Turkey High School Registration Schedule 2026; LGS Preference Guide

The process of entering high school in Turkey, known as the LGS national exam, has become one of the decisive stages for students in 2026. Following the announcement of exam results in late June, it is now time for school preference and final registration, which are conducted according to the new regulations of the Ministry of National Education (MEB) [1].

LGS 2026 Preference Calendar According to the official announcement by the Ministry of National Education, the preference process began in late June and will continue until mid-July 2026. During this period, students must record their list of desired schools in the e-Okul system based on their exam scores as well as their place of residence [2]. Failure to register preferences within the designated time will mean waiving central placement. Placement results are expected to be announced on July 20, 2026, which will determine which school each student has been admitted to.

Types of Placement: Central and Local The high school registration system in Turkey is divided into two main parts: 1. Central Placement: Specifically for students who took the LGS exam and are admitted to Science High Schools, specific Anatolian High Schools, and top vocational schools based on their exam scores. 2. Local Placement: This system is mandatory for all students, regardless of exam participation. In this stage, students are placed in schools near their homes based on their residential address, lower secondary school grades, and regional priorities [3].

Final Registration and Transfer Process Many parents ask when final registration begins. In the Turkish education system, after the announcement of placement results on July 20, registration in public schools is performed automatically by the system, and no initial in-person visit is required. However, for private schools and boarding schools, an in-person registration process is mandatory [2]. Additionally, transfer periods based on priority will be held in August to provide a second chance for students who are not satisfied with their assigned school or were not admitted in the first stage [1].

Key Tips for Parents Education experts recommend that parents carefully study the 2026 preference guide. Making a smart choice between Anatolian schools, Imam Hatip schools, and vocational technical high schools can guarantee the academic and professional future of their children. Furthermore, paying attention to regional quotas in local placement is vital to ensure the student is not placed in a school far from their residence [3].