This consists of universities of two and four years, schools of further education which are all affiliated to an autonomous Higher Education Council. There are a total number of 60 universities excluding the private universities. Students are admitted to universities through a examination held once a year. In order to obtain a good future, students want to study in good departments at good universities.

This is why they start studying for the entrance exams as much as two years in advance, generally taking private courses as well. The students need to get at least 105 points to have a chance.

After the results students need to make their selections and after, the YOK (High Education Council) place the students starting from the highest points got. As there are more applications than quotas in Universities not everyone could get placed.

Generally speaking 1/3 of the students could continue to the university. The others, in case they can afford it continue to the private universities, start working, wait one more year or attend the military service (for man). Unlike the earlier educational levels, students have to pay a fee of approximately 100-350 US Dollars per year at public higher education facilities. After four years of study they may also continue to do masters for one or two years. This is also with an examination and costs a little more.

This consists of High School (Lyceum), which normally takes 3 years. In these schools, the system of one teacher for each class changes to a specialist teacher for each subject. Students can choose one foreign language from English, French or German. Religious Education lessons, depending on the present government’s policy, is often optional, and is actually a comparative study of religions rather than only of Islam. The aims of these schools are to secure a level of general knowledge, develop an awareness of individual and community problems and to contribute to the economic, social and cultural growth of the country as well as preparing students for higher education.

Anatolian, Science, Fine Arts, Vocational, Technical, Islamic Theological and Private High Schools are different from the general High Schools, but are still a part of the Secondary Education system. The Anatolian, Science and Private High Schools are the best and consequently most popular. In these schools there is an extra year (prep class) at the beginning to teach one foreign language and in the following years, all science lessons are taught in that foreign language.

Students in High Schools must wear uniforms. The education at this level is free of charge except at the private schools where an average fee is about 4,000 US Dollars per year. Students show respect for their teachers by addressing them “sir” or “teacher”, or by standing up as a class when a teacher enters the classroom.

Apart from the general educational system, pre school training is available on a private basis or with public sector facilities. However, this level of education is not yet common and is limited to about 5-10 % of Turkish pre school children. Mostly the families in big cities and working mothers do prefer to send their children to Nursery schools. The children basically start around four years age and learn games, theater, painting, manners, songs, etc.