Istanbul International Community School - Hisar Campus vs Kilittasi Schools
Istanbul International Community School - Hisar Campus and Kilittasi Schools are both in Istanbul, about 11 km apart. Both schools offer Bespoke programmes. Istanbul International Community School - Hisar Campus also offers IB, American and Advanced Placement (AP), and Kilittasi Schools also offers Canadian and Cambridge (Primary). Published annual fees are TRY 1,015,796 - 2,159,670 at Istanbul International Community School - Hisar Campus and TRY 420,000 - 1,105,000 at Kilittasi Schools, which puts Istanbul International Community School - Hisar Campus roughly 108% higher. Istanbul International Community School - Hisar Campus takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Kilittasi Schools from 2 to 18. Istanbul International Community School - Hisar Campus is the larger school, with around 492 pupils to Kilittasi Schools's 250. Both keep typical class sizes around 18.
Bespoke Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary)
Pupils
Pupils
492
Pupils
250
Typical class size
Typical class size
18
Typical class size
18
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, Turkish
Opened
Opened
1911
Opened
2013
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
IICS operates two campuses in Istanbul: Hisar Campus in the Hisarüstü/Rumeli Hisarı area at Rumelihisari Mahallesi, Nafi Baba Sokak, No:6, Istanbul 34470; Marmara Campus at Karaagac Koyu Mahallesi, Kahraman Caddesi, 27/1, Hadimkoy, Istanbul 34500. Both campuses are in Istanbul, Turkey.
Location
Çekmeköy – Campus, Istanbul, Turkey. Located in the Çekmeköy district; address: Süleymaniye Caddesi, No:20/B, 34782 Çekmeköy, Istanbul.
Stages
Stages
Early Years EY3-5; Primary School Grades 1-5; Middle School Grades 6-8; High School Grades 9-12.
Stages
Kindergarten; Primary School; Middle School; Anatolian High School
School type
School type
Private, non-profit, secular, coeducational day school.
School type
K-12 school offering the Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB) program with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) dual diploma; Kilittaşı Anatolian High School; Toronto Keystone High School; Canada Online High School
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
The student body represents over 70 nationalities. The largest nationality groups are the United States, South Korea, Germany, and Canada.
Pupil nationality mix
33+ countries represented
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Learning Support services are available for students needing additional help with academics, organization, or learning strategies. English language support is available up to Grade 10. The school is inclusive and accepts students with disabilities when appropriate support can be provided; individualized accommodations are offered based on assessment.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Canada & Türkiye dual diploma program (OSSD)
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Secular; no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Marmara Campus hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 AM–3:00 PM; Wednesday 8:30 AM–2:15 PM. Hisar Campus hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:15 AM–3:15 PM; Wednesday 8:30 AM–1:45 PM.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
School buses are available to many areas in Istanbul; bus fees vary by location.
Bus service details
Long-standing partnership with a trusted bus company; drivers trained to follow traffic regulations; buses have safety features
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & one‑time fees (first year only) - Application Fee: TRY 13,250 (one‑time). - Registration/Enrolment Fee: TRY 52,998 (one‑time/initial enrolment component). - Capital Levy (one‑time): TRY 353,320.
Annual tuition fees by year group (annual total, per academic year) - Early Years / Kindergarten (Kindg. 1 / Age 3): TRY 1,015,796 per year. - Early Years / Kindergarten (Kindg. 2 / Age 4): TRY 1,015,796 per year. - Early Years (Kindg. 3 / Age 5): TRY 1,642,939 per year. - Grade 1 (Age 6): TRY 1,819,600 per year. - Grade 2 (Age 7): TRY 1,819,600 per year. - Grade 3 (Age 8): TRY 1,819,600 per year. - Grade 4 (Age 9): TRY 1,890,264 per year. - Grade 5 (Age 10): TRY 1,890,264 per year. - Grade 6 (Age 11): TRY 2,027,175 per year. - Grade 7 (Age 12): TRY 2,027,175 per year. - Grade 8 (Age 13): TRY 2,027,175 per year. - Grade 9 (Age 14): TRY 2,093,423 per year. - Grade 10 (Age 15): TRY 2,093,423 per year. - Grade 11 (Age 16): TRY 2,159,670 per year. - Grade 12 (Age 17): TRY 2,159,670 per year.
