more.
– High School Education: This phase lasts for four years, and upon completion of 8 years of primary education, students can enter high schools for 4 years. Afterward, they can take the YGS & LYS exams for entry into higher education.

School System in Turkey

Schools in Turkey come in two main types:

– Public Schools: These schools offer educational services to Turkish students free of charge, with instruction primarily in Turkish, but some also offer instruction in other languages like English and Arabic.
– Private Schools: There are many private schools in Turkey, each with its own unique characteristics and high tuition fees.
Some of these schools, called “colleges,” offer education in foreign languages in specific subjects such as mathematics and technical sciences. The tuition fees at private schools are considerably higher than at other educational institutions, and admission is often more competitive.

Different types of private schools in Turkey include:

– Turkish Colleges: These are private schools approved by the Turkish Ministry of Education and provide Turkish curriculum in various stages of education, from primary to secondary.
– Minority Schools: These are private schools for Turkish citizens from different nationalities and religions, such as Jewish, Greek, and Armenian.
– Foreign Private Schools: These schools are affiliated with European countries like Italy, Germany, and France, and they use their own curricula for instruction.
– Technical and Vocational Schools: These schools offer various specialties and curricula.

Vocational High Schools

Turkish students can enroll in vocational health, maritime, and hotel management institutes after completing their vocational high school education without having to take any exams. The duration of study in these institutions may be extended by one year.

Here is a list of the best vocational and technical high schools in Turkey:

1. Anatolian High Schools (Lisesi)

These are high schools that focus on foreign languages and have longer study hours than regular schools. Students can study additional foreign languages through these schools.

2. Technical High School (Fen Lisesi)

These schools are dedicated to students excelling in technical sciences and aim to enhance their skills, preparing them for admission to technical universities in fields such as biology, chemistry, and more.

3. Imam and Preacher High Schools (Imam – Khateeb Lisesi)

These high schools were established by the Ministry of Education with the goal of creating a generation with Islamic knowledge and expertise in preaching. 

These schools also allow students to prepare directly for work and higher education.

4. Fine Arts High Schools

These schools were established to develop the talents and skills of students who excel in various fields of fine arts.

Higher Education in Turkey:

After completing their education in high schools or equivalent institutions, students can transition to the higher education system.
To gain admission to universities, they must pass the ÖYSM, YGS, and LYS exams administered by the Turkish Higher Education Institution (YÖK) and achieve specific scores.

Upon enrollment in universities, some institutions or colleges may require students to pass a special talent test.

Educational Institutions in Turkey include:

– Universities and Colleges.
– Higher Technical Institutes.
– Higher Education Institutes.
– Military and Police Academies.

Bachelor’s Degree in the Turkish Educational System:

To obtain a bachelor’s degree in Turkey, students must complete a 4-year education at a university. However, in medical, dental, pharmacy, and veterinary faculties, the duration may range from 5 to 6 years.

Master’s Degree / Graduate Degree:

A master’s degree is an academic degree obtained after completing a bachelor’s degree. Students pursuing specific fields may need to conduct research or complete a thesis, while others may not require research or a thesis.

Education in Turkey for Foreigners:

For foreign students interested in studying in Turkey, the admission process differs from that of Turkish students.
There are special seats for foreign students, and admission criteria depend on their country’s central exams and international tests, such as QAT and SAT. Additionally, there is a special entrance exam for foreigners to enter Turkish universities.

Reasons for Students to Choose the Turkish Education System:

– Many Arab students desire to study abroad but are deterred by high tuition costs.
– Turkey offers advantages beyond educational attainment, with a welcoming environment that makes students feel like they are among their own families.
– The Arabic language is prevalent in Turkey, making students feel at home.
– Turkey combines the familiarities of the Middle East with the economic and industrial advancements of Europe.
– Turkey is politically and economically stable, ranking as the sixth-largest economy in Europe and sixteenth worldwide.

Scholarships in the Turkish Education System:

The Turkish government has facilitated access to scholarships for international students through partnerships with numerous countries. They have streamlined entry procedures for foreign students, including visas, residence permits, and accommodation, allowing them to study in Turkey’s 190+ universities.

Language of Instruction in Turkey:

Regarding the language of instruction, most public universities teach their curricula in their native language, which is Turkish. However, many universities offer specific programs in English, while private universities predominantly use English as the medium of instruction.
The availability of English-taught programs is one of the reasons why many Arab and foreign students come to study in Turkey, as numerous curricula and universities support the English language, making the learning process more accessible and removing any barriers that students might face.

Quality of the Education System in Turkey:

Turkish universities have achieved high rankings in global university rankings, with six Turkish universities listed among the top 500 universities in the world.
These universities include Middle East Technical University, Ege University, Hacettepe University, Gazi University, Ankara University, and Istanbul University.
 Turkish universities collaborate with European and American universities in curriculum systems and activities, benefiting from professional expertise in educational program development.
One of the key factors in the success of the Turkish education system is the support it receives, both financially and morally, from major charitable institutions and organizations, which support the educational process in schools, universities, and institutes.
For example, charitable foundations have established student housing and special language schools, in addition to supporting scientific research and scholars through conferences and educational events that encourage student participation and collaboration in a comprehensive educational environment.

Advantages of Studying in Turkey:

There are numerous advantages to studying in Turkey. Some of the most prominent ones include:
– Internationally Recognized Degrees: Turkish universities are internationally recognized.
– Modern University Cities: Modern university cities with advanced facilities, such as libraries and laboratories, facilitate research and learning in various fields.
– Cultural Diversity: Turkey’s geographical location at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, influenced by various civilizations, creates a blend of Western and Eastern cultures.
– Safety and Stability: Turkey is a safe and stable country.
– Hospitable People: Turkish people are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature.

How to Start Studying in Turkey:

Students interested in studying in Turkey can easily register through the “Alemni Shokran” platform, which assists students in enrolling in the Turkish education system.
The platform provides support for enrollment and registration at universities and helps resolve any issues that may hinder students’ educational journey.
It also offers support for students both during the registration process and after they have settled into student accommodations.
If you’re unsure about choosing the right major, there’s no need to worry; your future is better with the “Alemni Shokran” platform.