The Education System in Turkey Explained

The Turkish education system stands out with its blend of modern and traditional elements, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and rapid modernization. Unique features such as its centralized control by the Ministry of National Education and the balance between secular and religious education set it apart. How does this intricate system shape the learning experience for millions of Turkish students? Read on to find out.

The Structure of the Education System in Turkey

In Turkey, education is compulsory from primary school through secondary school, namely from six to 18 years old. The Turkish education system is organised into distinct stages, each with its own curriculum and key assessments:

• Primary School (4 years): This stage consists of 4 years of primary school (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade) which follows a national curriculum including subjects like Turkish, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.
• Lower Secondary School (4 years): This stage, covering 5th to 8th grades, introduces a more diverse curriculum that introduces subjects like Foreign Languages, History and Geography. Students are assessed through a Highschool Entrance Exam, named the "Liselere Geçiş Sınavı (LGS)" , which help determine their placement in upper secondary schools.
• Upper Secondary School (4 years): This stage is divided into general high schools and vocational/technical high schools. General high schools prepare students for the University Entrance Exam (also called the "Yükseköğretim Kurumları Sınavı" or "YKS") whereas vocational schools focus on practical skills and trades, offering an alternative pathway to higher education or employment.
• Higher Education (4 years or more): This includes universities and colleges offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Admission is primarily based on YKS scores, making these exams a critical part of the education journey.

The Structure of the Education System in Turkey

How the Turkish Education System Compares Internationally

The Turkish education system, while rapidly modernising, faces both challenges and achievements when compared internationally. According to the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Turkey has made notable improvements in literacy and numeracy over the past decade, yet it still lags behind many European and East Asian countries. For instance, in the 2018 PISA rankings, Turkey ranked 42nd in reading, 39th in mathematics, and 40th in science out of 79 participating countries, indicating room for growth.

However, one unique advantage of studying in Turkish universities is the exposure to a rich cultural crossroads where East meets West. Turkish universities offer students the opportunity to learn about and engage with both European and Middle Eastern perspectives, particularly in fields like International Relations, History, and Political Science. Additionally, Turkey’s strategic location and its role in regional geopolitics provide students with a distinct understanding of issues that are less accessible in other educational environments, making it a valuable experience for those interested in global studies.

As an IB tutor in Turkey observed,

"Studying in Turkey offers IB students a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the rich cultural history that bridges East and West—an invaluable asset in the IB's internationally-minded curriculum."

Primary Education in Turkey

Primary education in Turkey covers the first four years of compulsory schooling, from grades 1 to 4. Primary education institutions providing this compulsory education include public and private schools, with approximately 90% of students—around 15 million—attending public schools. The curriculum is standardised across the country, developed by the Ministry of National Education, and includes core subjects such as Turkish, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Additionally, students are introduced to a Foreign Language, typically English, from the 2nd grade.

Public schools are state-funded and free of charge, serving the vast majority of students. The curriculum in primary education focuses on foundational skills in reading, writing, arithmetic and basic sciences, and it also includes arts, music, and physical education to ensure a well-rounded education. Regular classroom assessments are conducted, but there are no national exams at this stage, with progress being monitored through teacher evaluations and report cards. Although private schools are available, they are less common. Compared to public schools, private schools offer additional resources, facilities, programmes, such as advanced STEM or language classes, and sometimes even alternative curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or A-Levels.

Secondary Education in Turkey

Secondary education in Turkey spans four years and is divided into two main types of schools: general high schools and vocational/technical high schools. These educational institutions play a crucial role in providing both academic and practical skills to students. This stage is critical in shaping students’ academic and professional futures, with significant emphasis on national exams that determine educational progression.

Lower Secondary Education

Lower secondary education in Turkey covers grades 5 through 8 and builds on the foundational knowledge gained in primary school. The curriculum is broad, including subjects such as Turkish Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Languages (typically English). This stage is designed to prepare students for more specialised education at the upper secondary level. The end of lower secondary education is marked by the Liselere Geçiş Sınavı (LGS), which plays a crucial role in determining the students' academic trajectory.

LGS Exam

The Liselere Geçiş Sınavı (LGS), or High School Entrance Exam, is a pivotal assessment for students completing their lower secondary education (8th grade). In 2023, over 1.2 million students took the LGS exam, competing for limited spots in prestigious general high schools (Anadolu Lisesi) and specialised vocational/technical schools. The LGS exam assesses students' proficiency in several key areas:

• Mathematics: Evaluating problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Turkish Language: Testing comprehension, grammar, and language usage.
• Science: Covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Social Studies: Including History, Geography, and Religious Culture and Ethics.
• Foreign Language: Primarily English, focusing on reading and comprehension skills.

Given its importance, high performance in the LGS is necessary for admission into top-tier high schools. Only about 10-15% of students achieve scores high enough to enter the most competitive schools, setting the stage for future success in the YKS and university admissions.

