Data compiled by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has namedTurkeyamong the top countries that have hostedthe most international students in 2018.
Taking the 10th spot in the list, Turkey boasts ofhaving welcomed125,138 international students in 2018. According to the data, the United States topped the list with 987,314 out of a total of 5,571,402 international students studying at higher education institutions across the world.
With 452,079 students, the UK hosted the second-highest number of international students, followed by Australia with 444,514 students.
Prof. Dr Yekta Sarac, Chairman of Turkey's Higher Education Council (YOK) said the number of international students hosted by Turkey in 2014 was 48,183, accounting for a two-and-a-half times increase within a span offour years. Hegave the credit for the increaseto the internationalisation of the countrys education.
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He further added that Turkey has become one of the most popular study destinations in the world by offering a variety of courses and avenues to foreign students.
The share of international students in Turkey rose to 2.04% in 2018 from 1.07% in 2014. Itis also likely to attract more international students and achieve a higher spot in the list in the coming years, Sarac continued.
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The number of foreign students in Turkey was 154,505 in 2019, which increased to 200,000 as of December 2020.
Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Turkey is hoping to host at least 220,000 international students in the next few months with the help of some recent projects including virtual trade shows and other promotional activities.
A total of 2017 Turkish universities offer around 60,000 academic programmes to international students studying in the country through scholarships or their own means.
A number of institutions in Turkey offer scholarships to international students, which include the Council of Higher Education (YOK), Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), Turkeys Religious Affairs Directorate, and other government institutions.
Turkey aims to welcome more than a quarter of 1 million international students by 2023.
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