Istanbul International Community School is among the most established international schools anywhere, listed on our Istanbul city hub and featured in our guide to the best international schools in Istanbul. Founded in 1911, it was the first school in Turkey to be authorised for all three International Baccalaureate programmes, which gives it a continuous IB pathway from the early years to the Diploma.
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At a glance
Curriculum and academics
IICS runs a full International Baccalaureate continuum, from the Primary Years Programme through the Middle Years Programme to the Diploma Programme in the final two years. Being authorised for all three programmes, and the first school in Turkey to reach that point, means students can follow a single coherent inquiry based philosophy from the early years to graduation rather than switching frameworks mid school.
This continuity appeals to internationally mobile families who value the portability of the IB and a consistent approach to learning across the stages. Parents new to the framework can read our IB Diploma guide to understand how the programmes connect and how the Diploma is recognised by universities worldwide.
Weighing IICS against other Istanbul schools?
Put IICS side by side with other Istanbul schools on curriculum, stages and fee band before you shortlist.
Istanbul International Community School fees
IICS denominates its fees in US dollars and sits at the premium end of the Istanbul market, reflecting its IB continuum, experienced international faculty and long history. The school publishes its full current schedule to families on application rather than a single headline figure, and third party expat guides estimate annual tuition in the region of USD 18,000 to 28,000 or more depending on stage. Because these are external estimates rather than the school's own published figure, treat them as indicative and confirm the exact tuition directly.
Beyond tuition, plan for one off registration or enrolment charges, personal technology such as a laptop in the secondary years, optional door to door transport, uniform items where required, and external IB examination entries in the Diploma years. A sibling discount is offered for additional children. Use our Istanbul secondary fees reference to frame the wider market once you have a quote.
Admissions
IICS admits mainly for an autumn start and reviews applications through the year where places remain in a given grade. Entry draws on prior school records and an age appropriate assessment, with attention to English readiness and the fit with an inquiry based IB approach in the older year groups. Registration or enrolment charges are billed separately from tuition.
Given the school's standing and the continuity of its programme, sought after year groups can fill ahead of the academic year, so relocating families should apply early, confirm availability in their child's exact grade, and ask how the Middle Years and Diploma cohorts are structured for the year they are joining.
Location and who goes there
IICS is in the Zekeriyakoy area within the Sariyer region on the northern European side of Istanbul, a green and relatively quiet district favoured by international families and diplomatic households. The location trades central convenience for space and calm, and sits near several other international schools clustered in the north of the city.
For the wider picture of where families settle across the city and how the IB, British, German and French options compare, see the Istanbul city hub and our guide to the best international schools in Istanbul.
Reviews
We do not yet hold verified parent reviews for Istanbul International Community School. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish reviews only once we can confirm they come from real families. If your child attends or has attended IICS, share your experience through the school reviews hub.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Istanbul International Community School fees?
IICS denominates fees in US dollars at the premium end of the Istanbul market and publishes its full schedule to families on application. Third party guides estimate roughly USD 18,000 to 28,000 or more depending on stage, but confirm the exact tuition directly as these are external estimates.
What curriculum does Istanbul International Community School follow?
IICS runs a full International Baccalaureate continuum, offering the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, and was the first school in Turkey authorised for all three.
Is Istanbul International Community School a good school?
IICS is one of the oldest international schools in the world, founded in 1911, with a complete IB continuum. Whether it suits depends on your child, and we do not publish a rating without verified reviews.
Where is Istanbul International Community School located?
The school is in the Zekeriyakoy area of the Sariyer region, on the northern European side of Istanbul.
When do Istanbul International Community School applications open?
The school admits mainly for an autumn start and reviews applications through the year where places remain. Entry uses prior records and an assessment, so apply early and confirm availability in your child's grade.
