Comparing 2 schools side by side in USD.
Vakıf Sokak No:1 Bağlarbaşı, 34664 Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey. The campus is in the Bağlarbaşı neighborhood of the Üsküdar district on Istanbul's Asian side. The contact address is published as Vakıf Sokak No:1 Bağlarbaşı 34664 Üsküdar/İstanbul.
Prep to 12th Grade; a 5-year high school education with Prep year compulsory.
High school (private); there are no boarding facilities on-site.
85% local; 15% from outside Istanbul.
Psychological counseling and guidance service is provided.
Affiliated American schools; Üsküdar American Academy was founded in 1876 as part of American education in Turkey; today it is governed by the Health and Education Foundation (SEV) and is described as an affiliated American school alongside other SEV American schools in Istanbul, Izmir and Tarsus.
School schedule: Monday 08:00–15:55; Tuesday–Thursday 08:00–15:05 with clubs 15:05–16:20; Friday 08:00–15:00 with clubs 15:25–16:20.
No boarding facilities.
The colors allowed are Black, Gray, Dark Blue, White, Dark Green, Burgundy, and Brown. These colors form the preferred options; clothing in similar shades is acceptable. Previously purchased UAA T-shirts and sweatshirts may be worn, but new clothing should match the color codes. Female students may wear skorts. Shorts, capri pants, leggings, and any legging-style garments are strictly prohibited on campus.
The Health and Education Foundation (SEV) oversees Üsküdar American Academy; SEV was established by alumni of Üsküdar American Academy, American Collegiate Institute, Tarsus American College, and Talas American College. SEV is administered by a board of trustees and a board of directors. Üsküdar American Academy is affiliated with SEV.
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). UAA began the IBDP in 2014–15 and the first IB class graduated in 2017. Students study six subjects, one from each of the six groups, with Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) options, and complete the core requirements: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). All students may apply for a place on the IBDP, though places are limited, and the IBDP runs from Grade 10 to Grade 12. In Grades 11–12, other students may follow the Turkish diploma path with options for Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses; all science and mathematics courses are taught in English; a second language option includes German or French.
There are 895 students and 132 teaching staff, giving about 6.8 students per teacher. Prep classes average 20 students and Grades 9–12 average 24 students per class.
100% of graduates attend four-year universities. Approximately 50% pursue overseas universities (primarily in America, Canada, the UK, and Europe). In 2022–2023, 65% of graduates attended university abroad.
Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered; the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is available for qualified students. All advanced courses offered (AP and Honors) are described as rigorous, and CALP (Community Action Learning Program) supports sustained community-service projects.
Guidance and Psychological Counseling Department aims for a healthy transition from childhood to adulthood. It supports the development of social skills, and covers adolescence characteristics, motivation, leadership, friendship, communication skills, and learning and study skills. The department works with Turkish and foreign university counselling departments to support preparation for university entrance. Sexual Health Education is provided in cooperation with the TAP Foundation.
All classes are taught in English, except Turkish Language and Literature and Social Sciences. In the Preparatory Year, students develop strong language and grammar skills and build a language base that underpins their high school study. Beyond reading and writing, students develop English speaking and listening skills through classroom group discussions, peer feedback, group projects, and presentations.
Guidance and Psychological Counseling Department aims for a healthy transition and supports social skills development, motivation, leadership, friendship, and communication. The department coordinates university entrance preparation with Turkish and foreign university counselling. Sexual Health Education is provided in cooperation with TAP Foundation.
Adheres to international child protection standards.
