Best International Schools in Istanbul
Looking for the best international schools in Istanbul? Whether you’re a newly arrived expat or planning a move to Turkey’s cultural capital, choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Istanbul is home to a wide range of international schools offering globally recognised curricula such as the British National Curriculum, the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge IGCSE, and American programmes. These schools cater to foreign nationals and globally mobile families, offering English-medium instruction, small class sizes, strong academic results, and multicultural learning environments.
From the forested campuses of Zekeriyaköy to the central neighbourhoods of Etiler, Hisar, and Ataşehir, Istanbul’s top international schools are located across the city. Many are accredited by prestigious international organisations such as the Council of International Schools (CIS), COBIS, IB, and Cambridge International. Most international schools in Istanbul provide state-of-the-art facilities, a wide selection of extracurricular activities, and strong university preparation pathways.
In this guide, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the most respected international schools in Istanbul, including essential information about their curricula, languages of instruction, accreditations, student demographics, and official websites — all in one place to help expat families make an informed choice.
1. The British International School Istanbul (BISI)
Campuses: Zekeriyaköy (Preschool–Year 13), Etiler (Preschool–Primary)
Curriculum: British (EYFS & National Curriculum), IGCSE, IB Diploma
Languages: English-medium instruction, Turkish as an additional language
Accreditations: CIS, COBIS, IB World School, Cambridge International
Student Body: 50+ nationalities
Website: https://www.bis.k12.tr
One of Istanbul’s most prestigious and well-established schools, BISI delivers a comprehensive British education from early years to Year 13, with a diverse international community and excellent facilities.
2. British International STEAM School (BISS)
Campus: Etiler (Preschool–Year 13)
Curriculum: British National Curriculum, STEAM-focused
Languages: English-medium instruction, Turkish as additional language
Accreditations: COBIS, British Schools Overseas (BSO)
Student Body: Diverse international community
Website: https://www.biss.k12.tr
BISS integrates a British curriculum with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) learning, emphasising hands-on projects and innovation in a small-class setting.
3. Istanbul International Community School (IICS)
Campuses: Hisar and Marmara (Preschool–Year 12)
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, Diploma)
Languages: English-medium instruction, Turkish and others offered
Accreditations: IB World School, CIS
Student Body: Expat-only, highly international
Website: https://www.iics.k12.tr
A fully accredited IB World School, IICS offers a rigorous IB curriculum to only foreign nationals, fostering a truly international environment across two campuses.
4. BIS Schools
Campuses: Zekeriyaköy, Bahçeşehir, Çamlıca, Alkent (Preschool–Year 13)
Curriculum: British National Curriculum alongside Turkish National Curriculum
Languages: English and Turkish bilingual instruction
Accreditations: CIS, COBIS
Student Body: Mixed local and international students
Website: https://www.bisi.k12.tr
BIS Schools offer bilingual education blending British and Turkish curricula across four campuses, providing an inclusive and balanced academic experience.
5. MEF International School Istanbul
Campus: Ataşehir (Preschool–Year 12)
Curriculum: Cambridge International Curriculum, IB Diploma
Languages: English-medium instruction, Turkish offered
Accreditations: CIS, Cambridge International, IB World School
Student Body: International and local students
Website: https://www.mefis.k12.tr
MEF International delivers Cambridge and IB programmes with a focus on academic excellence and a supportive environment for globally mobile families.
6. Hisar School
Campus: Hisar (Preschool–Year 12)
Curriculum: Bilingual Turkish-English curriculum, AP courses available
Languages: Turkish and English bilingual instruction
Accreditations: CIS
Student Body: Local and international
Website: https://www.hisarschool.k12.tr
Hisar School offers a bilingual education with strong academic results and AP options, preparing students for universities both in Turkey and abroad.
7. Lycée Français Pierre Loti
Campus: Tarabya (Preschool–Year 12)
Curriculum: French National Curriculum
Languages: French-medium instruction, Turkish and other languages offered
Accreditations: AEFE
Student Body: Mostly French-speaking expats and international students
Website: https://lyceefrancaispierreloti.com/
This French school is part of the AEFE network, offering rigorous French curriculum education with emphasis on multilingualism and cultural awareness.
8. Deutsche Schule Istanbul (DSI)
Campus: Beyoğlu (Preschool–Year 13)
Curriculum: German and Turkish dual curriculum
Languages: German and Turkish bilingual instruction
Accreditations: German government recognised
Student Body: German-speaking expats and locals
Website: https://www.ds-istanbul.net/
DSI combines German and Turkish curricula, making it ideal for German-speaking families and those seeking education recognised in both countries.
9. La scuola italiana a Istanbul
Campus: Istanbul (Preschool–Year 12)
Curriculum: Italian Ministry of Education curriculum
Languages: Italian and Turkish instruction
Accreditations: Italian Ministry of Education
Student Body: Italian expats and international families
Website: https://www.liceoitaliano.net/
Providing Italian curriculum education, this school supports Italian and international families with a focus on cultural and linguistic exchange.
