In 2025, Türkiye continues to hold a strong position among the countries attracting the highest number of international students. According to the Turkish Education Federation (TEF), as of May 2025, approximately 340,000 international students from 200 countries are enrolled in Turkish universities, including students from Syria, Iraq, Iran, European countries, Africa, Russia, China, and the USA. These figures place Türkiye in the top 10 globally for international student enrollment.
The rise in the number of international students is not accidental. It is driven by factors such as affordable tuition and living costs, high-quality education, and significant government support. The Türkiye Bursları program provides around 5,000 fully funded scholarships annually for students from around the world, making education in Türkiye both accessible and appealing.
The Turkish government has set an ambitious goal to reach 500,000 international students by 2028, aiming to become a global educational hub. In line with this, international campuses are expanding, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, with a focus on engineering, medicine, and IT.
Further proof of the quality of Turkish education is seen in the country’s rapid climb in global university rankings. According to the 2024 Times Higher Education rankings, Türkiye ranked seventh globally in the number of universities represented—75 institutions, with 11 in the top 1000. Three universities (Koç, METU, and Sabancı) were ranked in the 301–400 range, a national record.
In the QS World University Rankings 2025, five Turkish universities are now in the top 500. METU holds 285th place, followed by ITU, Koç, Boğaziçi, and Bilkent.
Professor Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education of Türkiye, stated that these achievements are the result of a well-planned strategy and consistent efforts toward internationalization. He expressed confidence that Turkish universities will continue to improve their global rankings, academic performance, and international reach.
Thus, Türkiye has not only become one of the global leaders in attracting international students but also a symbol of dynamic, innovative, and globally engaged higher education.
Türkiye: A Leader in IT Graduate Education in Europe
According to the Stanford University report “AI Index 2024,” Türkiye ranks third in Europe for the number of IT graduates, following only the UK and Germany. The country consistently ranks among the top three in terms of bachelor’s graduates in fields such as computer science, software engineering, and IT.
This success highlights the high quality of IT education in Turkish universities and Türkiye’s growing role in the region’s digital economy. Turkish IT programs are becoming increasingly popular with both domestic and international students.
Study by the Sea!
Alanya, a picturesque city on Türkiye’s southern coast, is gaining popularity among international students thanks to its universities offering quality education and international programs.
Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKU)
A major public university located in Kestel, near Alanya's city center. It offers a wide range of programs for international students and participates in global education programs such as Erasmus. Foreign applicants are required to take the YÖS entrance exam.
Alanya University
A private institution founded in 2011, offering programs in English and actively welcoming international students. The university is involved in international projects and offers scholarships through the Hamdullah Emin Paşa Foundation.
International students in Türkiye receive a residence permit for the full duration of their studies. Stay Property can help you find real estate near top universities in Istanbul or Alanya, and also offers properties eligible for citizenship or family residence permits. Contact us for consultation!