The education system in Turkey is under the scrutiny of the state. Today, impressive investments are made in educational institutions of the country, and the most modern equipment is purchased for them.
Education in Turkey is already close to competing with American and European systems. After all, a state that is actively developing its economy needs competent and qualified personnel. Recently, for Russians, education in Turkey has also been growing in interest. Confirmation of this is the increase in the number of our compatriots entering the universities of Anatolia and Istanbul.
A bit of history
The education system in Turkey has undergone many transformations throughout its existence. Once having a close relationship with religion, it underwent fundamental changes in the 18th century. The reforms carried out during this period made it possible to draw up more effective curricula in terms of their effectiveness. At the same time, Western languages (English and French) were taught in schools, and Turkish students appeared at European universities. During this period, primary education was introduced in the country.
At the beginning of the 20th century for the first time in the history of the formation of Turkey, special educational institutions arose. They were intended for students with various health restrictions. At the same time, the administrative bodies governing education were established and began their activities.
Active modernization of the education system in Turkey began in 1923, from the moment the Republic was proclaimed. The new government carried out reforms simultaneously in four directions. They were aimed at the unification, organization, improvement and dissemination of education.
Features
Education in Turkey is under the direct control of state authorities. According to the Constitution of the country, as well as the provisions of the Geneva Convection, every citizen has the right to receive it.
The education system in Turkey is represented by two areas - formal and informal. Moreover, each of them is fully controlled by the relevant Ministry.
What relates to formal education in Turkey? It is represented by preschool and primary, as well as the middle and highest level.
What education is considered informal in Turkey? All the rest. But at the same time it is also paid by the state. Consider all the steps of obtaining knowledge in more detail.
Preschool education
The first set of rules that the state adhered to when creating independent pre-school institutions was provisions published back in 1915. But only in 1961 did the question of the importance of early education and development of children within the framework of the activities of the Ministry of Turkish National Education begin to be seriously raised. In 1992, the Main Directorate in charge of preschool education was created in the structure of this department. The main responsibility was assigned to this body for the control, regulation, as well as the promotion of programs designed to implement the preschool development of children.
From 1 year to 6 years, children in Turkey attend kindergartens. Moreover, babies up to 3 years old can be given only to private institutions. Older than this age, they are also being prepared for school by state kindergartens. The latter are free. Nevertheless, parents of preschoolers still have to contribute a certain amount to books, stationery, and other expenses.
Private kindergartens work for a fee. In Turkey, they are quite expensive. So, a month for parents to find their baby, parents have to give about 250 US dollars.
Preschool education in Turkey is optional. But it must certainly get those children who have mental or physical disabilities. An individual educational plan is being developed for each such child. Moreover, at each of its stages, together with teachers, parents work with the baby.
As in many systems of preschool education abroad, in Turkey, children receive skills and knowledge not only in nurseries, private and public kindergartens. They master a certain base of skills in preparatory classes, as well as in institutions belonging to various departments and ministries. The programs used for kids are very diverse and rich in content. These include reading, literacy and music classes. In addition, children go to the cinema and theaters, with their participation costumed events are organized, as well as theme nights. Nevertheless, specific subjects in Turkish kindergartens are not being studied.
The main goal of preschool education is to help children in their physical and mental development. In kindergartens, children improve their speech skills and prepare to enter elementary school. They come to it, reaching 5-6 years of age.
Primary School
Turkish children go to first grade at 5-6 years old. From this moment, they begin the period of receiving an 8-year primary education, which is compulsory in the country.
In schools, children are taught free of charge. At the same time, they learn such objects:
- native language;
- math
- English (sometimes another foreign language or even two is taught);
- social science (starting from the 4th grade - sociology, and from the 8th - history and citizenship).
A schoolchild, having completed education at the initial stage of education at the age of 14, receives a corresponding diploma. This document confirms the fact that the teenager already has a knowledge base, as well as skills that will allow him to continue his studies. Those students who failed to achieve the required level by the end of the school year, again go to the same class.
Obtaining primary education for all citizens of the country is guaranteed by its Constitution. But they give it not only in public schools. A large number of private institutions have been opened in Turkey. They provide educational services only for a fee.
Primary education in Turkey has the goal of providing children with basic skills and knowledge necessary for this age, which would prepare them, proceeding from their abilities and interests, to move on to the next level. In addition, at the age of 13-14, students begin to be introduced to universities and various specialties. This should help them decide on a future profession.
high school
At this stage of education, children from 14 to 18 years of age gain knowledge. At the same time, they are prepared either for labor activity, or for entering a university.
For the most part, secondary education in Turkey is run by the state. That is why children get it for free. A graduate of such a school can become an entrant of any university.
