The Federation of International Student Associations (UDEF) and the Foundation for Science, Culture and Education (ILKE) have published a comprehensive report titled “Education and Living Experiences of International Students in Türkiye”, offering a broad analysis of the experiences, motivations and challenges of foreign students in the country.
According to the report, 61% of international students study at state universities; 56% are men and 44% women. Students come to Türkiye from diverse regions, and the country now attracts students from every continent. The study identifies six main themes behind the choice of Türkiye.
Fifty per cent of students cited religious affinity as the most important factor, and 46% cited quality of education. Türkiye’s rich cultural values and scholarship opportunities are other key factors. The data also reveal gender and regional differences: female students place more weight on geographical and cultural proximity, while male students emphasise education quality, scholarships and religious affinity.
Regionally, cultural ties are more prominent for students from Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Balkans. For students from the Middle East, geographical proximity is decisive, while for those from Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, friends and social networks play a larger role. Asked about satisfaction with university facilities, students were most satisfied with libraries, campuses and academic support.
The study also highlights challenges: housing was the most frequently cited problem, followed by experiences of discrimination and racism. On overall life satisfaction, 55% of international students said they are happy with their living conditions in Türkiye. Satisfaction was highest among students from Asia-Pacific and South Asia and lowest among those from North Africa and the Middle East.
