Why Turkey’s international school scholarships are important

Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir have a fast‑growing network of international and private schools, serving expat and local families. Fees have risen alongside demand, so scholarships, bursaries and discounts are increasingly used to attract and support students.

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1. Scholarship and bursary types

• Academic scholarships – for strong performance in IGCSE, A Levels, IB or local exams.
• Senior‑school awards – for students entering key upper‑secondary years.
• Needs‑based bursaries – partial fee relief after financial review.
• Sibling and staff discounts – reductions for families with multiple children and school employees.

Examples of Turkish schools with scholarship programmes

Istanbul:

• Premium international and private schools in Istanbul often offer:
  • Academic scholarships in the 10–40% range.
  • Discounts and bursaries for high‑potential students from families under financial pressure.

Ankara & Izmir:

• Selected international and bilingual schools provide:
  • Merit‑based scholarships for top exam performers.
  • Needs‑based concessions for families who supply income and expense information.

Because exact schemes differ widely, families must review individual school policies.

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2. Typical coverage levels

Indicative ranges:

• Academic scholarships: 10–40% of tuition.
• Senior‑school awards: sometimes 30–50% in high‑profile programmes.
• Bursaries and concessions: often 15–40% based on financial need.
• Sibling/staff discounts: typically 5–20%.

Full‑fee scholarships are uncommon and tied mainly to specific access or foundation programmes.

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3. Eligibility and competition

Schools in Turkey typically consider:

• Academic performance and school references.
• Entrance test results and, where relevant, language proficiency.
• For bursaries: evidence of financial need.
• For talent schemes: significant achievements in sport, arts or leadership.

Competition can be strong, particularly at well‑known Istanbul schools, so families should apply early and broadly.

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4. Application process and timelines

Typical steps:

1. Shortlist schools with clear scholarship/bursary information on their websites.
2. Gather reports, exam grades and recommendations.
3. If applying for bursaries, prepare income and expense documentation.
4. Submit applications before deadlines, often one or two terms before the new academic year.
5. Attend required tests, interviews or auditions.

Planning 9–12 months ahead gives families the best chance of success.

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5. Duration and renewal

• Scholarships and bursaries are usually granted for one year, with renewal based on:
  • Maintaining grades and conduct.
  • Continued financial need (for bursaries).
• Schools may change awards if academic results or finances shift significantly.

Always confirm whether support covers tuition only or also other compulsory fees.

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How Tutopiya supports families in Turkey

Tutopiya helps students in Turkey by:

• Strengthening performance in IGCSE, A Levels, IB and other international curricula.
• Providing online 1‑to‑1 tutoring that supports bilingual learners in English and Turkish‑medium environments.
• Helping families link school‑level scholarships with future university study goals.

If your child is aiming for an international school scholarship in Istanbul, Ankara or Izmir, Tutopiya can help them build the academic and exam profile needed to stand out.