1.
EDUCATION SYSTEM in TURKEY
Turkish education systemis under the control of the state,the Ministry of National
Education.Everyone has the right to receive education and it is cumpolsory from ages 6 to 18
and free in state schools. %10 of general butget is used for national education
The academic year in institutions generally begins in the mid-September or early-
October and and continues to early June .There is a two-week semester break in February.
Education system in Turkey is comprised of levels:
Stages of the Education System
-Pre-School Education:It is optional,up to 6 years of age.
-Primary Education:It is cumpulsory and free for eight years.
(4 years elementary + 4 years secondary). 6-14 years of age
-Secondary Education:4 years of High School is cumpulsory. Some schools might have an
additional year of English language study.High schools are owned both government and
private schools.
-Higher Education: It continues 4 years of university,or 2 years at Higher Vocational
Schools.Some schools have an additional year of language study like High-schools.Master’s
study lasts 2 years.They are under the supervision of Higher Educational Council.(YÖK)
Types of High Schools
Public High Shools: Any student who succesfully cpmpletes 8 years of basic education can go
on to these schools.
Vocational High Schools:Graduates can automatically go on to higher Vocational School
without an examination. In their respective fields of study if they wish.
Anatolion High School:It is one of the best high school in Turkey.The students who get high
marks usually prefer this school.
Science High School:These are special public school for students who have exceptional
aptitude in the sciences.These very competitive high schools train students specifically for
higher education in the sciences,technical and medical fields.
Private High School:Most private high school charge very high tuition fees and are very
competitive.
Types of Higher EducationInstitutions
State Universities:The university system in Turkey is governed by the Higher Educational
Council(YÖK).Turkey has 104 state and 62 private universities.Generally,undergraduate
education takes 4 years at universities,but some fields such as medicine(6 years),dentistry(5

2.
years),take longer.No tuition fee is charged at public schools ;students pay only a small basic
fee.Students need to pass a nationwide University Entrance Exam(OSS) to enter a university.
Higher VocationalSchool
They offer 2 years of undergraduate study after high school and are very much like the
community collegues in the USA.
Private Universities
Private universities take more active initatives to form and to select international and global
educational and research networks.
Problems of EducationSystem in Turkey
The education systemin Turkey has not been stable for many years.The government has
always been trying to change the systemin order to solve the problematic situations and
make the right choices for the benefit of future of country.But the government doesn’t
manage to correct the problems.Every passing year,this situation it gets worse.
While economic gap between student’s families causes that problem,considering the inequal
quality between schools.There are differences in between public and private high
schools.Public schools have lack of opportunities and facilities They have ancient computer
and laboratories,so crowded,have no new Technologies.
ÖSS(Student Selection Examination)
There are important exams that determine a student’s future.For example;from
secondary school to high school and from high school to university.
But you need to take a course to pass the exam because the public schools fall short of
education to pass exam.This exam systemhas negative effects on students.
If you get a low grade ;
You can go private university if you can afford payying tuition that il is also expensive.
If you get a high grade ;
You can attend a great public university or get a scholarship for private university
You will have a bright future and a successful career
Turkish Educational System is not effective in addressing the varied needs and interests of
learners.
As we have seen, Turkish education system is drowning in the quicksand of inadequate
physical and mental requirements. If these problems can be solved, it is evident that our
education systemwill be better.