MEF International School Istanbul vs The British International School Istanbul
MEF International School Istanbul and The British International School Istanbul are both in Istanbul, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer IB and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. MEF International School Istanbul also offers Cambridge (Secondary), and The British International School Istanbul also offers British. Published annual fees are TRY 23,610 - 42,915 at MEF International School Istanbul and TRY 21,600 - 52,500 at The British International School Istanbul, which puts The British International School Istanbul roughly 11% higher. MEF International School Istanbul takes pupils from 3 to 18, and The British International School Istanbul from 2 to 18. The British International School Istanbul is the larger school, with around 520 pupils to MEF International School Istanbul's 400. Typical class sizes are 6 at MEF International School Istanbul and 15 at The British International School Istanbul.
Located in Ortaköy, Istanbul, on the European side, MEF International School, Istanbul sits near the city center. The campus spans 9 acres and shares facilities with MEF National School. The address is Ulus Mah. Leylak Sok. No:22, 34340 Ulus, Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey.
Location
Zekeriyaköy Forest Campus, Kilyos Caddesi No: 227, Sarıyer, Istanbul
Stages
Stages
Early Childhood Centre (Preschool through Kindergarten); Primary School (Grades 1–5); Middle School (Grades 6–12); High School (Overview, Cambridge IGCSE, IB Diploma Programme, and IB Certificate Programme).
Students from over 60 nations; a multinational school.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Guidance Counseling; English Language Learning; Learning Support; Career Counseling; Overseas College Counseling.
Additional learning support
The Learning Support Department works with classroom teachers and parents to support children with special needs, beginning at enrollment with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and meetings. Services include formal monitoring and IEPs, with staff collaborating with teachers, parents, administrators, external Educational Psychologists, Speech Therapists and other professionals. The program offers pull-out and push-in support as well as Booster Classes and Learning Support across all areas of the curriculum.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
British (division of The British School Istanbul)
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Bus service for the 2025–2026 Academic Year is provided by Transay Transportation & Employee Services Co., a company operating in the transportation sector since 1989. Parents can register via the MEF IS School Bus Sign-Up Form. For inquiries, contact MEF IS bus liaison Ms. Derya Seyitoğlu at T: +90 549 171 75 11 or +90 212 275 30 03, E: mef@transay.com.tr or deryaseyitoglu@transay.com.tr.
Bus service details
Bus service is offered through AZ-AL. Buses are GPS-tracked, equipped with security cameras, and operated by qualified drivers and hostesses; a representative is based at both the City and Zekeriyaköy Campuses. Bus service registration forms are available for Etiler STEAM Campus and Zekeriyaköy Forest Campus.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and Registration Fees
- Application fee (one-time, non-refundable for new applicants): USD 1,250. - Registration fee (one-time, non-refundable for new applicants; for ECC students registration fee is paid when they start Grade 1): USD 4,250.
Placement Fee (annual, secures the place for new and returning students)
- Placement fees by year group (annual): - Early Childhood Centre (Pre‑School / Pre‑Kindergarten): USD 4,500. - Kindergarten: USD 6,000. - Primary School (Grades 1–5): USD 7,500. - Middle School (Grades 6–7): USD 7,500. - Middle School (Grade 8): USD 7,500. - High School (Grades 9–11): USD 7,500. - High School (Grade 12): USD 7,500. - IB Year 1 (IB‑1): USD 8,000. - IB Year 2 (IB‑2): USD 8,000.
