Sudan-Turkey Friendship School — Istanbul

Sudan-Turkey Friendship School is one of the oldest Arab schools in Istanbul, established in 1999. It is dually accredited by the Ministries of Education of both Turkey (MEB) and Sudan, with graduation certificates recognised by all Turkish universities and by Sudanese and most other Arab universities.

Curriculum: The Sudanese national curriculum is taught across all grades — from Kindergarten through Grade 12 — and is known for being academically substantial while accessible to students returning to Sudan or attending Arabic-language universities. The school adds strong Turkish-language instruction from early grades so students integrate well into Turkish society and have the option of joining Turkish universities afterwards.

Languages of instruction: Arabic (primary), with Turkish and English as required additional languages. Religious studies and Quran are an integral part of the curriculum.

Facilities:

• Modern classrooms with interactive smartboards
• Equipped science and computer labs
• Library with Arabic, English, and Turkish collections
• Indoor and outdoor recreation areas
• Prayer room and dedicated Quran-memorisation classes

Teaching staff: Sudanese and Turkish teachers selected for both academic credentials and classroom experience. Strong focus on Arabic literacy, Islamic studies, and core STEM subjects alongside the standard Sudanese curriculum.

Tuition fees (annual): In line with private Arabic-curriculum schools in Istanbul, expect a range of approximately ₺40,000–80,000 per year, varying by grade level. Sibling discounts and installment plans are typically available — contact the school directly for current figures.

Transportation: School bus service is generally available on Istanbul's European side, with stops in Arab-majority districts like Fatih, Avcılar, Başakşehir, and Esenyurt.

University placement: Graduates have a strong track record of acceptance into Turkish, Sudanese, Egyptian, Saudi, and other Arab universities — with the Turkish certificate also accepted directly by Turkish universities without equivalency procedures.

What to verify before enrolment: School's current MEB license, current tuition and transport fees, available grade levels for the academic year, and whether the school accepts late-year transfers.