Education is the cornerstone of a country, and teachers are its architects. Studying to be a teacher in Turkey opens the door to realizing this dream and embarking on a solid academic journey at well-established universities. So, what is it like to be a teacher in Turkey? Which departments are there, how to apply, what awaits you after graduation? Moreover, if you are an international student, can you teach in this country? You will find the answers to all these questions in this guide. If you’re ready, let’s get started!
Can Foreign Students Teach in Turkey?
Yes, international students in Turkey can work as teachers after graduation if they meet certain requirements. However, the institution they want to work for and the field they will teach in may change the process they need to follow.
The following situations usually apply:
- It is easier to work in private or international schools.
- Additional requirements and permits are required to work in public schools.
- As a language teacher, teaching in private courses or online platforms is a common option.
1. Teaching Departments and Faculties of Education in Turkey
Turkey offers a comprehensive academic environment for prospective teachers with its well-established universities and strong faculties of education. Turkey offers many opportunities for international students, and there are different departments and universities for those who want to study teaching. In this guide, we will take a detailed look at the best universities and programs that offer teacher training.
Teaching Departments in Turkey
There are many different specializations for students who want to become teachers in Turkey. Here are the most common teaching majors:
Classroom Teaching
Suitable for those who want to teach at primary school level. In addition to general curriculum knowledge, they receive training in child psychology and educational methodologies.
Preschool Teaching
Focuses on education for children aged 3-6 years. It includes courses such as child development, play-based education and pedagogical approaches.
English Language Teaching
It is one of the departments that offers the opportunity to work both in Turkey and in international schools. It is advantageous for students with high English language proficiency.
Mathematics Teaching
Designed for those who want to become math teachers at middle and high school level. It requires logical and analytical thinking skills.
Science Education
It is a department that includes basic sciences such as physics, chemistry and biology and provides education at middle and high school level.
Guidance and Psychological Counseling
It is a department that provides education to provide academic and psychological support to students in schools.
The Best Universities Providing Teacher Training in Turkey
There are many universities in Turkey that provide teacher training. Here are some prominent faculties of education:
Gazi University – Ankara
- It is one of the oldest education faculties in Turkey.
- Strengths in educational sciences, classroom teaching and science teaching.
- It is one of the best universities providing pedagogical formation education.
Dokuz Eylul University – Izmir
- It has one of the best education faculties in the Aegean Region.
- It stands out in the field of English teaching, mathematics teaching and special education teaching.
- Offers various scholarship opportunities to international students.
Eskişehir Osmangazi University – Eskişehir
- The Faculty of Education stands out with its department of guidance and psychological counseling.
- Science teaching and Turkish teaching departments are strong.
- It offers an ideal educational environment for international students with its student-friendly city structure.
Çukurova University – Adana
- The faculty of education is one of the best in Turkey, especially in the field of preschool teaching.
- Provides a quality option for those who want to study in the Mediterranean region.
- Internship opportunities are extensive and have strong links with public schools.
Necmettin Erbakan University – Konya
- It is one of the leading universities in Turkey in the field of special education teaching.
- It is also known for its departments of theology education and religious culture teaching.
Ondokuz Mayıs University – Samsun
- It is one of the most prestigious faculties of education in the Black Sea region.
- The academic staff is strong in the fields of English language teaching, mathematics teaching and science teaching.
For a detailed guide, see Universities.
2. Application Requirements for Teacher Training in Turkey
There are some basic application requirements for international students who wish to study teaching in Turkey:
- Having a high school diploma.
- Taking exams such as the Foreign Student Examination (YÖS) or SAT/ACT depending on the university.
- To obtain TÖMER Turkish Proficiency Certificate for departments that provide education in Turkish.
- To get enough points from exams such as TOEFL or IELTS for departments that provide education in English.
3. Career Opportunities after Teacher Training in Turkey
There are many different job opportunities for graduates with a teaching diploma in Turkey. Here are the main areas of work:
- To teach in public schools, it is necessary to take the KPSS exam.
- It is possible to find a job in private schools, colleges and international schools by direct application.
- It is possible to work as an English, mathematics or science teacher in language courses or private education centers.
- You can earn income by giving private lessons or teaching on online education platforms.
4. University Education Completion in Turkey
In order to teach in Turkey, you must first graduate from a faculty of education in Turkey. If you graduated from a non-teaching department, you can earn the right to teach with pedagogical formation or master’s degree programs.
5. Teaching Internship in Turkey
Students studying to become teachers must complete a mandatory internship before graduating. The internship process for international students usually works as follows:
✅ Internship in public schools: You are eligible to do an internship in public schools in Turkey with a student visa. However, after graduation, you need a work permit to work in public schools.
✅ Internships in private schools: Foreign students can also do internships in private colleges and international schools. They have a better chance of finding a job in these schools after graduation.
📌 To get detailed information about teaching internship in Turkey, you can check the official website of Ministry of National Education.
6. Job Application for Teaching in Turkey
The job application process for foreign teachers varies depending on the institution they want to work for:
1. For Those Who Want to Work in Public Schools
In Turkey, Turkish citizenship is required to work in public schools. However, there are some exceptions:
- Teachers from countries with agreements with Turkey can work in certain schools under special protocols.
- Specially authorized subject teachers may be employed in public schools, especially in foreign languages.
If you are a Turkish citizen or have a work permit, you must follow these steps to teach in public schools:
- Take the KPSS: Passing the Public Personnel Selection Examination (KPSS) is mandatory.
- Participate in the interview: After you get enough points from KPSS, you need to take an interview.
- Wait for appointment: Follow the appointment process by the Ministry of National Education.
📌 To find out the conditions for teacher appointment in Turkey, you can check the official website of the Ministry of National Education.
2. For Those Who Want to Work in Private Schools
The easiest place for foreign teachers to work in Turkey is private schools and international schools. Here is the process to follow to work in private schools:
- Apply directly to private schools: Most private schools post job openings on their websites.
- Get a work permit: Once you are hired, the school will apply for you to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
- Certificate of equivalence may be required: If you have studied teaching abroad, you may need to obtain a certificate of equivalence from YÖK.
Fields where private schools prefer foreign teachers:
- English, German, French teaching
- Subjects such as mathematics, science (especially in international curricula)
- Teaching for IB (International Baccalaureate) or Cambridge programs
7. How to Get a Work Permit in Turkey
To work as a teacher in Turkey, it is mandatory to obtain a work permit. Here is the work permit process for foreign teachers:
Find a Job: First, find a job at a private school, college or language course.
School Makes Your Application: The school where you will work makes an application to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security on your behalf.
Work Permit Approved: Once your application is approved, you can get a work permit and a residence permit.
Start Work: Once you get your work permit, you can officially work as a teacher.
📌 For detailed information about obtaining a work permit in Turkey, you can check the official website of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
8. Alternative Job Opportunities for Foreign Teachers in Turkey
There are other job opportunities for foreign graduates who have studied teaching in Turkey but do not want to work in public or private schools:
- Earning income by giving private lessons
- Teaching on online education platforms (such as Preply, iTalki, Cambly)
- Working as a foreign language teacher in language courses
- Providing IB or Cambridge education in international schools
Should You Get a Teaching Education in Turkey?
To study teaching in Turkey is a very attractive option with its academic quality, economic advantages and wide career opportunities. If you dream of becoming a teacher, you can choose the most suitable program by examining universities in Turkey.
📢 Which teaching program would you prefer? Share with us in the comments!