Tuition, Food and Annual Totals (Academic Year 2026–2027) — amounts shown in USD
- Each line below shows: Tuition | Food | Total (including 10% VAT) | Total (excluding VAT). - Pre‑School / Pre‑Kindergarten: Tuition USD 20,070 | Food USD 3,540 | Total (including VAT) USD 23,610 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 21,463. - Kindergarten: Tuition USD 29,920 | Food USD 3,540 | Total (including VAT) USD 33,460 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 30,418. - Primary School (Grades 1–5): Tuition USD 37,500 | Food USD 4,100 | Total (including VAT) USD 41,600 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 37,818. - Middle School (Grades 6–7): Tuition USD 38,815 | Food USD 4,100 | Total (including VAT) USD 42,915 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 39,014. - Middle School (Grade 8): Tuition USD 39,050 | Food USD 4,100 | Total (including VAT) USD 43,150 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 39,227. - High School (Grades 9–11): Tuition USD 40,900 | Food USD 4,100 | Total (including VAT) USD 45,000 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 40,909. - High School (Grade 12): Tuition USD 42,020 | Food USD 4,100 | Total (including VAT) USD 46,120 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 41,928. - IB‑1: Tuition USD 41,065 | Food USD 4,100 | Total (including VAT) USD 45,165 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 41,059. - IB‑2: Tuition USD 42,165 | Food USD 4,100 | Total (including VAT) USD 46,265 | Total (excluding VAT) USD 42,059.
Installment amounts and billing schedule (payment plan)
- The placement fee is due immediately after confirmation of admission for new students; returning students must pay the placement fee by March 31, 2026 to secure re‑enrolment. - Tuition is payable in a 5‑installment plan after payment of the placement fee. The installment due dates for the academic year are: 31 March 2026 (placement or first due by date shown in schedule), then 15 May 2026, 15 July 2026, 15 September 2026, 15 November 2026 and 15 January 2027 (final installment). Specific installment amounts by grade are shown below.
- Amounts are required in US dollars; payments must be made to the school's USD bank account. Transfers are subject to bank charges; ensure the full USD amount is credited to the school. Email a copy of the bank receipt with the child's name and "26‑27 Child's name" to the Admissions email address upon settlement. Separate bank account details exist for IB DP tuition payments. - Bank account details (wire/SWIFT/IBAN for USD payments) are provided for the school's Yapi Kredi Bankasi account; the account holder is MEF Okullari ve Ozel Egitim Hizmetleri A.S. (full wire details and IBAN are provided with the school's payment instructions). - A 2% discount is available for payments made in full before March 6, 2026 (full payment discount deadline as stated). - Invoices: the annual school fee is divided into ten equal amounts (September–June) and e‑invoices are issued monthly by the school's billing system. - Overdue payments: installments not received by the stated due dates are delinquent; a late fee of 3% is added to past‑due accounts. After one month of non‑payment parents will be asked to make payment in full or withdraw the child; accounts not settled within two months may be referred to a legal collection agency.
What tuition includes and excludes / Other chargeable items
- Included in tuition: cooked lunch, morning and afternoon snacks, usage of textbooks, yearbook, one physical education uniform, clubs/sports/music/art offered by MEF IS teachers during school and after school, coverage of Cambridge Checkpoint and up to eight IGCSE exam fees per year (certain exam‑related extra charges excluded), and one session of IB DP final exam fees (excludes re‑marks/re‑takes). - Not included in tuition and charged separately by families as needed: school bus transport (optional, fee‑based), clubs or activities run by outside organisations, IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/ACT fees, computers/laptops/iPads/calculators, personal stationery, extended overnight or out‑of‑city trips, exam late‑entry fees, rechecks and postal charges. Families are responsible for devices required (Grades 4–8 iPad requirement; Grades 9–12 recommended laptop specifications). - Uniforms: one physical education uniform is included in tuition; additional uniform items are an extra cost.
Refunds and withdrawals
- Withdrawal refund rule: a 10% deduction will be made from the full year school fees (placement fee + yearly tuition) when a child's enrolment is withdrawn during the academic year. If the school year has not begun, the remaining amount after the 10% deduction is reimbursed in full. If withdrawal occurs during the school year, the refund is prorated based on the number of days until withdrawal; refunds are returned to the original payer. Late fees (if any) are not refunded. - New registrations during the school year: tuition will be calculated pro rata for the number of days attended in the registration month plus the remaining part of the academic year.
Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable. MEF International School, Istanbul operates as a day school; students are expected to remain on campus for the school day and the school offers an optional, fee‑based bus service for transportation.
