Key Features of Turkish Education System
In the Republic of Türkiye, the education levels are as follows: pre-primary, primary education (elementary and lower secondary school), upper secondary education (high school), and higher education. Educational activities in pre-primary, primary education (elementary and lower secondary school), and upper secondary education (high school) are carried out by the Ministry of National Education (MoNE), while higher education activities are regulated by the Council of Higher Ecucation (CoHE). Since the 2012-2013 academic year, compulsory education has been extended to 12 years and divided into three stages. The first stage consists of 4 years of elementary school (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades), the second stage consists of 4 years of lower secondary school (5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades), and the third stage includes 4 years of upper secondary education (9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades), excluding preparatory classes. Preparatory classes may be offered at secondary education institutions that admit students based on central exam scores, in institutions approved by the MoNE, covering either the entire or part of the quotas determined each year).
Levels of the Education System
Pre-primary Education
Pre-primary education in Türkiye is implemented on a voluntary basis for children aged 0–68 months through nurseries and daycare centers, special education kindergartens, kindergartens, nursery classes, and practice classes. It falls under the responsibility of the Directorate General of Basic Education within the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) and is regulated by the provisions of the MoNE Regulation on Preprimary and Primary Education Institutions.
Pre-primary education is mandatory for individuals with special educational needs. To ensure the care of children aged 0–6, to protect and improve their physical and mental health, and to instill fundamental values and habits, nurseries and daycare centers operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Family and Social Services. Nurseries serve children aged 0–24 months, while daycare centers cater to those aged 25–66 months.
In addition, early childhood education for children aged 0–36 months with special educational needs, as well as compulsory pre-primary education for those over 36 months, is provided in accordance with the Regulation on Special Education Services. These institutions operate under the Directorate General of Special Education and Guidance Services of the Ministry of National Education.
Primary Education
Following pre-primary education, the primary education stage begins, which comprises elementary school and lower secondary school levels of compulsory education. Elementary school covers children aged 6 to 10, while lower secondary school includes those aged 10 to 14. Both elementary and lower secondary schools fall under the responsibility of the Directorate General of Basic Education of the Ministry of National Education (MoNE). Imam Hatip lower secondary schools are affiliated to the Directorate General of Religious Education, while specialized lower secondary schools (such as music, sports, and vocational secondary schools) are overseen by their respective directorates.
Upper Secondary Education (High School)
Upper secondary education includes Anatolian high schools, science high schools, fine arts high schools, sports high schools, social sciences high schools, Anatolian Imam Hatip high schools, vocational and technical Anatolian high schools, vocational training centers, and multi-program Anatolian high schools. Public institutions in this category fall under the responsibility of the Directorate General of Upper Secondary Education, the Directorate General for Vocational and Technical Education, and the Directorate General of Religious Education. Private educational institutions are overseen by the Directorate General of Private Education Institutions. In addition, schools and institutions that implement special education programs for individuals with special needs are under the responsibility of the Directorate General of Special Education and Guidance Services.
The education of individuals with special needs who are unable to continue their education through mainstreaming/inclusive education practices is carried out by the Directorate General of Special Education and Guidance Services in special education vocational schools, special education vocational high schools, and special education practice schools.
Higher Education
Within the national education system, higher education refers to all levels of formal education based on upper secondary education and comprising at least four semesters. It is composed of public and foundation (non-profit private) higher education institutions. Higher education institutions include universities and institutes of high technology, along with their constituent faculties, institutes, schools, conservatories, research and application centers, and vocational schools affiliated with a university or institute of high technology. Additionally, vocational schools of higher education established by foundations without profit-making purposes, and not affiliated with a university or institute of high technology, also fall under the definition of higher education institutions. Higher education encompasses associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and PhD programs provided by the relevant institutions. The Council of Higher Education (CoHE) is responsible for the regulation and coordination of all activities related to higher education in Türkiye.
Structure of the National Education System
Please refer to the Eurydice Data and Visuals for a display of the Structure of the National Education System
Common European Reference Tools Provided by the Eurydice Network
- National Student Fee and Support Systems
- Organisation of the Academic Year in Higher Education
- Organisation of School Time in Europe (Primary and general secondary education)
- Recommended Annual Instruction Time in Full-Time Compulsory Education in Europe (Presented by grades/stages for full time compulsory education as well as by subject and country)
- Teachers and School Heads Salaries and Allowances in Europe (Salaries and allowances of teachers and school heads at pre-primary, primary, lower secondary and upper secondary education levels)