Expat guide to Türkiye’s skyrocketing private school costs in 2025

For expats living in Türkiye, navigating private school options for their children can be challenging, especially with rising tuition costs.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about school fees, additional costs, and the education landscape in Türkiye.

Key facts about private schools in Türkiye

• Private school popularity: Türkiye has approximately 1.6 million students enrolled in private schools, supported by 176,000 teachers across 12,000 institutions
• Who attends them: Many expat families prefer private schools for their bilingual education options, international curricula, and extracurricular activities

How much do private schools cost in Türkiye?

1. Annual tuition fees:
   • Fees for kindergarten, first, fifth, and ninth grades (key enrollment years) can exceed $28,000 (₺1 million) per year.
   • Continuing students may face increases capped at 54.8%, based on inflation guidelines set by the Ministry of National Education (MEB). However, this cap does not apply to new students.
2. Additional expenses:
   • Tuition often excludes costs for meals, transportation, school supplies, and uniforms, which can add up significantly.
   • Meal plans, for example, may cost as much as $4200 (₺150,000) annually, while study programs and extracurricular fees can range from $500 (₺17,000) to $1400 (₺49,000).
3. Payment options:
   • Schools may offer discounts for early payments. However, delayed registration or installment plans often result in higher overall costs.

How do Türkiye’s private school fees compare internationally?

Private school fees in Türkiye are among the highest globally rivaling tuition at elite universities.

For example, fees at some schools approach those charged by Koc University ($30,300 – ₺1,075,000) and Sabanci University ($31,000 – ₺1,100,000). Expats accustomed to international education costs should be prepared for similar expenses.

What rights do parents have in Türkiye?

• Fee regulations: The MEB has introduced guidelines to limit fee increases and prevent compulsory charges for optional services. However, some schools have been criticized for ignoring these regulations.
• Consumer protection: If you believe a school is charging unfairly, you can report it to local or provincial education directorates. The Consumer Association advises parents to reject any fees that are not openly negotiated or agreed upon.

Tips for expat families managing education costs

1. Research schools early:
   • Early enrollment may help you secure better rates and avoid the rush closer to the school year
   • Look for schools with transparent pricing and clear breakdowns of additional costs
2. Understand optional services:
   • Many schools bundle services like meals, transportation, and study programs as mandatory, but these charges are negotiable
   • Confirm which services you can opt out of
3. Seek expat community advice:
   • Expat forums and social media groups often share insights about school recommendations, costs, and experiences
4. Budget for hidden costs:
   • Account for unforeseen expenses like uniforms, extracurricular activities, and school trips, which can add up over the year

Popular private school options for expats in Türkiye

Some private schools in Türkiye cater specifically to expat families, offering international curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British and American programs.

Consider researching options in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir for schools that align with your expectations and budget.