Compare 7 international schools in Ankara, Turkey. Filter by curriculum, fees (average TRY 159,088), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Ankara’s international schools sit between a network of English-medium and bilingual private schools and a smaller set of embassy, French and German schools, so families will typically find IB, British (Cambridge/IGCSE), American and national-system pathways rather than a single dominant model. English is the primary language of instruction at most international campuses, with Turkish taught alongside and French or German offered at specialist schools or sections; many private schools also deliver a dual Turkish-plus-international programme. Annual fees vary widely by school and age but commonly fall in a band where early years and lower primary are in the low-to-mid five-figure US dollar range and upper secondary/DP years are higher; expect additional one-off registration or capital charges and Turkish VAT (KDV) to be added. The Turkish academic year normally runs from September to June, schools frequently operate rolling admissions for mid-year moves and established September intakes fill fastest, and families should factor commute, neighbourhood and student-support needs into school choices.
What curricula will my child typically find in Ankara’s international schools?
You will commonly encounter the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), British programmes (Cambridge/IGCSE), American/College Board pathways and specialist French or German sections, with some Turkish private schools combining the national curriculum with international syllabuses. Availability varies by school and by age group, so check whether a school runs the full sequence you need through to university-entry level.
How much do international schools in Ankara usually cost?
Tuition levels differ by school, campus and pupil age but a useful planning range is that early years and primary places are often in the lower to mid five-figure US dollar band, while upper secondary and IB Diploma years are commonly higher; many schools publish fees in Turkish lira and add VAT (KDV) plus registration or capital fees. Ask schools for a full schedule of charges (tuition, transport, meals, testing, one-time enrolment fees) and whether fee increases are capped under Ministry regulations.
When should I apply if we plan to start in September?
For a September start, begin enquiries as early as the autumn or winter before your move: many popular year groups and well-known international programmes have application windows that open many months ahead and can fill by spring. Schools also accept mid-year entries on a rolling basis when places become available, but late applications are more likely to be waitlisted.
What languages of instruction and language support can I expect?
Most international schools use English as the main language of instruction and include Turkish lessons as part of the timetable; French and German are offered in dedicated sections or at specialist schools, and many schools provide English language development (ELD/ESL) for newcomers. If your child needs mother-tongue classes or significant learning-support provision, ask schools for concrete examples of recent timetables and staffing levels.
What should I look for when comparing schools in Ankara?
Prioritise curricular alignment with your family’s long-term plans (for example whether you need IB Diploma, A-levels, or national equivalency), check accreditation and external inspection or membership status, and review pastoral and language-support provision for international students. Also consider location and transport, published fee schedules (including VAT and one-off charges), and how each school manages mid-year entry and learning-support needs.