Fee payment options (accepted methods and practical notes)
- Primary accepted payment method: international bank transfer (wire) in US dollars to the school's USD account (SWIFT/IBAN details are provided in the school's payment instructions). Transfers should cover all bank charges so the school receives the full USD amount. Email a copy of the bank receipt to the Admissions/registration email provided by the school once payment is made. - The school's payment policy notes that different bank accounts are specified for general tuition and IB DP tuition; follow the payment instructions for the correct beneficiary account.
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 10% for two siblings, 15% for three or more siblings applied to total tuition (not to application, registration or placement fees). Corporate group discount: 5% for five or more enrollments from the same company/consulate meeting eligibility requirements. The total discount cannot exceed 25%; multiple discounts are applied in a stepped order starting with the largest.
(End of fees summary.)
Fee details
Application and Registration Fees
- Application fee: USD 1,250 (one‑time, payable before an application may be processed; non‑refundable). - Registration fee: USD 5,500 (one‑time, non‑refundable; applies to Year 1–Year 13; Pre‑School and Reception pay the registration fee once they progress into Year 1). The registration fee is designated for capital investments and must be paid in full at registration; different payment deadlines apply depending on whether you choose the discounted full‑payment plan or the instalment plan.
Tuition fees (2026–2027 academic year) — annual and per‑term amounts by year group
- Pre‑School (Half Day) - Discounted full payment (if paid before 31 December 2025): USD 17,000 per year. - Full payment (if paid before 1 March 2026): USD 20,200 per year. - Instalment plan total: USD 21,600 per year. - Instalment amounts (three equal instalments): USD 7,200 due 1 May 2026; USD 7,200 due 1 July 2026; USD 7,200 due 1 September 2026.
- Pre‑School (Full Day) - Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 19,100 per year. - Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 22,500 per year. - Instalment plan total: USD 25,500 per year. - Instalment amounts: USD 8,500 + USD 8,500 + USD 8,500 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026).
- Reception - Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 23,400 per year. - Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 25,000 per year. - Instalment plan total: USD 29,550 per year. - Instalment amounts: USD 9,850 + USD 9,850 + USD 9,850 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026).
- Primary - Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 37,200 per year. - Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 39,800 per year. - Instalment plan total: USD 47,550 per year. - Instalment amounts: USD 15,850 + USD 15,850 + USD 15,850 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026).
- Secondary (Years 7–10) - Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 38,800 per year. - Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 41,500 per year. - Instalment plan total: USD 49,050 per year. - Instalment amounts: USD 16,350 + USD 16,350 + USD 16,350 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026).
- Secondary (Years 11–12) - Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 40,400 per year. - Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 43,200 per year. - Instalment plan total: USD 50,550 per year. - Instalment amounts: USD 16,850 + USD 16,850 + USD 16,850 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026).
- Secondary (Year 13) - Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 41,850 per year. - Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 44,800 per year. - Instalment plan total: USD 52,500 per year (this figure includes IB fees; it does not include IB remark or retake charges). - Instalment amounts: USD 17,500 + USD 17,500 + USD 17,500 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Discounted full‑payment deadline: payment before 31 December 2025 qualifies for the discounted rate. - Full‑payment deadline: payment before 1 March 2026 applies for the standard full‑payment rate. - Instalment plan: three equal instalments due on 1 May 2026, 1 July 2026 and 1 September 2026. Students may not start school until instalment plan payments are fully paid where required by the school. Late instalment payments incur a surcharge. - Late payment penalty: a surcharge of 5% is applied to late 1st, 2nd and 3rd instalment payments. If payments remain outstanding 14 days after the due date, students may not be admitted until payments are up to date. - Registration deadlines linked to payment option: registration fee must be paid by the deadline appropriate to the chosen payment plan (discounted full payment vs instalment plan) in order to benefit from the related payment terms.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not listed in the published fee schedule; no boarding fees are shown. The school's fee schedule and related admissions information do not set out a boarding option or boarding charges.
