In the past decade, Türkiye has seen a massive rise in international students, turning the country into a global hub for higher education, reported by Daily Hurriyet. A recent report by the International Student Associations Federation (UDEF) shows that more than 336,000 foreign students are now studying across Turkish universities—a sixfold increase from ten years ago. This boom contributes an estimated $3 billion each year to Türkiye’s economy through tuition fees and living costs.
Students from 204 different countries have chosen Türkiye for their education. While about 14,500 receive full financial support through the Türkiye Scholarships program, most pay for their studies themselves.
The top cities for foreign students include Istanbul, Eskişehir, Ankara, Karabük, and Erzurum. Karabük University leads the country with over 11,500 international students, followed by Atatürk University in Erzurum.
By nationality, Syrian students make up the largest group—more than 60,000—marking a 34-fold rise since the 2013–14 academic year. Female enrollment has also soared, growing from just 14,752 in 2013 to over 142,000 in 2023—a 72.5-fold increase.
Türkiye now ranks 10th in the world for international student enrollment, following countries like the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Beyond numbers, the impact of Turkish education reaches far. Many graduates have become leaders in their home countries—some even serving as ministers or politicians. For example, Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, studied at Istanbul’s Sabahattin Zaim University.
The report highlights that these alumni help strengthen Türkiye’s global image. By spreading the Turkish language and sharing positive experiences, they help reshape global views and build lasting cultural bridges.
