Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently praised international students for their significant contribution to the country’s economy, highlighting that they bring in a whopping $3 billion annually. Speaking at Istanbul’s Marmara University on September 13, Erdogan noted that Turkey is now home to 340,000 international students from 198 countries, with an impressive 95% of them funding their own studies.
Erdogan emphasized that these students not only boost the economy during their studies but also contribute to tourism, cultural diplomacy and the economy after graduation. This growth is remarkable, considering Turkey had only 76 universities in 2002. Today, there are 208 universities, offering a wide range of opportunities for students.
A recent report by the Istanbul Policy Center reveals that Turkey has become the eighth most popular study abroad destination, with international student enrollment increasing sixfold since 2013. The majority of these students come from Syria, with a thirtyfold increase in the past decade, accounting for roughly one in five international students in Turkey.
Top 10 Origin Countries of International Students in Turkey:
- Syria: 58,213 students
- Azerbaijan: 34,247 students
- Iran: 22,632 students
- Turkmenistan: 18,250 students
- Iraq: 16,172 students
- Somalia: 10,043 students
- Egypt: 9,597 students
- Afghanistan: 9,203 students
- Kazakhstan: 8,864 students
- Yemen: 8,198 students
Interestingly, the report also highlights the demographic breakdown of international students in Turkey. About 60% are men, while 40% are women. However, some countries, such as Germany, Iran and Bulgaria, have more female students than male.
Erdogan’s acknowledgment of international students’ economic impact underscores Turkey’s growing reputation as a hub for higher education. With its rich cultural heritage and increasing academic opportunities, Turkey is poised to continue attracting students from around the world.
