Türkiye sees sharp surge in international students.
It’s no secret anymore—Türkiye is fast becoming one of the most popular countries for international students. If you talk to young people from Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, or even Europe, many will mention Türkiye as a place they’d love to study in. But why? What’s really happening behind this sudden rise?
This article breaks it all down—clearly and simply. No fancy jargon, just the real story of why Türkiye is opening its doors to students from all over the world—and why they’re walking in by the thousands.
A Friendly, Affordable, and Welcoming Place
Ask any international student in Türkiye what made them choose it, and they’ll probably give you a long list. But most of them start with three simple things: it’s affordable, it feels safe, and people are welcoming.
Let’s face it—studying abroad in places like the U.S., U.K., or Australia is expensive. Tuition fees alone can burn a hole in your pocket, not to mention rent, food, and daily costs. But in Türkiye, things are a bit different. Students say they can live comfortably on a reasonable budget. Rent is cheaper, food is tasty and affordable, and public transport is easy to use.
Scholarships That Actually Help
One of the biggest reasons behind Türkiye’s growing popularity is the generous scholarship programs. The government’s Türkiye Scholarships offer more than just tuition. They include monthly allowances, free accommodation, health insurance, and even flight tickets in some cases.
For students coming from countries where education opportunities are limited, this is a game-changer. A full ride to study in a well-ranked university, in a safe and culturally rich country? It’s no wonder so many are applying.
So, Who’s Coming?
Türkiye’s universities are seeing students from every corner of the globe. But some regions stand out. Countries like Syria, Pakistan, Nigeria, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan send large numbers of students each year.
Some are looking for better education. Others are escaping conflict. A few are just following their dreams to study abroad. Türkiye, being a Muslim-majority country with deep historical ties across regions, feels familiar yet exciting to many of these students.
What Are They Studying?
The answer is—pretty much everything.
Medicine is hugely popular, as are engineering, business, law, and international relations. Many students are also interested in learning the Turkish language. It’s not just about academics either—many come to Türkiye for short-term cultural exchange programs, language courses, and even vocational training.
What’s more, many universities now offer full programs in English, which makes life easier for students who don’t speak Turkish. And for those who want to learn the language? Türkiye gives them the space and time to do that, too.
What’s the Government’s Goal?
Türkiye isn’t doing all this by accident. The government has made it a national goal to become a top destination for global education. And it’s working.
From just around 50,000 students a decade ago, Türkiye now has more than 300,000 international students. And officials want to hit the 500,000 mark by 2028. That would put Türkiye among the top 5 countries in the world for international education.
This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about long-term strategy. The more global students Türkiye hosts, the more it strengthens diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties with other countries. When students return home, they carry a piece of Türkiye with them. They may become business partners, cultural ambassadors, or future leaders who understand and appreciate Turkish values.
Real People, Real Stories
Let’s move away from the numbers for a minute and hear from the students themselves.
Zainab from Kenya says:
“When I arrived, I didn’t know anyone. But people helped me so much. From the local shopkeeper to my professors—everyone made me feel at home.”
Farid from Afghanistan shares:
“Türkiye was the only place where I could afford to study. The scholarship gave me a future. I’m studying computer science now, and I want to stay and work here someday.”
Sara from Iraq adds:
“I had many fears before coming. But I made friends from 10 different countries in my first month here. I’ve learned more outside the classroom than inside.”
These stories aren’t rare—they’re the norm. And that’s part of Türkiye’s strength.
What Are the Challenges?
Of course, it’s not all perfect. Like anywhere else, there are some bumps along the way.
- Language barriers can make life hard at first. Even with English-taught programs, students still need Turkish in daily life.
- Homesickness is a real struggle, especially for those who’ve never been abroad.
- Bureaucracy—things like residence permits, registration, and university paperwork—can be confusing.
- Culture shock is also common. Türkiye’s customs and traditions can be very different from what some students are used to.
But the good news is—most universities are listening. They’re setting up help desks, hiring English-speaking staff, offering orientation programs, and even running mental health services just for international students.
What Can Be Done Better?
While Türkiye is clearly on the right track, there’s still room to grow. Here’s what many students say could make the experience even better:
- Faster and simpler visa procedures
- More part-time job options for students
- Expanded access to internships
- Better information in English online
- More local support for daily life issues
The more the system improves, the more students will come—and the better they’ll feel about their experience.
A Two-Way Street
It’s easy to see this surge in students as a win for Türkiye. But it’s also a big win for the students themselves.
They gain a solid education, personal growth, a new global network, and a better future. Türkiye gains too—it gets fresh talent, stronger global links, and a chance to shape how the world sees it.
This isn’t just about numbers or rankings. It’s about real people and real experiences.
Conclusion
Türkiye is more than just a new hotspot for tourists. It’s now one of the world’s rising stars in education. Its universities, scholarships, friendly culture, and low costs are changing lives.
For many international students, Türkiye is no longer a second choice—it’s the first.
And the journey is just beginning
