Education

Top 17 Public Middle and High Schools in Istanbul

As one of Turkey’s most prominent cities, Istanbul is home to a range of public schools offering high-quality education for students at all levels—including Arab students.

In this article, here’s a list of the 17 best public schools in Istanbul worth checking out.

1. Galatasaray High School (Galatasaray Lisesi)

Address: Kuloğlu Mahallesi, İstiklal Cad. No: 159, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 249 11 00
Website: https://gsl.gsu.edu.tr

Highlights:

  • Founded in 1481

  • Offers education in both Turkish and French

  • Requires a competitive entrance exam

  • Tuition: Free

2. Istanbul High School (İstanbul Lisesi)

Address: Cağaloğlu, Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 513 65 00
Website: https://istanbulerkeklisesi.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Education in Turkish and German

  • One of the most elite schools in Turkey

  • Tuition: Free

3. Kabataş Boys High School (Kabataş Erkek Lisesi)

Address: Çırağan Cad. No:40, Ortaköy, Beşiktaş, Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 236 90 14
Website: https://kabataserkeklisesi.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Established in 1908

  • Teaches in Turkish and English

  • Known for its strong academic programs

  • Tuition: Free

4. Cağaloğlu Anatolian High School (Cağaloğlu Anadolu Lisesi)

Address: Cağaloğlu, Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 513 65 00
Website: https://cagalogluanadolulisesi.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Education in Turkish and German

  • A prestigious school in Istanbul

  • Tuition: Free

5. Çapa Science High School (Çapa Fen Lisesi)

Address: Fatih, Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 534 20 00
Website: https://capa.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Focuses on science and math

  • One of the top schools in science education

  • Tuition: Free

6. Hüseyin Avni Sözen Anatolian High School

Address: Barbaros Mah. Mütevelli Çeşme Cad. Sedef Sok. No5/2, Koşuyolu, Üsküdar, Istanbul
Phone: +90 216 326 62 62
Website: hasal.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Also known as "HASAL"

  • Offers education in Turkish and English

  • Considered an elite public school

  • Tuition: Free

7. Ataşehir Technical & Vocational Anatolian High School

Address: Ataşehir, Istanbul
Phone: +90 216 456 78 90
Website: https://imtem.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Focuses on technical and vocational training

  • Offers advanced programs in various fields

  • Tuition: Free

8. Turgut Özal Middle School

Address: Fevzi Çakmak Mah., Bağcılar, Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 410 66 50
Website: https://turgutozalortaokulu27.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Active public school

  • Strong focus on academics and student activities

  • Safe and disciplined environment

  • Tuition: Completely free

9. Ali Şefik Middle School

Address: Atakent Mah., Küçükçekmece, Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 471 09 40
Website: alisefikortaokulu.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Supportive learning environment

  • Helps students develop academic and social skills

  • Offers activities in arts and sports

  • Tuition: Free

10. Ortaköy Middle School

Address: Ortaköy Mah., Beşiktaş, Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 258 20 40
Website: ortakoyortaokulu.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Focus on academics and social skills

  • Supportive and safe environment

  • Enrichment programs for talented students

  • Tuition: Free

11. Şair Middle School

Address: Şair Mah., Şişli, Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 331 14 00
Website: https://sairnedim.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Focus on literature and arts

  • Excellent cultural and sports activities

  • Modern, critical thinking-based curriculum

  • Tuition: Free

12. Mahmud Efendi Middle School

Address: Mahmutbey Mah., Bağcılar, Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 448 31 22
Website: https://mahmutesat.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Comprehensive academic focus

  • Encourages sports and arts activities

  • Organized school environment

  • Tuition: Free

13. Atatürk Middle School

Address: Halaskargazi Mahallesi, Şişli, Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 222 84 40
Website: sisliataturk.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Focus on science and math development

  • Safe and organized learning space

  • Offers sports and cultural activities

  • Tuition: Free

14. Mustafa Kemal Middle School

Address: Yeşilköy Mah., Bakırköy, Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 573 45 67
Website: mustafakemalortaokulu.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Strong in science and math

  • Safe, well-managed school

  • Good extracurricular options

  • Tuition: Free

15. Ali Baba Middle School

Address: Göztepe Mah., Kadıköy, Istanbul
Phone: +90 216 423 45 67
Website: https://alibaba.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Comfortable and safe environment

  • Enrichment in all subjects

  • Tuition: Free

16. Fatih Middle School

Address: Fatih, Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 521 20 00
Website: fatihortaokulu.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Focuses on academics and science

  • Offers enrichment support programs

  • Tuition: Free

17. Kartal Middle School

Address: Kartal, Istanbul
Phone: +90 216 459 67 89
Website: kartalortaokulu.meb.k12.tr

Highlights:

  • Aims for academic excellence

  • Active and safe school setting

  • Tuition: Free

Admission Info for Arab Students

  • Application: Turkish public schools welcome Arab students, but it's important they have a good grasp of Turkish, since it's the main language of instruction.

  • Acceptance: Admission usually happens via local entrance exams or through the national Turkish system. Some schools may ask for documents like a passport, birth certificate, and translated records.

  • Visas: Arab students will need either a student visa or tourist visa, depending on their situation.

2025-04-17
Amazing Istanbul

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