What does high school abroad give you?
Studying high school abroad moves the route to university one step forward: the student builds both the academic grounding and the language in the destination country. But this is a multi-year commitment, not a single year, and it has to be set up correctly from the start.
- Ages
- 14–18
- Length
- One term – four years
- Diploma
- A-Level · IB · Abitur · High School
- Intake
- September or January
What the programme covers
Diploma and recognition
Each system awards a different diploma, and not every diploma opens the same door everywhere. A-Level is the standard for the UK and Commonwealth, IB is broadly recognised internationally, Abitur leads into the German system, and the High School diploma is the basis for the US and Canada. Where the target university country is known, we choose the diploma accordingly; if returning home is a possibility, we discuss recognition up front.
Boarding school or homestay
At a boarding school the student lives on campus and supervision, study periods and the social programme are the school’s responsibility. With a homestay, daily life happens in a family home and language use extends beyond school hours. The choice depends on age, independence and budget; both have real advantages and real difficulties, and we set out both.
Who is high school abroad for?
This decision does not suit every student. Whichever of these matches your situation, we build the process around that goal.
We are already thinking abroad for university.
Doing high school in the destination country settles the language requirement and system fit in advance. In some countries local student status also eases the application terms.
I want to study IB or A-Level.
Where the target programme is set, school choice follows that programme’s strength. Even within one country, schools differ in subject options and results history.
One term first, then we decide.
One or two terms can be studied without committing to a full diploma. It shows how well the student adapts, with the continuation plan at home agreed in advance.
They want to study without giving up their sport.
Some schools run the academic programme alongside club-level coaching or conservatoire standard studios. Here facilities and staff matter as much as academic results.
Featured schools
A snapshot from our partner network — each card links to the school page with its programmes and details.
Cape Town, South AfricaLAL
Dublin, IrelandInternational House Dublin
Brighton, United KingdomThe English Language Centre
Quebec, CanadaLSI | HLI
St Julian's, MaltaClubclass English Language School
Alicante, SpainEnforex Spanish SchoolsWhat the service covers
Included in our consultancy
- An initial conversation on target country, diploma system and budget
- Assessment of the student’s transcript and language level
- A school shortlist, each option with its reasoning
- Preparing the application file and all correspondence with schools
- Entrance exam and interview preparation
- Accommodation decision: boarding campus or homestay
- Setting up the legal guardianship arrangement
- Preparing the visa file and tracking appointments
- Support through settling in and first contact with the school
- Termly follow-up throughout the studies
Not included
We state these up front so you can plan your budget properly. We advise on each item, but payment goes directly to the relevant institution.
- School and accommodation fees themselves
- The guardianship service fee
- Entrance exam fees (UKiset, SSAT and similar)
- Flights and travel between terms
- Visa fees and consular service charges
- Document translation, notary and apostille costs
- Uniform, books and school supplies
- Personal spending and pocket money
Diploma and programme options
Choosing a diploma is really choosing a university country. These systems differ in subject structure, assessment style and the university doors they open.
A-Level
A deep system built on three or four subjects. A strong choice where the university field is already known; it is the standard for UK and Commonwealth universities.
IB Diploma
A broad programme with six subject areas, an extended essay and a service component. Suits students who want to decide their field later and apply worldwide.
High School Diploma
A credit-based system with a strong elective element. Classroom performance and club activity count towards assessment; it is the basis for US and Canadian applications.
Abitur
The diploma that leads directly into the German university system. German proficiency is required, so it is usually planned together with language preparation.
Term programme
Studying for a term or two without committing to a diploma. The continuation plan with the school at home must be agreed in writing beforehand.
Boarding school
Lessons, study periods, sport and social life run under one roof, with the highest level of supervision. Often chosen for younger students and where academic discipline matters.
How the process works
- Conversation with family and student
We discuss the target university country, the student’s academic profile, budget and duration. This conversation is free and ends with a realistic framework.
- Choosing the diploma system
A-Level, IB, Abitur or High School — we choose the system that fits the goal. If returning home is possible, recognition is discussed at this stage.
- School shortlist
A few schools are put forward on results, subject options, accommodation and location, each with an explanation of why it is on the list.
- Application, exam and interview
The file is prepared, required entrance exams (UKiset, SSAT and similar) are taken, and the school interview is rehearsed.
- Offer, guardianship and visa
After the offer, the legal guardianship is arranged, accommodation is confirmed and the visa file is prepared.
- Settling in and termly follow-up
We support the first week of settling in, then review academic progress and adjustment at regular intervals.
Documents and prerequisites
For long stays by students under 18 the document list is extensive. The exact set depends on the country, the school and the length of study; you receive a list specific to you once your file is opened.
- Transcripts for the last two or three years, certified in English
- School reference letters
- A language exam result or the school’s own placement test
- The student’s passport and biometric photograph
- Notarised parental consent from both parents
- Birth certificate or civil registry extract
- Bank statement showing the parent’s sufficient funds
- Legal guardianship appointment document
- Vaccination record and medical report
- Sworn translation and apostille of the documents
Guardianship requirements and consent rules for students under 18 vary by country. If the student returns home, diploma recognition is a separate process; the conditions for your application are confirmed with your advisor.
When should you start?
High school applications need a far longer runway than summer schools. Entrance exams, interviews and guardianship all take time, so starting a year ahead is the realistic option.
- 12–14 months aheadDecide the direction
Target country, diploma system and budget become clear; school research begins.
- 9–12 months aheadApplication file
Transcripts and references are gathered, the file is prepared and sent to schools.
- 7–9 months aheadExams and interviews
Entrance exams are taken, school interviews held and offers awaited.
- 4–6 months aheadOffer, guardianship and deposit
The school is confirmed, a guardian appointed, accommodation and payment schedule set.
- 2–3 months aheadVisa and preparation
The visa application is submitted, uniform and supply lists completed, flights planned.
Frequently asked questions
Which diploma should we choose?
It depends on where you intend to study at university. A-Level is standard for the UK and Commonwealth, IB is broadly recognised internationally, the High School diploma is the basis in the US and Canada, and Abitur leads into the German system.
Will the diploma be valid if we return to Türkiye?
High school diplomas earned abroad go through a recognition process in Türkiye, and the conditions vary by country, programme and length of study. If returning is a possibility, we discuss this before choosing a school.
Is a legal guardian required?
In many countries a resident legal guardian is required for students under 18. This is the person responsible outside school terms; we arrange it, though the service fee is not part of our consultancy.
What if the language level is not enough?
Many schools offer language support before entry or during the first term. Where the level is well below the requirement, separate language preparation is planned before high school and built into the timeline from the start.
Boarding school or homestay — which is better?
There is no single right answer. Boarding is stronger on supervision and academic discipline; a homestay spreads language use across the day and is usually more affordable. Age and independence are the deciding factors.
Can they go for one term and come back?
Yes, term programmes exist. The continuation plan with the school in Türkiye has to be agreed in writing beforehand, and we settle that before applying.
How early should we start?
Because entrance exams, interviews and guardianship take time, 12–14 months ahead is realistic. Files started later face noticeably fewer school options.
What makes prices vary?
Country, school type (state or private), whether it is boarding, and the length of study set the total. There is a wide range between private boarding schools and a state school with homestay; ask your advisor for current figures that fit your profile.
Let’s clarify the right path for you
Tell us your target university country and the student’s academic profile, and we will come back within 24 hours with a suitable diploma route and schools.