Other costs and extras
- The following items are not included in tuition and are charged separately: bus service (contact AZ‑AL for bus pricing), health/medical insurance, uniform, educational day trips and sports activities. - IB exam coverage: Year 13 tuition includes IB fees, but does not include IB remark or retake fees. Exam fees and costs for books/materials may be charged separately and are specifically referenced in refund and deduction rules. - Uniform: the school lists an official uniform provider and uniform costs are not included in tuition.
Refund and withdrawal terms
- Application and registration fees are non‑transferable and non‑refundable. There is no remission of tuition for periods of absence. A refund for unused tuition may be made at the school's discretion if a student is withdrawn during the academic year provided specified conditions are met. Refund conditions include providing a minimum 90‑day written notice (registered post) to the Director of Admissions and the student being absent from school for the remainder of the term; the school will deduct costs for books, materials, exam fees, prepaid taxes and the registration fee when calculating any refund.
Fee payment options and bank details
- Payment method listed: payment by bank transfer in USD to the school's Akbank USD account. Full account details (account number, branch, SWIFT and IBAN) are provided for making payments; parents must indicate student name(s) on the transfer and ensure payments are made on time. The school states it is not responsible for payments sent to incorrect accounts or for bank charges incurred. No credit‑card payment option is listed in the published fee information.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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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
Cambridge IGCSE is offered in Grades 9–10; in Grades 11–12 MEF IS offers either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the IB Certificate Programme (Course Certificate route). The IB Diploma Programme uses six subjects across Groups 1–6 with Core Components: CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service); Extended Essay (EE); and Theory of Knowledge (TOK).
Curriculum details
The British International School Istanbul uses the Cambridge International Curriculum in Primary and Secondary up to IGCSE. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) students follow an adapted English National Curriculum; in Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) they study the Cambridge IGCSE; in Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13) they pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The Pre-School follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Across the Primary School, the Cambridge Curriculum is used for English, Mathematics and Science.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Staff to student ratio is 5:2.
Student teacher ratio
The staff to student ratio is better than 1 to 6; class sizes are small, with a maximum of 15 in iGCSE and IB Diploma classes.
Exam results
Exam results
2024: MEFIS Highest Score 44; MEFIS Average 32; Global Average 30.32. 2023: Highest 40; Average 32; Global Average 30.24. 2022: Highest 44; Average 34; Global Average 31.98. 2021: Highest 43; Average 37; Global Average 32.98. 2020: Highest 42; Average 33; Global Average 31.34.
Exam results
IB Diploma Programme: 100% pass rate in 2025 with an average of 33 points and a top score of 40; 23 of the 30 subjects and levels scored above the global average. IGCSE results in 2025 show an 88% pass rate (A*–C), the best pass rate in 10 years, with notable achievements such as a student earning 11 A* grades.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Almost 100% of graduates have attended world-class universities. 2022 university acceptances include UK: Imperial College London; Newcastle University; The University of Nottingham; University of Bristol; University of Cambridge; University of Kent; University of Manchester; University of Reading; University of Sheffield; University of Southampton; University of Surrey; University of Warwick. USA: Boston College; Boston University; Drexel University; Fordham University; Georgia Institute of Technology; Hofstra University; Indiana University Bloomington; Michigan State University; North Carolina State University; Pennsylvania State University—University Park; Pepperdine University; Texas A&M University; Texas Christian University; UC campuses (Davis, Santa Cruz, Merced, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara); University of Indianapolis; University of Massachusetts Dartmouth; University of Massachusetts Amherst; University of Massachusetts Boston; University of Miami; University of Minnesota; University of Wisconsin. Canada: McGill University; McMaster University; Toronto Metropolitan University; University of British Columbia; University of Toronto. Europe: Trinity College Dublin; Erasmus University College; Jacobs University; Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano; Stenden University of Applied Sciences; TIO University of Applied Sciences; Universidad Carlos III de Madrid; University College Maastricht; University of Amsterdam; University of Twente; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Wageningen University and Research Centre; Yeditepe University.
