How to Transfer Schools in Turkey: A Step-by-Step Guide

How does a school transfer work? Applying for a transfer on e-Devlet, the steps for moving to a private school, transferring mid-term and what to watch out for — all in this guide.

For most families a school transfer is not something they plan: a house move, a school bus arrangement that stops working or a school that falls short of expectations raises the question “should we switch?” in the middle of the year. The process itself is shorter than people think; the real effort should go into choosing the right school and making the move gentle for the child. In this article we walk through both transfer routes step by step.

When does a transfer come up?

We see three reasons most often: a change of address, academic or social expectations not being met, and the search for a more comprehensive school when moving up to the next stage. Pinning down the reason matters, because a transfer is a tool for solving a problem; if the problem is misdiagnosed, it will carry on at the new school too.

Transferring between state schools

Transfers between state schools run through the e-Okul system (the Turkish Ministry of National Education’s student records system); parents apply through the student transfer service on e-Devlet, Turkey’s government services portal. The application is assessed according to the places available at the chosen school and its catchment area. At high schools, transfers are processed at set points during the year; it is safest to confirm the current calendar with the school administration.

How does a transfer to a private school work?

When moving to a private school, the process starts with a meeting with the school and in practice is completed in four steps:

  1. Meeting and campus visit: the family gets to know the school and the availability of places for the year group becomes clear.
  2. Getting to know the student: the school carries out an assessment and a meeting with the guidance team to see the student’s academic level and needs; the aim is not selection but finding the right starting point.
  3. Enrolment contract: the terms are agreed and the contract is signed.
  4. e-Okul transfer: the schools complete the official transfer on e-Okul; the student’s grades and attendance record are passed to the new school through the system. Parents do not need to carry any documents themselves.

Transferring mid-term: easing the move

In mid-term transfers the real issue is not paperwork but settling in. Three practices make the move noticeably easier: the child visiting the new school before enrolment, planned follow-up by the guidance team in the first weeks, and allowing friendships from the old school to carry on for a while. Ask at the enrolment meeting what kind of settling-in programme the new school runs.

Is it wise to transfer in an exam year?

Transferring in 8th or 12th grade only makes sense if the current arrangement is not working; disrupting an arrangement that works in an exam year is risky. When deciding, ask the new school concrete questions about its practice exams, study sessions and guidance support. We describe how we prepare students for the LGS (Turkey’s national high school entrance exam) on our LGS preparation page.

In short

  • Transfers between state schools run through e-Devlet/e-Okul, subject to available places.
  • A transfer to a private school starts with a meeting; the schools complete the official process on e-Okul.
  • Read the contract’s cancellation, refund and term fee terms before you move.
  • Mid-term, the real work is settling in: a preliminary visit and guidance follow-up make the move easier.
  • A transfer in an exam year should only be considered if the current arrangement is not working.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a school transfer take?

When moving to a private school, the meeting, the getting-to-know-you assessment and the contract are usually completed within a few days; the official transfer between schools on e-Okul is concluded quickly. What usually takes time is not the procedure but the family’s decision.

Can a child move to a private school mid-term?

Yes; if there are places, a transfer is possible at any point during the year. Fees are calculated according to the term. For the child to settle in, it is important that the school’s guidance team follows up in a planned way during the first weeks; ask about this at the meeting.

Are grades and attendance records lost in a transfer?

No. The student’s grades, absences and school history are kept in the e-Okul system and passed to the new school with the transfer. Parents do not need to carry report cards or files.

If you are considering a transfer, you can explore our school stages, programmes and campuses on our private school page; if you are weighing a move from a state school, our article on the differences between private and state schools will help. To ask about places and arrange a meeting, simply fill in the information request form.

Gökkuşağı Schools · The right school, at the right time.