Istanbul International Community School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$23K - US$49K
Curriculum: IB PYP · IB MYP · IB DP · AP
Age Range: 3-18
Students: ~450
Location: Sarıyer (Hisar) / Hadimköy (Marmara), Istanbul
Updated April 2026
In Brief
If your family is US-focused, values full IB continuity, and university counselling is near the top of your list, IICS is the strongest option in Istanbul. Decide between the two campuses early - Hisar and Marmara are genuinely different environments.
IICS has been in Istanbul since 1911 and was the first school in Turkey to offer all three IB programmes - PYP, MYP, and Diploma. That full continuum under one organisation matters for mobile families: a child who arrives at age 5 can exit at 18 with a consistent educational thread. University counselling is consistently the feature that families mention most - results into US universities in particular are strong, and the counselling team's track record earns repeated mentions in parent conversations.
The two-campus structure is the most practical thing to understand before applying. Hisar, in Rumelihisarı, is compact and sits on the European shore of the Bosphorus near Bebek - convenient for families in Sarıyer, Arnavutköy, or central Istanbul, but without large outdoor space. Marmara, in Hadimköy, is a much greener suburban campus about 40 km west of the city centre near the TEM motorway - families who live out that way love it, but it's a significant commute from the Bosphorus corridor. Apply to the campus nearest where you'll actually live.
Fees are among the highest in Istanbul - US$23K at EY3-4 and up to US$48,900 for G11-12. Textbooks, digital platforms, EAL support, field trips within Istanbul, primary co-curriculars, and daily lunch are all included at Marmara, which makes the sticker price more digestible. MacBooks for G6-12, transport, and IB/AP exam fees are separate. An early payment discount of 2.5% applies if fees are settled by mid-April; a sibling discount of 5% for a second child and 10% for a third helps multi-child families.
What parents value
- –Full IB continuum from PYP through Diploma - the first school in Turkey to achieve this, and still the most established IB pathway in the city. Strong university counselling with a proven record into US colleges and European universities.
- –Two campuses serve different parts of Istanbul, and fees include most day-to-day costs at the Marmara campus - textbooks, lunch, field trips within the city, and EAL support are all in.
- –Around 70 nationalities across both sites; the community is genuinely international rather than weighted toward one or two passport groups. Head of School Nicolaas Mostert has led the school through recent years with consistent parent feedback on communication and direction.
Points of consideration
- –Two campuses with very different characters - confirm which campus your child would attend before applying, and visit that campus specifically. Transferring between campuses mid-education is possible but not automatic.
- –The highest fee ceiling in Istanbul's top three schools, with IB and AP exam fees excluded from tuition. Budget an additional US$3,000-5,000 per year for a senior student's exam and device costs.
- –Hadimköy (Marmara campus) is well west of central Istanbul; if you live in the Bosphorus corridor, count on 45-60 minutes each way. The campus environment is good, but the geography limits who it's practical for.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| EY3-4 | 3 | NaN |
| EY5 | 5 | NaN |
| G1-G3 | 6 | NaN |
| G4-G5 | 9 | NaN |
| G6-G8 | 11 | NaN |
| G9-G10 | 14 | NaN |
| G11-G12 | 16 | NaN |
Fees converted from TRY. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's age group.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
- First school in Turkey to offer all three IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP).
- First school in the world authorised for all three IB programmes.
Accreditations
- CIS
- NEASC
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Approximately 450 students from 70+ nationalities are enrolled across both campuses, with a strong US and northern European contingent reflecting the school's IB and AP curriculum focus. The Marmara campus draws more locally-based international families; Hisar draws more from the diplomatic community near the Bosphorus corridor.
Leadership
Nicolaas Mostert
Nicolaas Mostert serves as Head of School at IICS. Contact the school for further details on his background and tenure.