Turkey's graduate brain drain climbs, Germany tops destination over the United States

Turkish statistical authorities reported that the share of university graduates residing abroad grew to 2.2% in 2025, a rise from 2% in 2024. Germany emerged as the top destination, hosting 22% of these graduates, while the United States fell to 16.9%. Men are more likely to emigrate (2.7%) than women (1.8%), with information and communication technology fields showing the highest migration rate at 7%.

Graduates from private foundation universities exhibit a 4.4% brain-drain rate, especially those on full scholarships (8.6%). Istanbul leads among provinces with a 4% rate, contrasted by Siirt's 0.2%. The figures appear against a backdrop of economic hardship and political disillusionment, highlighted by student protests following the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and ongoing concerns over academic freedom.