Finding the right fit among the international schools in Istanbul is likely at the top of the to-do list for expat parents moving to Turkey with children. These private institutions generally offer curricula from the UK, the US, or Canada, or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Classes are taught primarily in English, which grants expat children the chance to learn in a familiar environment.
This continuity eases the transition into life in Turkey. It is particularly valuable if you are only in the country for a short stint. You will find that while the Turkish state school system is an option, the language barrier and curriculum differences often make international schools the most practical choice for globally mobile families. Note that under Ministry of National Education (MEB) regulations, enrolment at these specific institutions is often strictly limited to holders of non-Turkish passports.
Be prepared for the fact that tuition fees at international schools in Istanbul are substantial. You must scrutinise your budget to ensure it can stretch to cover not just the base fees, but also significant extras. It is common to pay additional levies for capital projects, textbooks, uniforms, and school lunches. These fees are often pegged to hard currency to hedge against local inflation.
Crucially, expat parents must factor in the cost of the servis (school bus). Given Istanbul’s legendary traffic, this is less a convenience and more a logistical necessity. Despite the steep costs, most parents feel that the high standard of teaching and the transferability of the curriculum make the investment worthwhile.
When choosing a school, geography should be your primary filter. Commuting from the Asian side to a school on the European side during peak hours can easily turn into a two-hour ordeal each way. Secure a school placement before finalising your housing to avoid spending hours in gridlock every day.
To assist with the search, here is a list of some of the most prominent international schools in Istanbul.
International schools in Istanbul
British International School (BIS)
BIS caters to a community of around 750 students and offers a modified English National Curriculum paired with the IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The student body represents over 55 nationalities. To accommodate different age groups and locations, the school operates two campuses: the City Campus in Etiler for younger children and the larger Forest Campus in Zekeriyaköy, which serves all ages. The average class size of 12 ensures your child receives individualised attention.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2.5 to 18
Website: www.bis.k12.tr
Istanbul International Community School (IICS)
Established in 1911, IICS holds the distinction of being one of the oldest international schools in the region. It is authorised to offer the full International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP). The administration maintains a purely international demographic by strictly limiting enrolment to holders of non-Turkish passports. Families can choose between the historic Hisar Campus near the Bosphorus (Early Years to Grade 3) and the purpose-built Marmara Campus on the outskirts of the city (Early Years to Grade 12).
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, and DP)
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.iics.k12.tr
Istanbul International School (IIS)
Located in the leafy district of Çamlıca on the Asian side, IIS is a strong contender if you live east of the Bosphorus. The school prides itself on a close-knit, multicultural community that serves as a gentle alternative to the city’s larger institutions. It follows the Cambridge International curriculum from Primary through to A Levels. This student-centred approach ensures your child is well prepared for university, whether in Turkey or abroad.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, and A Levels)
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.istanbulint.com
Keystone International School (KIS)
With a boutique student body of around 250, Keystone offers an intimate environment. It distinguishes itself as a Canadian offshore school and strictly follows the curriculum of Prince Edward Island (PEI). The school operates primarily on the Asian side (Üsküdar and Dragos), which makes it a key option for families in those neighbourhoods. Their ‘head, heart, and hands’ philosophy aims to nurture self-disciplined, independent global citizens.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Canadian (Prince Edward Island)
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.keystoneschools.com.tr