The education system in Turkey is under the close attention of the state. To date, impressive investments are being made in the educational institutions of the country, and the most modern equipment is being purchased for them.
Education in Turkey is already close to being able to compete with the 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 is also of increasing interest. This is confirmed by the growth 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 closely associated with religion, it underwent radical changes as early as the 18th century. The reforms carried out during this period made it possible to draw up more effective in terms of their effectivenesseducational plans. At the same time, Western languages (English and French) began to be taught in schools, and Turkish students appeared in 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 education in Turkey, special educational institutions arose. They were intended for students with various disabilities. At the same time, administrative bodies governing education were established and began their activities.
Active modernization of the education system in Turkey has been carried out since 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 bodies. According to the Constitution of the country, as well as the provisions of the Geneva Convention, every citizen has the right to receive it.
The education system in Turkey is represented by two directions - formal and informal. Moreover, each of them is fully controlled by the relevant Ministry.
What is formal education in Turkey? It is represented by pre-school and primary, as well as secondary and higher levels.
What education is considered non-formal in Turkey? All the rest. But at the same time, it is also paid by the state. Let's consider all the stages of obtaining knowledge in more detail.
Preschool education
The first set of rules that the stateadhered to when creating independent preschool institutions, were the provisions published back in 1915. But only in 1961, the question of the importance of early education and development of children within the activities of the Ministry of Turkish National Education began to be seriously raised. In 1992, within the structure of this department, the Main Directorate was created, which oversees preschool education. This body was entrusted with the main responsibility for the control, regulation, and promotion of programs designed to implement preschool development of children.
From the age of 1 to 6, children in Turkey attend kindergartens. Moreover, babies under 3 years old can only be given to private institutions. Older than this age, they are also prepared for school by state kindergartens. The latter are free. However, parents of preschoolers still have to contribute some money towards books, stationery and other expenses.
Private kindergartens work on a paid basis. In Turkey, they are quite expensive. For example, parents have to pay about $250 a month to keep their baby in them.
Preschool education in Turkey is optional. But it must certainly be received by those children who have mental or physical disabilities. For each such child, an individual educational plan is developed. At the same time, at each stage, together with teachers, their parents work with the baby.
As with many early childhood education systems abroad, in Turkeychildren 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. They include classes in reading, literacy and music. In addition, children go to the cinema and theaters, with their participation, costume events are organized, as well as themed evenings. However, specific subjects are not taught in Turkish kindergartens.
The main purpose of pre-school education is to help children in their physical and mental development. In kindergartens, kids improve their speech skills and prepare for admission to primary school. They enter it when they are 5-6 years old.
Primary school
Turkish children go to the first grade at the age of 5-6. From this moment, they begin the period of receiving 8 years of primary education, which is compulsory in the country.
In schools, children are taught for free. At the same time, they learn the following items:
- mother tongue;
- math;
- English (sometimes another foreign language or even two is taught);
- social studies (from grade 4 - sociology, and from grade 8 - history and citizenship).
A schoolchild, having completed his primary education at the age of 14, receives an appropriate diploma. This document confirms the fact that the adolescent has alreadypossesses the knowledge base as well as the skills that will allow him to continue his studies. Those students who failed to reach the required level by the end of the school year go back to the same class.
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 on a fee basis.
Before primary education in Turkey, the goal is to provide children with the basic skills and knowledge necessary for this age, which would prepare them, based on their abilities and interests, to move to the next level. In addition, at the age of 13-14, students begin to get acquainted with universities and various speci alties. This should help them decide on their future profession.
High School
At this stage of education, children aged 14 to 18 receive knowledge. At the same time, they are prepared either for work 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 applicant of any university.
Scientific institutions of secondary education
In addition to state schools in Turkey, there are specialized schools. They train children gifted in the field of natural sciences and mathematics. These schools provide a fairly high level of education.knowledge. Research activities are encouraged here, providing students with special rooms where they 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 an entrance exam and get a high score for it.
Anatolian schools
These schools have a special place in the Turkish secondary education system. In them, schoolchildren are taught in depth one of the foreign languages. In the future, young people can use the acquired knowledge for higher education.
The duration of study in these schools is four years. Another year will have to be spent on the passage of preparatory courses. In addition to a foreign language, students study mathematics and natural sciences. Moreover, all training is conducted in French or English.
Anatolian schools are very popular in the country, because after graduating from them, children enter the university without any problems. That is why it is not easy to become a student of such a school. To do this, the child will have to endure a big competition.
Fine Arts Schools
In such educational institutions, children with artistic talents are taught. The term of study within their walls is 4 years. At the same time, one more year is allotted for the passage of preparatory courses.
Schools with foreign languages
Such educational institutions are established in Turkey to prepare children for admission tohigher education institutions corresponding to their abilities, interests and level of knowledge. Within the walls of these schools, students study a foreign language in depth and gain knowledge in other subjects at the level of ordinary secondary education. The period of study in these institutions is 4 years. And already from the initial stage of gaining knowledge, children intensively study foreign languages.
Special Schools
In Turkey, there are educational institutions where 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 to children with visual, hearing, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic diseases and mental disabilities.
The purpose of creating such schools is to provide special conditions for special children to acquire knowledge. In the future, this should allow them to integrate into society and even get a higher education. A graduate of such a school has a significantly increased chance of becoming a full-fledged member of society and finding his calling in life. Children with disabilities are also given the right to go to mainstream schools on an equal footing with their peers.
Special educational institutions operate free of charge. In them, not only day stay, but also temporary residence is possible. Boarding schools are provided to those in need.
Private schools
Such educational institutions are represented by all types of schools. Classes are held at various stages of the process of obtaining knowledge.
The activities of such schoolsare carried out under the direct supervision and guidance of the Turkish Ministry of Education. 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 at the beginning of September, but in its middle. Sometimes schools open for students in early October. The academic year runs until May-June. Some differences in this period have establishments located in rural and urban areas.
Children go to school five days a week, attending it in two shifts. In February, schoolchildren are released for a two-week vacation.
Universities
What is the level of higher education in Turkey? All universities in the country carry out their activities under the guidance of a special Council. This body was introduced at the legislative level in November 1981. Higher education in Turkey is very attractive for Russian students.
Diplomas of universities of this country are quoted in Europe. Moreover, one who became a student in Turkey can easily continue his studies in another state. The European Credit System allows you to do this.
In other respects, higher education in Turkey for Russians is similar to that available at home. These are the programs:
- undergraduate (6 years for medical speci alties and 4 years for all others);
- masters (biennial);
- doctoral studies (four-year period).
Academic year beginsin 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 curricula.
Higher education in Turkey is post-secondary education. Students in the country are recruited by 103 public universities and 73 private ones. There are other higher educational 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 person will need to present a diploma of secondary education. An additional condition is the passing of national entrance examinations, which are organized centrally. The success of the applicant's admission to the chosen university will depend on the number of points scored.
Some universities, such as Istanbul Technical and Middle Eastern, conduct internal entrance examinations to select students. Some faculties accept young people who have graduated from secondary vocational schools. In this case, the pre-training profile is taken into account.
Turkey's higher education system can be considered elitist, because it allows members of low- and middle-income classes to improve their standard of living and social status.
Wishing to become university students is always quite a lot. 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 unwillingness to reduce the level of educationeducation.
Can a foreigner become a student of a Turkish university? Yes, such an act 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 an application and a list of 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.
