MTS starts new IELTS partnership in Istanbul, Turkey

We are delighted to share the news of a new collaboration between MTS, the British Council in Turkey, and the Istanbul-based English-language centre Konusma Kulübü, whose name translates into English as “Speaking Club.” Together, the three organisations are launching IELTS test delivery right in the centre of Istanbul, using Konusma Kulübü’s modern venue, near to Taksim Square, one of the most significant and iconic districts on the European side of the city.

For MTS, this new partnership marks an important milestone in its global growth journey. The company has already been operating in Turkey for over a year, delivering IELTS Teacher Training courses to Turkish educators and building strong relationships with schools and teachers across the country. Turkey is a vibrant, ambitious and forward-looking nation where English-language learning is highly valued, and the demand for internationally recognised certification such as IELTS continues to grow. MTS is proud to be extending its presence and strengthening its commitment to Turkish learners, teachers and institutions.

Konusma Kulübü, the local partner at the heart of this project, is well known in Istanbul for its focus on developing speaking fluency in small groups. This emphasis on confidence, fluency and communication makes Konusma Kulübü the perfect host for a global test such as IELTS, taken by millions of people worldwide who want to study, work or migrate internationally.

The choice of being near to Taksim Square as the new test location is a strategic one. Taksim is widely known as the beating heart of modern Istanbul, a place where history, culture and contemporary urban life collide. Its name, meaning “division” or “distribution,” reflects its origins as a major junction for the city’s historic water system, and over time it has grown into a centre of cultural expression, public life and international tourism. With its cafés and restaurants lining its vibrant streets, Taksim is both an emblem of Istanbul’s past and a gateway to its future. It is also one of the most accessible places in the city, connected by metro, bus and funicular to every major district. For IELTS candidates, this means that reaching their test centre will be easier, more familiar and more convenient than ever before.

This partnership also reflects the broader spirit of Istanbul itself; a city of extraordinary scale, energy and ambition. Straddling two continents and shaped by centuries of trade, scholarship and cultural exchange, Istanbul is the ideal setting for learners who hope to connect with the world. Whether wandering through Sultanahmet to admire the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, crossing the Galata Bridge with the Golden Horn sparkling below, exploring the Grand Bazaar and its labyrinth of treasures, or watching the sun set over the Bosphorus, students preparing for IELTS in Istanbul are surrounded by both inspiration and opportunity. For many, English represents a bridge to international study, global careers, and personal growth - goals deeply intertwined with the spirit of this remarkable city.

Asli Adali, MTS’s Global Sales Advisor and Country Manager for Turkey, expressed her excitement about the partnership. She said:

“I am incredibly proud to see MTS join forces with the British Council and Konusma Kulübü here in Turkey. Istanbul is a vast, vibrant and truly global city, a place where many people are working to improve their English so they can unlock international opportunities. Learning English has become a key aspiration for so many in Turkey, and certifying that proficiency through a respected exam like IELTS is more important than ever. This partnership brings together the strengths of all three organisations in the very heart of Istanbul, and I look forward to supporting even more learners across this thriving English-language teaching and exams landscape.”

For Turkey's English language learners, this development represents far more than a new exam venue. It means greater convenience for candidates, deeper local support, and the ability to sit a globally recognised test in a familiar and central part of the city. It brings together MTS’s expertise in safe, high-quality test delivery, the British Council’s long-established leadership in IELTS administration, and Konusma Kulübü’s trusted local presence and understanding of the needs of Turkish students. Most of all, it strengthens the bridge between Turkey’s growing community of English learners and the world of opportunities that proficiency in English - and certification through IELTS - can provide.

The first IELTS test date at MTS Konusma Kulubu is 14 December 2025, head over to the British Council's IELTS booking engine, select 'Turkey' and 'Istanbul-Europe', select your preferred dates and scroll down to find 'MTS Konusma Kulubu'. We look forward to welcoming all our Turkish IELTS test takers in Istanbul!