Bilkent Erzurum Laboratory School

"Bilkent Erzurum Laboratory School, commonly known as BELS, is a distinguished private institution operating under the umbrella of Bilkent University, one of Turkey's most respected research universities."

The school is committed to providing students with a rigorous, internationally recognized education that bridges national and global academic standards, preparing young learners to thrive in an interconnected world. BELS offers a continuum of International Baccalaureate programmes spanning the full range of school years, from the Primary Years Programme for younger students through to the IB Diploma Programme at the senior secondary level. This seamless IB pathway ensures that students develop consistent habits of inquiry, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding from their earliest years of schooling through to university entrance. Alongside the IB curriculum, the school incorporates the Turkish Ministry of National Education requirements, giving students a strong grounding in Turkish language, culture, and civic identity while meeting internationally benchmarked academic standards. The school has built a notable reputation for strong student performance in international examinations, including the IBDP, reflecting the depth and seriousness of its academic program. The school was formally established by Law 5526 of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, a distinction that underscores its unique founding mandate to deliver international curricula in a Turkish educational context. It opened its doors in 2007 in Erzurum in eastern Turkey, with the explicit mission of extending world-class educational opportunities to a region of the country not traditionally served by internationally focused schools. This founding story speaks to the school's broader social purpose and its role as something of an educational pioneer in its geography. Instruction at BELS is delivered in English and Turkish, with additional language offerings that reflect the school's commitment to multilingualism. For expat families and relocating professionals, the English-medium component of the curriculum ensures that children can transition smoothly into and out of the school without losing academic momentum. The multilingual environment also enriches the experience of international students by immersing them in Turkish language and culture alongside their globally standardized studies. The school is a private boarding institution, which makes it particularly well suited to families who are relocating for professional reasons or who are seeking a structured, supportive residential environment for their children. The boarding model fosters a close-knit community where students from diverse backgrounds live and learn together, developing independence, resilience, and lasting friendships that often transcend national boundaries. Located in Erzurum in the Palandöken district, the school sits in a dramatic eastern Turkish landscape known for its natural beauty and distinct regional character. For families moving to Turkey or already based in the country, BELS offers a genuinely distinctive option — an institution with deep institutional roots in one of Turkey's leading universities, a clear and coherent IB pathway from pre-kindergarten through to graduation, and a boarding community that takes seriously both academic excellence and the formation of confident, globally minded young people.