🎓 Raising a Child and Studying in Türkiye: Is It a Smart Move for Foreign Families?

Türkiye has become one of the top destinations not only for tourism and investment, but also for families considering long-term living. A major question many expat parents ask is: What is the education system like in Türkiye? From kindergarten to university, this blog will guide you through the essentials — including costs, quality, types of schools, and whether raising a child here as a foreigner is a wise choice.

🏫 Types of Schools in Türkiye

Türkiye offers a variety of schooling options that cater to different needs:

1. Public (State) Schools

• Language of instruction: Turkish

• Cost: Free for both Turkish citizens and foreign residents

• Quality: Varies depending on the city and neighborhood. Major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir tend to have better-funded and more competitive schools.

• Curriculum: Set by the Ministry of National Education (MEB)

✅ Good to know: Foreign children can attend public schools for free, but will need to adapt to the Turkish language and curriculum.

2. Private Schools

• Language of instruction: Turkish, English, German, French, Russian (depends on the school)

• Cost: Ranges between €3,000 to €15,000 per year

• Advantages: Smaller class sizes, bilingual education, extracurricular programs, better infrastructure

• Popular choices: TED Schools, MEF, Bahçeşehir Koleji, Doğa Koleji

3. International Schools

• Curriculum: British, American, IB (International Baccalaureate), French, or German

• Language: Primarily English or other native language

• Cost: Usually €8,000 to €25,000+ per year

• Top options: Istanbul International Community School, MEF International, British International School Istanbul, International School of Ankara

✅ Great for: Families planning to move frequently or who want their children to continue in a globally recognized education system.

🧒 Is It Wise to Raise a Child in Türkiye as a Foreigner?

The short answer: Yes — if you choose your city and school wisely.

Pros:

• Safe, family-oriented society

• Warm and inclusive culture

• Many cities offer high quality of life with affordable living costs

• Access to international and bilingual education

• Türkiye’s rich history and nature contribute to a well-rounded upbringing

Challenges:

• Language barrier in public services or schools (unless bilingual)

• Bureaucracy can be slow at times (residence permits, documentation)

• Not all areas offer the same level of educational quality

💡 Tip: Many foreign families choose places like Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, İzmir, or Alanya, where international communities and schools are more prevalent.

🎓 Türkiye’s Universities: Quality & Global Recognition

Türkiye is home to high-ranking universities, some of which are globally recognized and partner with institutions abroad.

Top Universities in Türkiye:

• Koç University (Istanbul) – English instruction, ranked among top 500 worldwide

• Boğaziçi University (Istanbul) – Public, highly competitive, known for sciences & engineering

• Middle East Technical University (METU) (Ankara) – Renowned for technology & engineering

• Sabancı University – Modern private university with global curriculum

Tuition fees:

• Public universities: Foreign students pay €300–€1,500 per year

• Private universities: €5,000–€20,000 per year depending on department and scholarships

Language of Instruction: Many programs, especially in STEM and business, are taught in English.

💰 Schooling & Education Costs in Türkiye (2025)

🌍 Final Thoughts: Türkiye as an Education Destination

Türkiye offers a diverse and increasingly international education landscape, whether you’re looking for budget-friendly schooling, bilingual education, or top-tier university programs. Its combination of affordability, rich culture, and improving quality makes it a strong contender for foreign families seeking long-term living and education opportunities.

Would you raise a child in Türkiye? We think it’s a smart investment — in both lifestyle and education.

📌 Need help finding a school or settling your family in Türkiye?
Best Invest | Forbes Global Properties can help you with relocation, residence permits, and even choosing the right school or neighborhood.
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