1. Admission criteria and Prep Year. A minimum acceptance score for 2025-2026 is 480 for male students and 476 for female students, with average scores around 484.3 for males and 483.7 for females. The Prep Year is mandatory to prepare students for the four-year high school program and includes intensive English, a second foreign language, Turkish, Science, Math, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Music, Information Technologies, and Guidance. 2. Campus visits and intake status. Visits for 8th grade students will be announced; individual visits are not possible. Campus Days were held in May and June, with five sessions in total. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Prep Year intake is full. 3. Enrollment Guide and pre-registration. Detailed information is provided in the Enrollment Guide published during the registration period. Pre-registration requires clicking the active link on the website and entering the student's national ID number, date of birth, and phone number on the dates specified in the Enrollment Guide. The enrollment process is described in the Enrollment Guide; gender quotas will be announced there. 4. Registration authorization and documents. If the registration is to be performed by someone other than the parent, a notarized letter of attorney is required. In cases of divorce, only the parent with legal custody can proceed, and the custody or letter of attorney must be presented during enrollment. Multiple people can be listed in one letter of attorney; only the original document is accepted. 5. Enrollment completion and post-registration details. After registration, the enrollment is completed via the e-school system; the new school completes enrollment by accessing the student. Details regarding uniforms, textbooks, meals, and transportation are provided in the enrollment completion document. 6. Fees and payment. Details on tuition, payment methods, and payment schedules are provided in the Enrollment Guide published during the registration period. Details on uniforms, textbooks, meals, and transportation are provided in the enrollment completion document after registration. Families should review the Enrollment Guide for any additional fees or charges. 7. Scholarships and financial aid. Financial Aid Scholarships are provided based on SEV's Scholarship Regulations and are awarded for one academic year. Scholarships range from 10% to 100% and require annual reapplication. Continuation of a scholarship depends on academic progress and the absence of disciplinary records. Scholarships are also available for students admitted to or currently enrolled at UAA who actively engage in sports, arts, and science. 8. Language of instruction and programs. All courses, except Turkish culture and applied subjects, are taught in English. German and French are offered as second foreign languages, with language proficiency exams supported. The IB Diploma Programme is offered; UAA has been an IB World School since 2014. The school has 121 teachers in 2025–2026, with 22% international, and a focus on preparing students as globally-minded problem-solvers.
Financial Aid Scholarships are provided based on SEV's Scholarship Regulations and are awarded for one academic year; scholarships range from 10% to 100% and require annual reapplication; continuation depends on academic progression and absence of disciplinary records. Scholarships are available for students admitted to or currently enrolled at UAA who actively engage in sports, arts, and science.
Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey. Tomtom Kaptan Sokak No. 3, 34433 Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey.
Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado (middle school) and Liceo Scientifico Statale I.M.I. Istanbul. The Liceo has two study tracks: Scientific and Turkish-Mathematical, and is preceded by a preparatory year called 'Classe preparatoria' to learn Italian. The curriculum emphasizes Italian, Turkish, and English language learning.
Private Italian lyceum (Özel İtalyan Lisesi) in Beyoğlu, Istanbul.
The school promotes inclusive education and provides pathways to support students with learning difficulties, social disadvantage, and disabilities.
Italy
For Scuola Media, the day runs 08:00 to 14:00 with six lessons (1st 08:00–09:00, 2nd 09:00–10:00, 3rd 10:00–10:50) and a pause, then 4th 11:10–12:00, 5th 12:00–13:00, 6th 13:00–14:00. There is a midday pause between 10:50 and 11:10.
Mensa is available on site as a self-service cafeteria. The meals are self-service and the cost is borne by the families.
The school is Liceo Italiano IMI. Governance is led by Dirigente Scolastico Prof. Giuseppe Finocchiaro, Preside Prof. Özgür Doğu, and Vicepreside Prof.ssa Nida İntiba; the General and Administrative Director is Giovanni Ubaldo Rosa. The Organigramma lists class coordinators for 2025/2026 and department coordinators, reflecting the school's formal leadership and organizational structure.
The IMI Istanbul offers a combined Scuola Media and Liceo Scientifico programme. It adopts a curriculum and timetable approximately aligned with the Indicazioni Nazionali for Italian scientific lyceums abroad, and can confer the Italian diploma to Italians and Turkish students who meet the curriculum. For Italians, the curriculum is four years, and the first year is equivalent to the first two years of Italian lyceums. In the second biennium, students can choose the so‑called Turco‑Matematico option, which differs from the Scientific track by seven weekly hours and prioritises the humanities and social sciences over the scientific domain. For Turkish students, two‑thirds of these lessons are in Italian and one‑third in Turkish; when Italian students share classes with Turkish peers taught in Turkish, they may have English (conversation) or advanced study in certain subjects (Italian and mathematics, Earth sciences). The curriculum includes CLIL and ICT components, and the school emphasises inclusive practices and the certification of competencies throughout the learner's journey.
