Families relocating to Istanbul often look for a school where their children can continue an international curriculum. The IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) is one of the most widely recognised options. This guide covers the basics:
- how the Turkish school system is structured,
- what the IB Diploma involves,
- what to ask when you visit a school,
- and how the programme works at TED Üsküdar College on the Asian side.
How the Turkish school system works
Schooling in Türkiye follows a 4+4+4 structure:
- primary (grades 1-4)
- middle school (grades 5-8)
- high school (grades 9-12)
Many private high schools also have a preparatory English year before grade 9.
Private schools follow the national curriculum of the Ministry of National Education (MEB), often with intensive English and additional international programmes. Students who complete high school receive the Turkish national diploma. University admission in Türkiye is through the national exam, YKS.
What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year programme for students aged 16-19. In Türkiye it usually runs in grades 11 and 12, alongside the national curriculum.
Students take:
- six subjects: one from each of five subject groups, plus an arts subject or a second subject from another group. Three are taken at higher level (HL, 240 hours) and the rest at standard level (SL, 150 hours).
- three core components:
- the Extended Essay (EE)
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Each subject is graded 1-7 and up to three extra points come from TOK and the EE. The maximum score is 45; a minimum of 24, together with the other requirements, is needed for the diploma.
Questions to ask when visiting an IB school
- Is the school an authorised IB World School? Check the IB's official find an IB school directory.
- What is the language of instruction and assessment?
- How are students prepared before grade 11? For example, is there a preparatory English year? Are science and maths taught in English?
- How large are the classes?
- What university counselling is available, for applications abroad and for YKS?
- What activities support CAS? For example, clubs, sports, arts and community service.
- How do new students settle in? Ask about orientation and guidance support for students joining from abroad.
The IB Diploma Programme at TED Üsküdar College
TED Üsküdar College belongs to the Turkish Education Association (TED), founded in 1928. It has been an IB World School offering the Diploma Programme since 2025.
| Question | TED Üsküdar College |
|---|---|
| IB status | IB World School, Diploma Programme (since 2025) |
| Grades | 11 and 12; May examination session |
| Language | Taught and assessed in English |
| Preparation | Preparatory year with 21 hours of English per week; science and maths in English from grade 9 |
| Class size | Maximum 24 students in high school |
| Diplomas | Turkish national diploma + IB Diploma |
| University counselling | Overseas Education Counselling Office (YEDO) for the US, UK, Canada, Europe and Asia; SAT, ACT, TOEFL and IELTS preparation |
| Activities | MUN, European Youth Parliament, theatre, orchestra, dance and sports clubs; indoor swimming pool; indoor basketball and volleyball courts |
| Location | Çengelköy, Üsküdar — Asian side, overlooking the Bosphorus |
Programme details are on our IB Diploma Programme page. For key facts, fees and contact details, see TED Üsküdar College at a Glance. To arrange a campus visit, call +90 216 424 44 44 or write to bilgi@teduskudar.k12.tr.