How to survive discrimination as an international student in Türkiye?
The recent statistics indicate that international student enrolment in Türkiye has grown substantially during the past four years. (Collage prepared by Türkiye Today team)
Studying abroad is often a dream nurtured by millions of students worldwide. They seek academic achievement along with cultural exchange opportunities, aiming for personal growth beyond borders. Türkiye took significant steps to become an educational center in the region in the last 15 years. During this, many successful graduates from Turkish universities taking significant posts—such as Syria’s new Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani—came to the front recently.
Over the last decade, the number of foreign students seeking education in Türkiye has risen rapidly because the country serves as a gateway between Eastern and Western education and an insight into both cultures.
The country welcomes students seeking educational excellence in Türkiye, yet personal testimonies reveal various challenges they encounter.
The sudden growth in international students has fueled xenophobia and institutional bias in the country, as the country’s ambitious global role in education clashes with residents unaccustomed to long-term foreign presence.
Türkiye’s police department and other state institutions such immigration office have limited English speakers, much like the local population, which remains a significant challenge for international students. The international students studying in Türkiye face difficult situations with discrimination at times, especially when reported, which often goes unchecked.
Currently, Türkiye has transformed into a leading educational hub that welcomes international students from African regions as well as students from South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asian countries. The recent statistics indicate that international student enrollment in Türkiye has grown substantially during the past four years.
A total of 300,000 international students are enrolled in Turkish institutions, among which students from Syria, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkmenistan, along with Afghanistan, represent the major student populations. People from different countries have begun studying in Türkiye because of affordable education costs and easy visa procedures. Meanwhile, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) scholarships provide additional benefits for international students.
Mixed feelings of international students in Türkiye
Aside from homesickness, international students in Türkiye do not always experience the pleasant aspects of life in the country. Students who appreciate friendly gestures sometimes face hidden prejudices from locals. In Turkish culture, the term ‘yabanci’ (foreigner) carries more than just a simple meaning—it holds deeper, often unspoken, implications.
Many foreign students not only face discrimination from university professors but also from apartment owners when they are on an apartment hunt for themselves. Students report encountering mostly unwarranted verbal attacks from mobs on the streets, with no apparent reason behind them.
The discriminatory practices within Turkish universities stand as a critical issue that must be addressed. The official statements endorsing diverse policies at Turkish institutions do not translate into practical support for international students. Educational research shows that students who come from Africa and South Asia endure the most issues, with some speculating receiving lower grades, while also having a hard time fitting into school activities. The problem intensifies because students trying to receive help from legal or administrative means do not receive the proper support.
What to do as an international student in Türkiye?
International students studying in Türkiye have access to certain helplines, but the question is how far are they effective? The general framework exists but does not effectively address improper conduct in enforcement. Students who experience discriminatory violence or discrimination can reach out to police services through 155 emergency contact or Service 157, which operates a multilingual Foreigners Communication Centre.
International students dealing with discrimination receive legal assistance from Multeci-Der (Association for Refugees) and SGDD-ASAM (Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants) while these organizations serve as advocates against discrimination. Unfortunately, in my knowledge, there’s no foundation providing legal services to protect rights of international students if they face discrimination from a university professor or neighbors.
The Presidency of YTB oversees scholarships and student affairs, but its support effectiveness changes depending on the situation. The international offices inside universities provide administrative support rather than offering protection to their students.
Mental health is another crucial aspect. The combination of culture-related trauma, discriminatory separation, and depressive feelings impacts many international students studying abroad. International students in Türkiye may encounter obstacles when seeking mental health services, but educational institutions and organizations at Istanbul Psikoloji and Kizilay Psychosocial Support Center in multiple languages operate counseling centers. International students need assistance when required while building supportive networks with other students.
The question remains: How can international students break the cycle of discrimination in Türkiye? Interaction with one another and understanding constitute the essential steps toward progress. International students must record racial incidents while taking legal steps and maintaining student-led support networks.
Universities need appropriate measures to establish anti-discrimination protocols and create safe spaces for all their student bodies. Turkish society needs to initiate an extensive dialogue regarding international student inclusion and its substantial value, which extends past financial benefits.
The issue of discrimination goes beyond affecting students abroad; it remains a broader societal concern
The eradication of discrimination requires institutions and society to shift their systems to protect individuals through legal frameworks and strong commitments from academic schools and law enforcement agencies. All international students who endure discrimination in Türkiye should recognize they have support from each other.
About the author: Nishwa Tasavvar is a researcher and journalist specializing in human rights advocacy, peace studies, and conflict resolution.
