THE CHANGING GEOGRAPHY OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS STUDYING IN TURKISH UNIVERSITIES
Project no. 32308 · Status: Kapanmış (Yayın bekleniyor) · 2024
Summary
<p>Abstract</p><p>This study examines the spatial distribution of international university students in Türkiye, the diversification of the country of origin, and shifting geographies over time. International student mobility was described quantitatively and mapped, using data from the 2013-2014, 2018-2019, and 2023-2024 academic years derived from the Council of Higher Education statistics. The findings reveal that there has been a steady and strong increase in the number of students coming from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, that the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries have an important place in Türkiye due to historical and cultural ties, while the number of students coming from European countries has a more limited and decreasing trend. International exchange programs, especially Erasmus+ and Mevlana, make very little contribution to international student mobility. The relevant literature shows that Turkey has strengthened its position as a center of attraction in international higher education, but that there are still aspects of this process that require improvement in terms of policies, integration, and sustainability. Except for two provinces with well-established higher education institutions, namely Istanbul and Ankara, international students’ location preferences in Turkey also appear to be related to geographical proximity to their countries of origin. The share of female students is on a constant increase.</p><p><br></p><p>Keywords: international migration, international student migration, international student mobilty, foreign university students, internationalization in higher education, geographical distribution, mapping, Türkiye</p>