
Robert College
Secular
Updated July 2026
Founded in 1863 and located in Istanbul, Robert College is a co-educational high school that provides a five-year bilingual education. It is a highly selective institution that prepares students for success at top-tier universities in Turkey and internationally.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Robert College aims to prepare students to become leaders in their chosen fields and contributing citizens to society. The school fosters a student-centered environment that encourages critical thinking, analytical skills, and a passion for lifelong learning. It values diversity, equal opportunity, and the development of a consciousness for society and the environment.
Programmes
The school follows a unique five-year high school program approved by the Turkish Ministry of National Education, consisting of an initial year of English Prep followed by four years of study. The curriculum is bilingual, with mathematics, science, computer science, art, and music taught in English, while social sciences and Turkish language and literature are taught in Turkish. Students may also study French or German as a second foreign language, and the program includes an elective system in the final three years to support university and career goals.
Outcomes
Graduates of Robert College consistently continue their higher education at top-ranked universities in Turkey and abroad. Alumni have made significant contributions to various fields, including science, politics, the arts, and education. The school aims to produce global citizens and leaders who think freely and possess a broad world-view.
Student support
Learning support
Psychological counseling services are provided to promote student development and well-being. Residential students are supported by a warm and secure living environment designed to help them adjust to being away from their families. The school also emphasizes a student-centered approach, with teachers actively supporting the academic and social growth of each individual.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- Is Robert College a day or boarding school?
- Robert College is a boarding school.
- Is Robert College co-educational?
- Robert College is a co-ed school.
- Where is Robert College located?
- Robert College is an international school in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
Admission to Robert College is based on the standardized high school entrance exam prepared by the Turkish Ministry of National Education, which is taken in Turkish during the 8th grade. The school is highly selective, with admitted students typically scoring in the top 0.02% on this exam. It maintains a strong need-based scholarship program, with 26% of the student body receiving financial aid.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus provides a secure environment for its 1,042 students, including 195 residential students who live on-site. The school offers virtual campus tours and a dedicated mobile application, RC 360, to explore its facilities. The environment is designed to support both academic and social development, with dedicated spaces for research, discussion, and student life.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a robust co-curricular program featuring over 130 student-initiated clubs. These include the Robotics team (ARC 6014), Model United Nations (MUN), European Youth Parliament (EYP), and Junior Achievement. Additionally, students participate in a Community Involvement Program that conducts projects in various regions throughout Turkey.



Whitman ShepardHead of SchoolMr. Shepard brings to his leadership a deep understanding of Turkish and international education, along with a lifelong commitment to learning, community, and global citizenship.
Nilhan ÇetinyamaçTurkish Director & Associate Head of SchoolNilhan Çetinyamaç is the Turkish Director and Associate Head of Robert College, with 32 years experience in education. She joined Robert College in 2015, after 18 years at İzmir SEV Schools as an administrator.
Ümran ÜngünCFO & Associate Head of SchoolÜmran Üngün joined Robert College in 1980 as the Director of Business & Finance, following a leadership position at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, US. Ms. Üngün currently serves at Robert College as the CFO and Associate Head of School.
Margaret HalıcıoğluDean of Student AffairsMargaret Halıcıoğlu came to Robert College in 1991 as the Director of Music. Previously, she worked in state schools in the North of England, teaching Music, English and French.
Maura KellyDean of FacultyMaura Kelly joined the RC community of learners in 1999 as an English teacher and went on to lead as the English Department Chair for nine years starting in 2011. In the fall of 2020 she started to serve as the Dean of Faculty while also staying in the classroom as a teacher of AP Language and Composition.
M. Yıldız GünayDirector of Institutional AdvancementYıldız Günay joined Robert College in August 2024 as the Director of Institutional Advancement in charge of Alumni Relations, Development, and various Communications functions at Robert College. Yıldız Günay also serves as a Board Member at Tüpraş, Türk Traktör, and Ünlü Holding.
Tanol TürkoğluCTOTanol Türkoğlu joined Robert College in August 2018, following executive positions at several national banks in Turkey. He previously served as Chief Information Officer at Şekerbank and Chief Operating Officer at Alternatifbank.
Emre FıratAssistant Turkish DirectorEmre Fırat began his career at Robert College as a mathematics teacher in 2010. He has served as a level dean and Dean of Curriculum, and starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, he serves as the Assistant Turkish Director.
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