Can I start if I don't speak any Turkish at all?

Yes — most of our students start from zero. Lessons are one-on-one and paced to you, and your teacher can explain grammar in English, Arabic or Russian whenever needed.

Do I need Turkish for residence or citizenship in Türkiye?

A working level of Turkish is generally expected in citizenship processes and makes residence procedures much easier. We build your program around the level you actually need — please verify the current requirements with the official authorities.

What is TÖMER and do I need it?

TÖMER-style certificates document your Turkish level and are commonly requested by universities and in some official applications. We offer structured preparation including practice exams.

Are lessons online or in person?

Both. You can study at our school in Şişli, central Istanbul, or online from anywhere. Start with a free level assessment to plan your schedule.

Turkish Courses · Şişli, Istanbul & Online

Turkish Courses in Istanbul — for Foreigners

Learn Turkish with one-on-one lessons from expert native teachers — in person at our Şişli campus or online from anywhere. From survival Turkish to TÖMER exam preparation, with explanations available in English, Arabic or Russian when you need them.

Free Level Assessment Ask on WhatsApp

Native Turkish teachers One-on-one & online TÖMER preparation

Turkish courses in Istanbul - SDM Language School

Hoş geldiniz! (Welcome!)

Start speaking Turkish in real daily situations from your very first week.

Native Teachers

Online + Şişli

TÖMER Prep

Support in EN·AR·RU

Why Learn Turkish with SDM?

A program built for expats, students and new residents of Istanbul — practical, flexible and exam-ready.

Speak from day one

Turkish is phonetic — written as it sounds. We get you talking in shops, taxis and offices fast.

One-on-one focus

Private lessons paced to you, with grammar explained in English, Arabic or Russian when needed.

TÖMER & official exams

Structured preparation for TÖMER-style certificates used in university and official applications.

Flexible schedule

Morning, evening or weekend lessons — around your work, in person in Şişli or online.

A Program for Every Level

Start from zero or continue from your current level; every stage has clear goals.

Beginner

A1–A2 · Survival Turkish

Greetings, shopping, transport, daily life
Pronunciation and core grammar
Real-life dialogues from week one

Intermediate

B1–B2 · Fluent Daily Life

Confident conversation at work and socially
Reading and writing for official paperwork
Level often expected in residence and citizenship processes

Advanced

C1+ · Academic & Professional

University-level Turkish and TÖMER prep
Business Turkish and presentations
Nuance, idioms and formal writing

How It Works

Free level assessment

We map your current level and your goal — daily life, exams or citizenship.

Personal plan

Your teacher, schedule and curriculum are built around your pace and target date.

Learn by speaking

Every lesson is built on real communication — you see measurable progress fast.

Turkish Language Courses for Foreigners in Istanbul

SDM Language School offers Turkish courses in Istanbul designed specifically for foreigners — expats working in the city, international students, and new residents building a life in Türkiye. Lessons are one-on-one with native Turkish teachers, at our school in Şişli (central Istanbul, easy to reach by metro) or online from anywhere in the world.

Is Turkish hard to learn?

Turkish is easier to start than many people expect: it uses the Latin alphabet, spelling is fully phonetic (words are pronounced exactly as written), and the grammar is remarkably regular — there are almost no irregular verbs. The logic of suffixes takes a little practice, but with a structured program most beginners hold real daily conversations within a few months.

What makes the SDM program different?

Native teachers, multilingual support: lessons are in Turkish, but explanations can be given in English, Arabic or Russian whenever you need clarity.
Exam and paperwork ready: structured preparation for TÖMER-style certificates, commonly requested in university admissions and official applications; an intermediate level of Turkish is also generally expected in citizenship processes — we prepare you for the real requirement.
One-on-one and flexible: no fixed group calendar; your lessons fit around your job and family, in person or online.
Measurable progress: regular assessments show exactly where you stand at every stage.

Who is this course for?

Professionals relocated to Istanbul, spouses and families settling in Türkiye, international university students, and anyone applying for residence or citizenship who needs solid, practical Turkish. Start with a free level assessment or message us on WhatsApp — we usually reply within minutes.

Bu sayfanın Türkçesi: Yabancılara Türkçe Kursu.

Start speaking Turkish this month

Book your free level assessment today — in English if you prefer.

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