Scientific institutions of secondary education
In addition to public schools in Turkey, there are specialized schools. They are trained children gifted in the field of natural sciences and mathematics. Such schools provide a fairly high level of knowledge. It encourages classes in research activities, providing students with special facilities where you can work on various inventions.
Education in scientific schools is carried out according to a four-year program. The language of instruction is Turkish. In order to become a student of such a specialized institution, you will need to pass the entrance exam and get a high score for it.
Anatolian schools
These educational institutions occupy a special place in the secondary education system of Turkey. In them, students are profoundly taught one of the foreign languages. In the future, young people can use the acquired knowledge for higher education.
The duration of studies in these schools is four years. Another year will have to be spent on taking preparatory courses. In addition to a foreign language, students study mathematics and science. Moreover, all training is conducted in French or English.
Anatolian schools are very popular in the country, because after their graduation, children without any problems enter the university. That is why becoming a student in such a school is not easy. For this, the child will have to endure a big competition.
Schools of Fine Arts
In such educational institutions, children with artistic talent are taught. The term of study in their walls is 4 years. At the same time, another year is allotted to take preparatory courses.
Foreign language schools
Such educational institutions were created in Turkey to prepare children for entering universities that correspond to their abilities, interests and level of knowledge. Within the walls of these schools, students study in depth a foreign language and gain knowledge in other subjects at the level of ordinary secondary education. The period of study in these institutions is 4 years. Moreover, from the initial stage of obtaining knowledge, children intensively learn foreign languages.
Special schools
In Turkey, there are educational institutions in which children and youth with disabilities receive knowledge. Based on the type of disability, they are accepted by schools, which are divided into five groups. They are open for children with visual impairment, hearing, musculoskeletal system, with chronic diseases and mental disorders.
The goal of creating such schools is to provide special children with special conditions for learning. In the future, this should allow them to integrate into society and even get a higher education. A graduate of such a school significantly increases the chances of becoming a full member of society and finding his vocation in life. Children with disabilities are also given the right to attend regular schools on an equal basis with their peers.
Special educational institutions work on a free basis. It is possible not only a day stay, but also temporary residence. Needy is provided with a boarding school.
Private schools
Such schools are represented by all types of schools. Classes are held at different levels of the process of obtaining knowledge.
Such schools operate under the direct supervision and supervision of the Ministry of Education of Turkey. There are not so many of them in the country. The share of private schools in the general system is only 1.5 percent.
Academic calendar
The school year in Turkey does not begin in early September, but in its middle. Sometimes schools open for students in early October. The school year lasts until May-early June. Some differences in this period are institutions located in rural and urban areas.
Children go to school five days a week, attending it in two shifts. In February, students are released for a two-week vacation.
Universities
What is the level of higher education in Turkey? All universities in the country operate under the supervision of a special Council. This body was introduced at the legislative level in November 1981. It is very attractive to get higher education in Turkey for Russian students.
University diplomas of this country are quoted in Europe. Moreover, one who has become a student in Turkey can easily continue his studies in another state. This allows you to make the European system of transfer credit units.
Otherwise, higher education in Turkey for Russians is similar to that available at home. These are the programs:
- undergraduate (6 years for medical specialties and 4 years for everyone else);
- Master's program (two-year period);
- doctoral studies (four-year period).
The academic year begins in Turkish universities in September and ends in June. But at the same time, various universities have the right to make their own amendments to the curriculum.
Higher education in Turkey is post-secondary knowledge. Students in the country are recruited by 103 state universities and 73 private. There are other higher education institutions. These are military and police academies, as well as colleges.
In order to enter the university and get a bachelor's degree there, a young man will need to present a diploma of secondary education. An additional condition is the passing of national entrance exams, which are organized centrally. The success of admission to the selected university will depend on the number of points scored.
Some universities, for example, the technical Istanbul and Middle East, conduct internal entrance exams to select students. Some faculties receive young people who have graduated from secondary vocational schools. In this case, the profile of the previously received preparation is taken into account.
The higher education system in Turkey can be considered elitist, because it allows representatives of low- and middle-income classes to improve their standard of living and social status.
There are always a lot of people who want to become university students. But at the same time, the state is not working to expand the system of universities. This is explained by the lack of a sufficient number of highly qualified teaching staff and the reluctance to reduce the level of education.
Is it possible to become a student of a Turkish university to a foreigner? Yes, such an entry will not become something supernatural. To achieve this goal, it is enough to choose a university and get acquainted with its requirements for foreign students, which each university develops independently. They will indicate the deadline for submitting the application and recount the necessary documents for presentation to the selection committee. Further, depending on the requirements, you will need to pass exams at the chosen university and score the required number of points.