Per‑term / instalment breakdown and billing schedule - The school requires an initial Enrolment amount (30% of the tuition) followed by a set instalment schedule. The typical instalment schedule used by the school is: Enrolment (30%) due by end‑April, then five instalments with due dates at month‑end across the months that follow (example instalment due dates appear as end‑May, end‑June, end‑July, end‑August, end‑September in the tuition document). - Families receive monthly tuition invoices between September and June. Payments must include the student's name, grade, and school year on the transfer. Payments are processed to the school bank account. - Example instalment arithmetic (school's instalment document shows the structure and how the annual total is split into the 30% enrolment plus equal instalments; example USD figures are shown in the school's tuition document as a worked example for each grade band). The instalment amounts and number of instalments are applied according to the published instalment scheme.
Payment terms and payment methods - Primary payment method: bank transfer to the school's bank account (Yapı Kredi Bank — account and IBAN details are provided by the school; transfers should include the student's initials, surname and grade). Payments should be made in the currency specified by the school at the time of invoicing. - The school issues invoices and accepts payments by bank transfer; instalment plans are available through the school's billing procedure. Families are responsible for any bank charges or currency shortfalls.
Sibling discount - A sibling discount is available: 5% discount for the second child and 10% discount for the third and subsequent children.
Boarding / accommodation - IICS is a day school and does not provide boarding or dormitory accommodation.
Other costs and additional fees - The published fee structure states that the tuition covers many core items, including lunch, class trips, extra‑curricular activities, school supplies, books, VAT and the yearbook; however, some optional items and services may be charged separately (for example, bus/transportation fees vary by route and are billed separately, and some specialised support or external exam fees may be charged in addition). Contact the school's accounts office for specific optional charges and transportation pricing. - Uniforms, specialist course fees, external exam fees (where applicable), and some extracurricular or trip costs may be additional to tuition and billed separately. Bus fees depend on route and region.
Refunds, early departure and mid‑year joining - Tuition refund policy for early departure: if a student leaves during the school year the payable percentage of the annual tuition is determined by the date of departure. Typical policy example: departure from start of school to December 30 — 50% of tuition payable; January 1 to March 14 — 75% payable; after March 15 — 100% payable. Notifications of withdrawal must be provided in writing to the Director of Admissions. - Mid‑year joining: the percentage of tuition payable for students joining mid‑year follows a stepped scale depending on the joining date (for example, joining before November 1 — 100% payable; joining Nov 2–Jan 1 — 70%; Jan 2–Mar 1 — 60%; Mar 2–Apr 1 — 50%; Apr 2–May 1 — 40%; after May 2 — 30%).
Billing contacts & administration - All fee payments are billed through the school's Business/Finance Office. Bank transfer instructions, invoice layout and instalment terms are provided by the Admissions/Business Office; parents are instructed to include the student's name and grade on transfers. For billing enquiries contact the school's Business Office as listed by the school.
Notes - The above lists the published annual tuition figures by grade band and the school's standard enrolment/instalment and refund mechanisms as published in the school's tuition documents and fee pages. The school applies VAT to fees where indicated and requires that bank transfers cover any intermediary bank charges so that the school receives the full invoiced amount.
Fee details
KİLİTTAŞI SCHOOLS — FEES (2026/27 ACADEMIC YEAR)
Application / Registration fee - No separate numeric application fee is published in the school's 2026/27 fee materials; admissions are handled through the school's registration process and the school provides direct contact details for booking and registration.
Tuition fees (annual and per term by year group) — amounts shown in Turkish lira (TL) - Playgroup (Half Day, 2 years old) - Annual tuition: TL 420,000. - Per term (2 terms per academic year): TL 210,000.
- Kindergarten - 3–4 years old — Annual tuition: TL 638,650. Per term: TL 319,325. - 5 years old — Annual tuition: TL 911,400. Per term: TL 455,700.
- Middle School - Grade 5 (French / English Prep) — Annual tuition: TL 1,105,000. Per term: TL 552,500. - Grade 6 — Annual tuition: TL 1,105,000. Per term: TL 552,500. - Grade 7 — Annual tuition: TL 944,550. Per term: TL 472,275. - Grade 8 — Annual tuition: TL 664,100. Per term: TL 332,050.
- Anatolian High School (Grades 9–12) - Annual tuition (Grades 9–12): TL 950,000. Per term: TL 475,000.
(Per-term figures above are shown on a two-term basis in line with the school academic calendar that is organised into two semesters.)