Higher education progression
Graduates go on to universities around the world, including University of Cambridge, University of Toronto, UC Berkeley, University of British Columbia, Seoul National University, New York University, London School of Economics and Political Science, Imperial College London, Brown University, University of Glasgow, Durham University, University of Edinburgh, Goldsmiths, University of London, King's College London, Lucerne University, The University of Nottingham, Royal Holloway University of London, University of Southampton, Suffolk University Boston, and The George Washington University.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
The school notes that when a student is naturally gifted in a subject such as Mathematics, BIS aims to stretch and challenge them.
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. Submit the MEF IS Application Form for new students and pay the application fee. Applications are considered only after the fee is paid, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. For the 2026-2027 school year, grade placement requires successful completion of the previous grade level, and the academic year runs from September to June. A proficient level of English is required for enrolment in Grades 9-12 (at least A2), with an intermediate level (B1-B2) for Grades 10-12; the school may administer a WIDA English assessment at its discretion.
Admissions
1. Aims and Eligibility. The British International School Istanbul has an inclusive admissions policy and welcomes students of all nationalities and those for whom English is an additional language. Turkish students are not admitted in accordance with Turkish Ministry of Education regulations. Students are accepted between ages 2½ and 18 and are placed in a class by age, subject to English access; in the first EYFS class, students stay half-day for at least the first term.
2. Initial Enquiry. The parent contacts the School and requests an appointment to visit. This can be done via the online contact form or by telephone. A member of the admissions team provides information about the school and the admissions process. An appointment for a visit is arranged.
3. Preliminary Visit. The prospective parent confirms the appointment and is given a contact name. During the visit the parent is given a tour of the school and meets the Director/Deputy Director.
4. Completion of the Application. The parent completes an application for each student when BIS is the chosen school.
5. Application Fee. Each new applicant pays 1,250 USD before the application is processed; this is a one-time, non-refundable fee. The fee must be paid for the application to be processed. The application will not proceed until the fee is received.
6. Registration Fee and Payment. The Registration Fee is 5,500 USD, a one-time payment for students from Year 1 to Year 13; Preschool and Reception pay the Registration Fee when they reach Year 1. The fee is non-refundable and funds campus development, sports facilities, technology and library improvements. Registration is not complete until the fee is paid in full. New Parents paying the Discounted Tuition Plan must pay the Registration Fee by February 1; if not, the discount does not apply and the student is placed on the instalment plan. New Parents on the Instalment Plan must pay the Registration Fee by May 1, with the first instalment not subjected to late charges; students may not start until all instalments are paid.
7. Documentation. The Director of Admissions must receive the following documents: four passport photographs of the child; two photographs of each parent; photocopy of the child's passport; parents' passport copies; BIS Medical Form; BIS Family Contract; Financial Policy + Invoice Information form. Parents should complete all sections of the application form with as much detail as possible and provide recent sealed original reports from the previous school where applicable.
8. Withdrawal. Ninety days' written notice is required to withdraw a student and obtain a refund of fees. The notice should be provided in writing to the admissions/finance team.
9. Registration Forms. Prospective parents download and complete BIS Medical Report Form, BIS Family Contract, Financial Policy, Head Teacher Recommendation Form, Invoice Information, Registration Form, and Swimming Lessons – Parent Disclaimer.
10. Policy Update – July 2025. For the Turkish Ministry of Education equivalence process: two years of school reports (including midterm reports) are required; reports not in English, Russian or Arabic must be translated and notarised; email scanned copies of reports in advance and submit originals on arrival. Residence Permit (Ikamet) is required to begin the process, after which access to e-Devlet is arranged via PTT. Copies of student and parent passports are required. The Edenklik portal provides further guidance; the equivalence process is mandatory for all families. For more information, contact via the Enquiry Form.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarships may be offered; if a student is found eligible for a scholarship, whether full or partial, the tuition fee will be refunded to the parent/guardian within two months after the start of the academic year.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
There is currently no waiting list for entry into MEF IS Istanbul. From time to time, classes can reach maximum capacity, so applying early is advisable.
