Explore key trends, insights, and strategies in international student recruitment through global education fairs. Stay informed and ahead in the evolving landscape of higher education.
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Türkiye is an education center that attracts many international students and also has local students who are excited to study abroad. This mix makes Türkiye a smart choice for global institutions that want to connect with students at different stages of their academic journey.
Türkiye is an education center that attracts many international students and also has local students who are excited to study abroad. This mix makes Türkiye a smart choice for global institutions that want to connect with students at different stages of their academic journey. Located between continents and cultures, and with growing student mobility, Türkiye offers great opportunities to engage with both international and local students.
In Türkiye, approximately 7.08 million students were enrolled in higher education programs during the 2022–2023 academic year. This includes over 3.7 million bachelor's students and more than 2.8 million in two-year associate programs. The demand for university education is still high across the country, with about 1.5 million high school graduates each year. While the country has a well-developed network of public and private universities, many students would prefer to study abroad as an alternative. Many Turkish students and families see studying abroad is a strategic path to quality education, international experiences, and career opportunities.
In recent years, more Turkish students have been choosing to study abroad. On average, around 51,000 students from Türkiye go overseas each year for their education— a number that has continued to grow despite economic uncertainties. In the 2023–2024 academic year, over 9,000 Turkish students enrolled in universities in the United States—an increase of more than 5% from the previous year. In 2024, Turkish students also contributed more than 76,000 student-weeks in English language programs in The United Kingdom, showing its popularity as a destination. These numbers reflect not only the strong academic drive of Turkish students but also the growing willingness of families to support international education, especially when they have access to reliable information and trusted institutions.
While Türkiye continues to be a major source of students going abroad, it has also become one of the leading destinations for international students in its region. According to UNESCO, Turkish institutions had more than 340,000 international students in 2023, ranking the country among the top ten global hosts. Several factors contribute to this situation:
Türkiye’s strategic geographic location is one of the major factors affecting its achievement. Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the country acts as a natural hub for cultural exchange, trade, and academic collaboration. This central location makes it especially attractive to students from nearby regions such as the Balkans, Central Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East—many of whom are seeking quality, affordable higher education options close to home.
In addition to location, Türkiye’s universities have increased their multilingual academic offerings. There are a lot of programs now available in English, Arabic, French, and German. Scholarships like Türkiye Bursları, along with simplified visa processes and vibrant student life, make the country even more attractive to foreign students.
Many international students view their time studying in Türkiye as one step in their academic journey—not the final stop. During their time in the country, some begin planning their next academic move, such as pursuing graduate studies or specialized training abroad. In this sense, Türkiye acts not only as a host country, but as a stepping stone in the broader global education journey. Education fairs held in Türkiye offer international institutions the chance to connect with both local students and a diverse group of international students who may be considering their next steps in countries like the UK, Germany, Canada, the United States, or other.
Turkey offers a strategic opportunity for student recruitment because of the strong demand for higher education, the high number of students who are interested in going abroad, and its growing, diverse international student community. Education fairs give international institutions a space to interact directly with students and families—building trust, offering in-person answers to their questions, and giving direct guidance that online platforms alone cannot deliver.
Türkiye is unique because it does two things: it sends many students to other countries and it also attracts a lot of international students to study in its own country. Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are not just cultural and commercial cities; they are also education hubs with a wide range of motivated students from all over the region. A lot of university students, language school students, and recent high school grads from these cities are actively looking into chances abroad.
By participating in fairs in Türkiye, institutions can diversify their student base, recruit from both local and international communities, and build their brand in an area that has a strong need for educational ambition. For many students in Türkiye, attending an education fair is the first step toward their future to go abroad—and for institutions, it is a chance to be part of that decision-making journey.
Türkiye is becoming an important place for schools and universities that want to attract more international students. With a growing education system and many young people, it offers a great chance to connect. Education fairs in Türkiye help you meet students face-to-face, turn their interest into real applications, and reach students in nearby countries as well.
By working with a2 Fairs, your institutions can be part of this exciting growth. We help you meet motivated students who are ready to study abroad—so you can turn their interest into enrollment, across borders and beyond.
