An increasing number of graduates from esteemed high schools in Turkey are opting to pursue higher education overseas, contributing to the growing trend of well-educated individuals seeking opportunities abroad for a brighter future. This trend, highlighted in a report by the Gazete Oksijen news website, reflects the concerns of students from renowned institutions like İstanbul High School, Galatasaray High School, and the German High School, known for their bilingual educational programs. The decision to study abroad is driven by apprehensions regarding job prospects, educational quality in Turkey, and the affordability of foreign universities.
The report indicates that a significant portion of graduates, including 43 out of 121 Galatasaray High School students, 122 out of 124 German High School graduates, 133 out of 166 İstanbul High School graduates, and 74 out of 75 Austrian High School students, have chosen international universities for further studies this year. Notably, a considerable percentage of Robert College and Galatasaray graduates, 62 percent and 35 percent respectively, have also opted for overseas education. This marks a substantial increase compared to the 3.3 percent rate among Galatasaray graduates in 2020.
Professor Reşat Dabak, the principal of Galatasaray High School, acknowledges that students perceive better educational opportunities abroad and are motivated by a desire for academic freedom. The report also mentions criticisms against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) government for allegedly restricting academic freedom and hindering scientific research in Turkey.
Following the political turmoil and crackdown on academic freedom post the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, which included the dismissal of professors and restrictions on civil society, Turkish citizens have increasingly felt the impact of political pressures. This environment has fueled a brain drain phenomenon, compelling talented individuals to seek opportunities abroad for a more promising future.
Recent studies attribute the brain drain in Turkey to factors such as authoritarianism, religious nationalism, economic challenges, and government control over academic institutions. Surveys, like the one conducted by Turkish pollster Metropoll last year, indicate a growing interest among young Turks aged 18-34 in living or studying abroad, reflecting the prevalent desire for international experiences and opportunities.
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