To obtain the Italian diploma, admission to the next grade is governed by both Turkish and Italian assessment systems. The Italian assessment uses decimal marks, with six as passing; a conversion table translates Turkish marks to Italian standards. The Esame di Stato for the Liceo Scientifico in 2022 begins on June 22 with an Italian written paper, followed on June 23 by a mathematics written paper and then oral examinations; the Italian written component can award up to 15 points, the second written up to 10, the oral up to 25, and up to 50 points can be earned for credits. A national standard table provides the Turkish‑to‑Italian score conversion. The document also outlines the 2022 State Exam structure and scoring, including the national and local components and the requirement to combine results to determine the diploma. The State Diploma framework and conversion rules are described in the same section.
The plan foregrounds ongoing university and career orientation, including pupil participation in university and professional orientation activities, conferences, and meetings with experts. It notes that candidates often pursue higher education in Italy, with examples of Italian universities considered by families, including Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano, and the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, reflecting the school's Italian‑linked pathway. The natural continuation after completing the Liceo is to pursue higher education in Italian universities, with additional pathways outlined for cross‑border study and recognition within the Italian system.
The Psychological Counseling and Guidance Service operates within the institute, providing counseling and diagnosis on topics related to learning, developmental psychology, relationships among teachers, students and parents, and university orientation. The service is coordinated by a psychologist and a guidance counselor. Initiatives include a Listening Center offering private sessions for students, parents, and teachers to discuss emotional, relational, or learning concerns; class formation and training; the creation of an educational network with staff and families; development of individualized learning plans in collaboration with families; collaboration with class councils; university orientation; class meetings; facilitation of communication among professionals; and meetings with parents.
The service provides diagnosis on learning and development topics and creates individualized plans to adapt learning processes to the student's characteristics and difficulties, in collaboration with the family. It collaborates with class councils to analyze cases and supports continuity of education across grade levels.
The school is a reference point for Italian, Turkish and English languages.
Mental wellbeing is supported by the psychological counseling service, which offers individual and group support and coordinates with families and teachers to address emotional and developmental needs.
1. Deadline for enrollment: February 27, 2026 at 12:00. The notice to families specifies the closing date for applications to the first year of middle school and the first year of high school. 2. Where to obtain forms: Enrollment forms are available on www.liceoitaliano.net. The forms are to be completed as part of the admissions process. 3. 4. Automatic enrollment for current students: For students already attending, enrollment is processed automatically by the office, unless a transfer and Nulla Osta request are made. 5. Documentation required: The enrollment documents include the enrollment form and attachments; copies of the passport or identity documents for both parents and the student; copies of the tax code for both parents and the student; the Turkish residence permit; the form indicating the choice to avvalersi or non avvalersi of Catholic religious instruction; any request for the aptitude exam for entry to the first class or to subsequent classes; vaccination certificate; Nulla Osta for students coming from other schools; and a printout from E-Devlet showing non-registration in the E-Okul system (only for middle school admissions). 6. Nulla Osta for cross-school enrollment: Students transferring from other schools who have completed online enrollment at an Italian school must request the Nulla Osta from the head of the chosen institution; the release of the Nulla Osta is a condition for enrollment acceptance. 7. Voluntary contribution: For enrollment of Italian students in the first year and in subsequent years, a voluntary contribution of €300 is requested to fund extracurricular activities and technology subsidies. 8. Payment details: The payment must be made to the euro-denominated account with the following details: Account name Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı Özel İtalyan Lisesi; Bank Yapı Kredi Bankası; Branch 495-GALATASARAY SUBESI; IBAN TR78000670100000085933807 (account denominated in EURO). 9. Catholic religious instruction option: The form indicating the choice to avvalersi/non avvalersi of Catholic religious instruction is to be signed by the student and the parents; the chosen option applies for the entire school year. 10. Waiting lists and data handling: If class capacity is saturated, data may be transferred to the second or third preferred school, and waiting lists may be used to fill vacancies.
Exemptions and scholarships are regulated by Turkish law and awarded by an internal commission (3% of the total enrolled). Additional scholarships are provided by the school's sponsors.
Waitlists may be used to fill vacancies when classes are full. If admission cannot be offered immediately, the school may use waiting lists and may transfer enrollment data to second or third preferred institutions to facilitate placement.