What is included / excluded in the tuition figures - The published tuition figures cover tuition only. Meal fees and 10% VAT are added separately. Books, stationery (stationery is included for kindergarten only), uniforms and school transportation fees are not included in the published tuition amounts.
Meal fees - Playgroup (Half Day, two meals): TL 210,000 + VAT. - Kindergarten (three meals): TL 225,000 + VAT. - Primary, Middle, High School (two meals): TL 210,000 + VAT. - Breakfast and lunch service is optional for high school students.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition amounts for the next academic year are determined and published in early February; families are asked to complete registration at latest up to two weeks before the start of the school year. The school's published communications state that discounts are offered for early registration and for full payments made by specified dates. - The fee figures above are presented as annual totals; the school uses a two-semester academic structure when planning the year (per-term splits above are shown on a two-term basis). Specific installment options, exact payment deadlines and accepted payment instruments (for example bank transfer or credit card) are not listed in the published fee schedule; the school provides direct admissions/finance contacts for payment arrangements.
Boarding / accommodation fees - Kilittaşı Schools publishes tuition and meal fees for day students and does not publish any boarding or residential fees; no boarding provision or boarding fee is shown in the school's 2026/27 fee materials. The school operates as a day campus.
Other costs and recurring charges - Books and stationery: Not included in the tuition amounts except that stationery is included for kindergarten. - Uniforms: Not included. - School transport (bus): Not included; transport fees are additional. - Additional school trips, optional programs, external exam fees, and optional services are charged separately as applicable. Discounts and bursaries are applied only against the published tuition component and do not cover meal, transport or uniform charges.
Discounts, bursaries and who they apply to - The school publishes several discount/bursary categories (education-achievement bursaries, athlete/sports discounts, state bursary quotas, institutional/corporate discounts and alumni discounts). Bursaries and discounts are calculated against the announced tuition fee for the period and have continuity conditions stated in the school bursary policy. Bursaries and discounts do not apply to meals, transport or uniform charges.
Refund / withdrawal information - To withdraw a student a parent must send a formal written notice; the school's withdrawal procedure requires a signed withdrawal letter and then the Finance Department will complete refund processes as applicable. The school's registration and withdrawal procedures set out that finance and other departments will follow the withdrawal workflow and process refunds. Specific refund schedules or percentage refunds by withdrawal date are not detailed in the published registration policy and are handled through the Finance Department at the time of withdrawal.
Fee payment options (published guidance) - The published materials confirm early-payment and full-payment discount options but do not list a complete menu of accepted payment instruments (credit card, bank transfer, etc.) in the public fee sheet. The school provides admissions and finance contact details for arranging payment method and schedule. Contact details published with the fee materials: info@keystoneschools.com.tr, +90 216 370 4951–52 and +90 506 399 6957.
Summary of key fee items (quick list) - Tuition: Playgroup TL 420,000; Kindergarten TL 638,650 / TL 911,400 (by age); Primary & Middle grades range TL 664,100–TL 1,105,000; High School Grades 9–12 TL 950,000 (annual amounts). - Meal fees: TL 210,000 (playgroup & primary/middle/high) or TL 225,000 (kindergarten) plus VAT. - VAT: 10% VAT is added to meal fees and invoices where applicable. - Discounts/bursaries: Available in multiple categories and apply to tuition only. - Refunds: Withdrawals require formal written notice and refunds are processed by the Finance Department; specific refund terms are dealt with at the time of withdrawal.
(End of fees overview.)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
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House system
House system
—
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program across the Primary Years Programme (Early Years–Grade 6), the Middle Years Programme (Grades 7–10), and the Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12), all taught in English. The High School Diploma pathway is CIS and NEASC-accredited and awards a US diploma after earning 26 credits (Grades 9–12), apostilled in the United States for worldwide validity. Students can graduate with the IICS High School Diploma alone, or with the IB Diploma, or with the Innovation Diploma. The IB Diploma is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization and requires six subjects over two years plus IB Core requirements (TOK, CAS, EE). AP Courses & Exams are available alongside IBDP Certificate Courses & Exams, and Dual Enrollment and Honors-Level Courses may be pursued as part of College Ready offerings.
