How to Choose a High School Offering the IB Diploma — 9 Criteria for Parents

The IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) is an internationally recognised programme taught in the last two years of high school. In Turkey, IB students can earn both the Turkish national high school diploma and the IB Diploma. To choose the right IB school, look at its official authorisation, language of instruction, language preparation, guidance support and how it balances the programme with preparation for the national YKS exam.

What is the IB Diploma Programme?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an international education foundation established in Geneva in 1968. Its Diploma Programme is a two-year programme that prepares students aged 16-19 for university.

The programme is structured as follows:

• Six subjects: one from each of five subject groups — language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics. The sixth is an arts subject or an additional subject from one of these groups.
• Levels: three subjects at higher level (HL, 240 hours), the rest at standard level (SL, 150 hours).
• Core:
  • Extended Essay (EE): independent research in a chosen subject.
  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK): critical thinking about how knowledge is constructed, assessed through an exhibition and a 1,600-word essay.
  • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): arts, sport and community service.
• Assessment: written exams at the end of the programme marked by external examiners appointed by the IB, alongside internal assessments. Each subject is graded 1-7. The diploma requires at least 24 points, out of a maximum of 45.

How does the IB differ from the Turkish national curriculum?

The IB does not replace the Ministry of National Education (MEB) curriculum; it is added to it. Students follow the MEB curriculum in grades 9 and 10, then take IB subjects alongside MEB subjects in grades 11 and 12. At the end, they can earn the IB Diploma in addition to the national high school diploma.

For university entry, the difference is:

• Abroad: universities in many countries accept the IB Diploma directly, and some offer scholarships or course credit based on IB scores.
• Turkey: admission is through the YKS exam; the IB Diploma alone is not enough to apply to Turkish universities.

So for families who may also want a university place in Turkey, how the school balances the IB with YKS preparation is a key question.

Nine criteria for choosing an IB school

1. Official IB authorisation

Check whether the school is an IB World School on the International Baccalaureate Organization's official school search. Phrases such as "IB preparation" or "IB-style programme" do not mean authorisation.

2. Language of teaching and exams

In which language are IB subjects taught and examined? In an English-medium programme, a student's academic English needs to reach a sufficient level by grade 11.

3. Language preparation

See how the school prepares students for the IB in grades 9-10: is there a preparatory year, are science and maths taught in English, is academic writing practised?

4. Class size

The research- and discussion-based IB works better in small classes. Ask how large high school classes are.

5. Balance with the YKS

If you want to keep the option of university in Turkey open, find out how the school prepares IB students for the YKS.

6. University counselling

For applications abroad, the school's support is decisive: choosing universities, personal statements, reference letters, SAT/IELTS/TOEFL preparation and scholarship applications.

7. Opportunities for CAS

Clubs, art workshops and sports facilities at school make the "Creativity" and "Activity" parts of CAS much easier.

8. Guidance

In an intensive two-year programme, support with time management and motivation matters. Ask how the guidance service works with IB students.

9. Fee transparency

Check that tuition, meals and any IB-specific exam fees are stated separately and in writing.

The IB Diploma Programme at TED Üsküdar College

TED Üsküdar College is the school of the Turkish Education Association, founded in 1928, in Çengelköy, Üsküdar, Istanbul. It has been an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme since 2025.

Against the criteria above:

For full programme details, see the IB Diploma Programme page; for fees, see Registration Fees. For a campus visit and information about the IB programme, call +90 216 424 44 44.