European and Turkish Postgraduate Student Mobility Report

Destinations and Trends

Introduction

Europe is a global hub for higher education, characterized by a high degree of student mobility both within the continent and to destinations worldwide. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the outbound mobility of postgraduate (Master's and PhD) students from Europe and Turkey, examining their preferred destinations and the key trends shaping their choices.

Key Trends

• High Intra-European Mobility: A significant portion of European student mobility occurs within the continent, facilitated by programs like Erasmus+ and the Bologna Process. In 2023, 43% of all international students in the EU were from other European countries.
• Growing Demand for English-Taught Programs: The increasing availability of English-taught programs in non-Anglophone European countries has broadened their appeal to international students.
• Focus on Career Outcomes: Postgraduate students are increasingly prioritizing career outcomes — internships, post-study work opportunities, and industry-aligned programs.
• Affordability as a Key Driver: 55% of students prioritize affordability when choosing where to study, making European countries with lower tuition fees increasingly attractive.

Germany: A Major Source of Outbound Students

Germany is one of Europe's largest and most active student recruitment markets, with a high rate of outbound mobility. In 2024, 138,800 German students were studying abroad for a degree program.

German students are known for being academically strong, digitally literate, and highly motivated. They seek globally recognized programs and are increasingly interested in clear career outcomes, including internships and post-study work opportunities.

Turkey: A Dynamic and Growing Market

Turkey is a dynamic and rapidly growing market for outbound student mobility. In 2023, over 51,000 Turkish students were studying abroad, with a strong preference for postgraduate studies.

"The number of Turkish students studying in the United States rose from 8,657 to 9,148, marking a 5.7% increase — the highest rate of increase in more than a decade." — US Embassy in Turkey

Turkish students are increasingly seeking English-medium study programs and are highly motivated by the prospect of post-study careers abroad. While economic challenges and a weak lira make studying abroad costly, many families prioritize foreign education as a pathway to a stronger career.

Other Major European Countries

France

France is a major player in international student mobility, both as a destination and a source country. It is the most prevalent source country for mobility within degree programs in Europe.

Spain

Spain is a top destination for Erasmus+ students and is also seeing growth in the number of its own students pursuing degrees abroad.

Italy

Italian students who study abroad are more likely to enroll in postgraduate studies, indicating a strong link between mobility and advanced education.

Top Destinations for European and Turkish Postgraduate Students

While intra-European mobility is high, many students also choose to study in other regions:

• United Kingdom: A major destination for postgraduate students from Europe and Turkey, with 71% of its full-time postgraduate students being international.
• United States: Remains popular, particularly for Turkish students, with a 5.7% increase in enrollments in 2024–25.
• Other European Countries: Germany, France, Spain, and Italy are all major destinations for international students, including those from other European countries.