Home » Destination News » US, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Canada Lead as Top Destinations for Turkish Graduates in 2024

Published on
October 25, 2025

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), nearly 20% of graduates who decided to leave Turkey in 2024 chose to settle in the United States. The U.S. emerged as the most popular destination for Turkish graduates, with Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Canada following closely behind. These countries attracted a significant number of highly skilled graduates looking for new opportunities abroad.

The United States was particularly appealing to graduates in electrical and electronics engineering, with this group forming the largest cohort of Turkish graduates who emigrated to the U.S. This aligns with the growing demand for technology professionals in the U.S., particularly in engineering and related fields. Similarly, computer engineering graduates were more inclined to move to Germany, the U.K., or the Netherlands, where tech hubs have flourished in recent years, offering ample job prospects and research opportunities.

Canada, on the other hand, was a popular choice for business graduates. The Canadian government’s welcoming immigration policies and its diverse, multilingual society have made it an attractive destination for those pursuing careers in business and related fields. Its focus on skilled labor and the ease of obtaining permanent residency have been key factors contributing to the movement of graduates, especially from business programs.

While the overall percentage of higher education graduates emigrating from Turkey remained unchanged at 2% in 2024, this figure represents a notable trend of talent leaving the country for better prospects. This rate of emigration was consistent with previous years, pointing to a long-standing pattern of outmigration among highly educated individuals.

When examining the migration patterns by field of study, information and communication technologies (ICT) recorded the highest brain drain. This sector has seen a steady demand for skilled professionals globally, and Turkish graduates in ICT have sought opportunities in countries with booming tech industries. Engineering and natural sciences also saw significant migration, as graduates in these fields are often highly sought after in countries that prioritize technological innovation and infrastructure development.

At the program level, graduates of molecular biology and genetics exhibited the highest migration rate. These disciplines are essential in cutting-edge research and development across a range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to biotechnology. As such, graduates from these programs are often able to secure positions in countries where life sciences are a major area of focus. Following molecular biology and genetics, other fields that saw high rates of emigration included business engineering, electronics engineering, mathematics engineering, and bioengineering.

Notably, the rate of emigration was higher among graduates of private universities compared to those from public institutions. Graduates from private universities had an emigration rate of 4.3%, which is significantly higher than the 1.7% for public university graduates. This suggests that students from private universities, who may have greater access to international opportunities through higher-quality programs or global networks, are more likely to seek careers abroad.

Among private university graduates, those who had studied on full scholarships exhibited the highest emigration rate. This may be because scholarship programs often offer international exposure and opportunities, making it easier for graduates to transition into global job markets. These individuals might also possess stronger language skills and greater familiarity with international cultures, further facilitating their relocation abroad.

Language programs also played a significant role in emigration trends. Graduates who had studied in French-language programs had the highest emigration rate among language groups, with many of them moving to French-speaking countries like Canada and France. Following French, graduates who studied in English, German, and Russian programs had notable emigration rates, although these were generally lower.

This trend of emigration highlights a growing desire among Turkish graduates to find opportunities abroad in countries that offer better career prospects, enhanced living standards, and a more diverse range of professional avenues. It also reflects the increasing global mobility of highly educated individuals who are willing to relocate to countries with thriving industries, particularly in the fields of engineering, technology, and business.

In conclusion, while Turkey continues to produce highly educated graduates, the ongoing outflow of skilled individuals to countries like the U.S., Germany, the U.K., and Canada points to challenges in retaining talent. The brain drain, particularly in fields like ICT and engineering, underscores the importance of creating conditions that encourage highly skilled individuals to remain in Turkey and contribute to its economic and technological development.