Upper Secondary Education

Upper secondary education in Turkey includes grades 9 through 12 and is divided into general high schools (Anadolu Lisesi) and vocational/technical high schools. General high schools follow a national curriculum that includes Turkish Language and Literature, Mathematics, Sciences, Social Studies, and Foreign Languages, preparing students for the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS). Vocational and technical high schools, on the other hand, focus on practical skills in specific trades, combining general education with specialised training to prepare students for the workforce or further technical education.

YKS Exam

The Yükseköğretim Kurumları Sınavı (YKS), or Higher Education Institutions Examination, is the national university entrance exam taken by students at the end of upper secondary education. The YKS is one of the most competitive exams in Turkey, with more than 2.5 million students sitting for the exam in 2023, all vying for admission to a limited number of university spots. The YKS is divided into three sessions:

• Basic Proficiency Test (TYT): Assesses basic academic skills in Turkish, Mathematics, Social Sciences, and Science.
• Field Proficiency Tests (AYT): Focus on students' chosen fields of study, such as Mathematics, Science, Literature, or Social Sciences.
• Foreign Language Test (YDT): For students applying to language-related programmes, evaluating their proficiency in a foreign language.

The YKS is a defining moment in a student’s educational journey. Only the top 10% of scorers typically gain admission to Turkey’s most prestigious universities, highlighting the intense competition and high stakes of this exam.

Vocational and Technical Education in Turkey

Vocational and technical education in Turkey is a way for students who wish to gain practical skills and enter the workforce directly after graduation. These programmes are offered at Vocational High Schools and Technical High Schools, which typically span four years, covering grades 9 through 12.

• Types of School: Vocational high schools focus on specific trades such as hospitality and healthcare, while technical high schools offer more specialised training in advanced fields like electronics or automotive technology. These schools are designed to equip students with the skills needed for immediate employment. Associate degree programs offered at vocational institutes and colleges provide practical training aimed at preparing students for employment, typically lasting two years and serving as a stepping stone to further education.
• Curriculum: The curriculum at a technical high school is similar to a university’s applied science or engineering programmes, but at a less advanced level, whereas those at a vocational high school is way more practice-oriented than either types.
• Duration and Structure: The standard duration is four years, similar to general high schools, but with a stronger emphasis on hands-on training and internships in industries relevant to the students’ chosen fields.
• Career Prospects: Graduates from vocational and technical schools have good career prospects, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, IT, and healthcare. According to recent statistics, about 67% of vocational school graduates find employment within six months of graduation, with the police and electricity having the highest employment rate. While university graduates often pursue higher-paying jobs, vocational graduates benefit from entering the workforce earlier, with practical skills that are in demand.

Compared to university education, vocational training is more focused on immediate employability. It offers a direct route into the job market, making it an attractive option for students who prefer a more hands-on approach to learning and wish to avoid the longer academic track of university education.

International Education Options in Turkey

Turkey offers a range of international education options, particularly in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, where there is a growing demand for globally recognised curricula. International schools in Turkey often follow the IB, British or American curricula. These schools are popular among expatriates and Turkish families aiming for a more global education.

• IB Programmes: Offered at several prestigious schools in Istanbul and Ankara, the IB curriculum is rigorous and recognised worldwide. Due to the challenging nature of the IB, many students seek additional support from an IB tutor in Turkey.
• British Curriculum (A-Levels and IGCSEs): The British curriculum is another popular choice, with many schools offering A-Levels and IGCSEs. The competitiveness of these programmes often leads students to engage an A-Level tutor in Turkey or an IGCSE tutor in Turkey to enhance their chances of success.
• American Curriculum (SAT): Schools offering the American curriculum focus on preparing students for the SAT, which is essential for university admission in the United States. The demand for SAT tutor in Turkey is high, reflecting the pressure students face to achieve top scores.

Given the competitive nature of these programmes, private tutoring has become increasingly prevalent, with many families investing in specialised tutors to ensure their children excel.

As an IB tutor in Istanbul notes,

"Tutoring offers tailored support that helps IB students grasp challenging concepts, manage their workload, and reach their full academic potential."

Private vs. Public Schools in Turkey

The divide between private and public schools in Turkey is a contentious issue, often highlighting stark contrasts in quality and opportunity.

• Public Schools: While these state-funded institutions educate around 90% of Turkish students, they often struggle with overcrowded classrooms and outdated resources. This is particularly serious for schools in rural areas, which often struggle with outdated facilities and a lack of qualified teachers. Additionally, the standardised national curriculum, though consistent, may not always cater to individual student needs, leaving many to question the effectiveness of the public education system.
• Private Schools: On the other hand, private schools, which cater to only about 10% of the student population, are perceived as offering a significantly superior education. With modern facilities, smaller class sizes, and access to international programmes like the IB and British A-Levels, private schools seem to provide an undeniable edge. However, the high tuition fees make this level of education a privilege for the wealthy, raising concerns about educational inequality.