Curriculum details
Kilittaşı Schools offer a K–12 dual curriculum that combines the Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB) program with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Upon graduation, students receive both the MEB High School Diploma and the OSSD, expanding university options beyond Turkey to Canada, the United States, Europe, and worldwide. The Early Years Program uses English as the language of instruction; English continues in the early grades, French is introduced as a second language, and by Grade 5 students study an intensive French program, with bilingual Turkish–English education continuing and French developing as a third language. Kilittaşı is a DELF–DALF examination center; French language study is supported with international exam opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research, and problem-solving and is aligned with trilingual education and global standards, preparing students academically and linguistically for university-level expectations through Canadian diploma pathways.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
—
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
The Pathways to Graduation describes three options for Grade 12: the IICS High School Diploma; the IICS High School Diploma + IB Diploma; and the IICS High School Diploma + Innovation Diploma. The High School Diploma is CIS and NEASC-accredited and awards a US diploma after 26 credits; the US diploma is apostilled in the United States and valid worldwide with assistance from the US Office of Overseas Schools. The IB Diploma is authorized by the IBO and includes core requirements (TOK, CAS, EE) with a two-year, six-subject structure and final exams. AP Courses & Exams, IBDP Certificate Courses & Exams, and Dual Enrollment with universities are available as part of College Ready pathways.
Higher education progression
Graduates are prepared for higher education in Turkey and abroad, with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) enabling admission to universities worldwide. The school provides University Guidance Counseling and tracks university acceptances and program choices.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Eligibility & timing: Applications are accepted year-round. Eligibility requires a non-Turkish passport. For an August start, submit by January or February; mid-year admissions are possible if space allows. Applications are processed in the order in which they are completed, and placement is confirmed if there is space, otherwise the child is placed on the waitlist.
2. Visit and interview: Families are encouraged to schedule a campus tour and an interview with the Director of Admissions. A visit provides insights into the community and helps answer questions, and a video call can be arranged if an on-site visit is not possible.
3. Application steps: Complete the Online Application Form via iics.openapply.com and access the required checklist after submission. Upload school records for the last three years, with English translations if needed, and share Teacher Reference/Recommendation Forms via OpenApply. Upload a passport copy and a recent headshot, and sign the Financial Contract and complete the Health Form (doctor's report not required). Transfer the application fee with the receipt. Entrance requirements for Early Years–Grade 5 do not include a formal exam; Grades 6+ require a short online English writing assessment.
4. Next steps: After all requirements are completed, the file is submitted to the Principal for approval and the Admissions Office will notify the family of the status. Applications are reviewed in order, and placement is confirmed when space exists; if not, the child is placed on the waitlist. If space is available, the child may begin once placement is confirmed.
Admissions
1. Visit Our Campus. Prospective families are invited to request a campus tour by contacting Kilittaşı admissions. You will tour the school with the Principal and/or Vice Principal, while your child meets with a guidance counsellor for a brief interview, followed by feedback. If in-person visits are not possible, an online meeting can be scheduled to address questions before applying. 2. Receive Offer of Admission. An Offer of Admission is issued, and the next steps are explained after you confirm to proceed with admissions. 3. Complete Your Application. Fill out the online application form and submit it along with your payment receipt and other required documents. 4. Schedule an Enrolment Meeting. After the complete application is received, an enrolment meeting is scheduled to finalize the enrolment of the child.
Scholarships
Scholarships
There are no scholarships or financial aid programs. An early-payment discount is offered. Sibling discounts apply: 5% off tuition for the second child, and 10% off for the third and subsequent children.
Scholarships
Kilittaşı Scholarships and Discounts are offered in five categories: Education Merit Discount, Sports Discount, State Scholarship, Corporate Discounts, and Alumni Discount. Education Merit Discount applies to 5th–8th grade entrants; in February, a Kilittaşı Giriş Sınavı (KGS) is held, and the top performers within a defined range receive a 100% discount, with additional discounts available for other high performers. For enrolled students, the discount is reassessed annually based on achievement exams and practice tests, with continued eligibility determined by the Scholarships Committee. Sports Discount is awarded to students in specified sports with domestic or international results, starting at 100% and varying by achievement for a one-year period. State Scholarship provides free or subsidized education to a portion of students in accordance with governing regulations, with a minimum target of 3% of the student body. Corporate Discounts apply to children of employees of partner firms, as defined by each corporate agreement. Alumni Discount applies to Kilittaşı alumni and their children. The continuity and adjustment of all discounts/burslar are governed by the Kilittaşı Scholarship Policy, with annual reviews and criteria outlined by the school board.
Waitlist
Waitlist
If no place is available in the age-appropriate grade, the child is placed on the waitlist. Waitlist status depends on space availability and order of submission.