Education System in Turkiye
Structure of the Education System
Pre-School Education
This stage is designed for children aged 3–5 years and focuses on early childhood development. While it’s not mandatory, it helps children build social skills, spark creativity, and develop basic learning habits, making it easier for them to transition to primary school.
Pre-School Education
Age Group: 3–5 years
Type: Optional
Focus: Early childhood development, social skills, and preparing children for primary education.
Primary Education
Primary education is the first mandatory stage, covering grades 1–4 for children aged 6–10. It focuses on teaching basic skills like reading, writing, and math, along with introducing subjects such as Turkish, Mathematics, and Science. This stage builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Primary Education
Age Group: 6–10 years
Duration: 4 years
Compulsory: Yes
Curriculum:
Core subjects include Turkish, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Art.
Focus on basic literacy, numeracy, and foundational knowledge.
Lower Secondary Education (Middle School)
Middle school, covering grades 5–8 for students aged 11–14, is also mandatory. The curriculum includes subjects like foreign languages, technology, and life skills. This stage helps students discover their interests while building on the knowledge gained in primary school.
Lower Secondary Education (Middle School)
Age Group: 11–14 years
Duration: 4 years
Compulsory: Yes
Curriculum:
Subjects expand to include Foreign Languages, Technology, and Physical Education.
Emphasis on practical skills and career awareness.
Upper Secondary Education (High School)
High school covers grades 9–12 for students aged 15–17 and is compulsory. Students can choose different paths, such as general, vocational, or religious studies, to prepare for higher education or start their careers.
Upper Secondary Education (High School)
Age Group: 15–17 years
Duration: 4 years
Compulsory: Yes
Types of High Schools:
General High Schools (Anatolian High Schools)
Vocational and Technical High Schools
Imam Hatip Schools (Religious Studies)
Higher Education
Higher education in Türkiye is offered by universities and vocational schools, providing associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The programs are diverse, with some taught in English, making Türkiye a popular choice for international students seeking quality education.
Higher Education
Institutions: Universities, vocational schools, and research centers.
Degrees Offered:
Associate’s Degree (2 years)
Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
Master’s Degree (2 years)
Doctorate (4 years)
Language of Instruction: Turkish, English, and other languages in select programs.
Vocational Education
Vocational schools and technical institutions offer specialized training in areas such as healthcare, engineering, and tourism. These programs emphasize hands-on skills, equipping students for specific careers in the workforce.
Vocational Education
Vocational schools, offering associate, degrees. Programs are diverse, with some taught in English, attracting many international students seeking quality education in Turkey.
Compulsory Education
Turkey mandates 12 years of free and compulsory education, broken into three levels:
- Primary (4 years)
- Lower Secondary (4 years)
- Upper Secondary (4 years)
This ensures a uniform foundation for all students across the country.
Academic Calendar
- Start of the Academic Year: September
- End of the Academic Year: June
- Holidays: Winter break (January-February) and summer vacation (June-September).
Unique Features of the Turkish Education System
- Foreign Language Learning: Most schools start teaching English in primary grades, with options to learn other languages like German, French, or Arabic in later years
- Technological Integration: Smart boards and digital resources are widely used in classrooms.
- Scholarship Opportunities: Turkiye offers various scholarships for international students, including full funding for higher education.
Higher Education and International Students
Turkiye is home to world-renowned universities, attracting thousands of international students annually. Programs like Turkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) provide financial aid, making higher education in Turkiye highly appealing.
Vocational Education
For students interested in technical skills, vocational high schools and institutes offer hands-on training in fields like engineering, healthcare, and tourism.