International students from 182 countries study in higher education in Turkey. The number of international students has reached 180 thousand, which was 40000 four years ago. In order to achieve the target of 500000, serious studies are carried out by higher education institutions.

In this sense, drawing attention to the increase in the number of international students in recent years in Turkey, Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Chairman of the Board of Trustees Abdülkadir Gayretli explained the reasons why international students prefer Turkey.

Stating that Turkey that serves a bridge between two continents is physically accessible, Abdülkadir Gayretli said: "On the other hand, serving as a cultural link and bridge between Asia and Europe makes it a preferred country, as well."
 

“ISTANBUL IS ONE OF THE ECONOMIC CENTRES IN THE WORLD”
 

Stating that Turkey is a centre of attraction for international students because it embodies cultural and historical richness and variety, Gayretli said: 
 

“Students particularly from Asia and the Middle East prefer Turkey because they can adapt both religiously and culturally more easily. In addition to these factors, the internationally recognised cities such as Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Bursa and Izmir that both are economic centres and have plenty of job opportunities make Turkey one of the preferred countries in the education. That Turkey, especially Istanbul is one of the economic centres of the world, the job opportunities after graduation, the possibility of working in the international areas are the reasons why international students prefer Turkey to get education.”
 

“WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION”
 

Emphasizing that Turkey is an economically more reasonable country in comparison with Europe and Western countries, Gayretli said: “Students need to have a very high budget allocation for a world-class education in the countries such as European countries, Canada and USA. This requires more appropriate budget in Turkey. Thus, they not only receive world-class education but also they do not have financial problems.
 

Stating that the international education policies that Turkey currently applies create the framework of all of these elements, Gayretli said: “With the support of the state and international cooperations, Turkish Universities have the opportunity to promote internationally and to conduct joint academic studies. Thus, their recognition increases and they have the opportunity to reach the students who consider studying abroad.”
 

AIM TO INCREASE THE NUMBER
 

On the other hand, stating that they help clarify the preferences of prospective international student who try to determine their preferences by comparing the opportunities offered by universities, Dr. Aysun Kaya, a faculty member of IGU International Student Directorate articulated: “We host many international students by the ‘Summer School’ program we organize every year. We promote the Turkish higher education system in the best way. Acting with the importance that Head of Council of Higher Education Prof. Dr. Yetka Saraç attaches to the internationalization, our universities are on the rise by international accreditation institutions such as AQAS, AHPGS and ABET. We will increase further the number of international students that reached 180 thousand in Turkey.”