The education system in Turkey is divided into three levels: primary, high school and higher education. Children between the ages of 6 and 14 are required to attend primary education, which is free of charge and lasts eight years, split into two four-year cycles. The first cycle focuses on basic skills such as reading, writing and math, while the second cycle includes more advanced concepts in these subjects as well as social studies, science and foreign languages. Following primary education, students move on to high school education, which is a four-year program.
In middle school, students continue to study core subjects such as math, science, Turkish and social studies, as well as elective subjects such as art, music and physical education. High school education is divided into two tracks: academic and vocational. The academic track prepares students for university entrance exams, while the vocational track provides practical skills and job-specific training. Higher education in Turkey is offered by universities which offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as arts, sciences, engineering, medicine and business. Admissions to universities are competitive and based on the results of university entrance exams, which are administered by the Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM).
Students can apply to multiple universities and programs and are placed based on their exam scores and the availability of spots at the chosen institutions. In addition to traditional universities, Turkey also has foundation universities which are privately funded institutions that offer undergraduate and graduate programs. These universities are generally smaller than public universities and have more selective admissions processes. The education system in Turkey places a strong emphasis on academic achievement and preparing students for higher education and successful careers. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects and skills and students are expected to perform well on exams to progress to the next level of education.