As an IGCSE tutor in Turkey said,

"The gap between private and public schools is glaring, and it's no surprise that families who can afford it are increasingly turning to private education to secure their children's futures. The resources and individual attention in private schools are simply not matched in the public system."

Higher Education in Turkey

Higher education in Turkey is diverse, offering various types of universities and degrees, with an increasing focus on quality and international recognition. Distance education programs have become a key element of Turkey's tertiary education system, significantly enhancing access to education, especially for students in rural areas.

Types of Universities

Turkey has both public and private universities, although public universities are generally more common and prestigious than private ones:

• Public Universities: State-funded with lower tuition fees. Notable examples include:
  • Boğaziçi University: Strong in Engineering and Social Sciences.
  • Middle East Technical University (METU): Known for Engineering and Natural Sciences.
  • Istanbul University: Offers a wide range of programmes, particularly in Law and Medicine.
• Private Universities: Privately funded, often with advanced facilities:
  • Koç University: Renowned for Business and Economics.
  • Sabancı University: Focuses on interdisciplinary programmes in Engineering and Management.
  • Bilkent University: Praised for Engineering, Architecture, and high research output.

Types of Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: 4-year programmes, with Engineering being highly popular at institutions like METUand Istanbul Technical University (ITU). Hacettepe University is renowned for Medicine.
• Graduate Degrees: 2-year Master's programmes, with top MBAs at Koç University and Sabancı University.
• Doctoral Degrees: 3-5 years, with METU and Boğaziçi University leading in research fields like Physics and Engineering.

Quality of Teaching, Facilities, Environment, and Employability

Turkish universities like Koç and Sabancı maintain high teaching standards, supported by modern facilities at institutions such as Bilkent University. Graduates from top universities, including METU and Boğaziçi University, are highly employable, often securing roles in multinational companies like Microsoft and Unilever. Overall, those with at least a bachelor's degree enjoy a higher employability than their peers without one, with 75% of employment rate as of 2023.

International Recognition

Boğaziçi University and METU rank among the top 500 globally in the QS World University Rankings. Participation in the Bologna Process ensures Turkish degrees are recognised across Europe, and English-taught programmes at universities like Bilkent and Koç attract international students, boosting Turkey’s educational profile.

The Role of the Ministry of National Education

The Ministry of National Education (MEB) plays a central and controlling role in Turkey's education system. It is responsible for setting the national curriculum, overseeing the administration of schools, and ensuring that educational standards are consistent across the country. MEB's influence extends to every level of education, from primary schools to universities, with the ministry also directly managing the hiring and training of teachers.

One of the MEB's primary functions is to standardise education through a uniform curriculum, which is designed to ensure that all students, regardless of location, receive a similar level of education. This centralisation has been both praised for maintaining consistency and criticised for lacking flexibility to adapt to local needs.

According to recent reports, the MEB allocates over 15% of the national budget to education, yet debates continue about whether this funding is sufficient to address the challenges facing Turkey's vast and diverse educational landscape. Experts argue that while the MEB has made significant strides, ongoing reforms are necessary to modernise the system and address regional disparities.

Recent Reforms in the Turkish Education System

In recent years, the Turkish education system has undergone significant reforms aimed at modernising and improving educational outcomes. One of the most notable changes has been the introduction of a more flexible curriculum, allowing schools to adapt teaching methods to better suit students' needs and regional contexts. This shift is intended to move away from the rigid, one-size-fits-all approach that previously dominated Turkish education.

To close the gap between private and public education, reforms have focused on enhancing the quality of public schools by improving teacher training and increasing investment in technological infrastructure. The FATİH Project, which aims to equip public schools with smartboards and provide students with tablets, is a key part of this effort to modernise public education and bring it closer to the standards seen in private institutions.

Reforms have also targeted the exam system, particularly the restructuring of the YKS (Higher Education Institutions Examination) to reduce student stress and create a more balanced assessment of their abilities. However, despite these efforts, challenges remain, particularly in addressing regional disparities and ensuring equal access to quality education across Turkey.

However, the true test of the effectiveness of these reforms lies ahead. As a SAT tutor in Istanbul notes,

"These reforms are a step in the right direction, but the real test will be in how effectively they can level the playing field between public and private education, especially in terms of resources and teaching quality."

Conclusion

The Turkish education system is characterised by its blend of modernisation and deep-rooted cultural heritage, offering a structured yet evolving academic environment. With strong public and private school options, significant recent reforms, and unique opportunities in higher education, Turkey presents a compelling choice for international students. Those particularly interested in gaining a nuanced understanding of the intersection between Eastern and Western cultures, as well as those pursuing studies in fields like International Relations or History, will find Turkey an enriching and strategically valuable destination for their education.