TurkStat releases brain drain figures: Graduates are heading abroad

TurkStat data shows that in 2023, 2 out of every 100 higher education graduates emigrated abroad. The field with the highest brain drain was identified as molecular biology and genetics. Graduates most frequently chose the United States of America. 

The brain drain rate, which was 1.6 percent in 2015, reached 2 percent in 2023. The brain drain rate for female graduates was recorded at 1.6 percent, while it was 2.4 percent for male graduates. 

Information and communication technologies stand out as the field with the highest brain drain rate at 6.8 percent. This field is followed by engineering and manufacturing, and natural sciences. 

By profession, the highest rate occurred in the molecular biology and genetics department. 

Brain drain rate of higher education graduates by completed department (TurkStat, 2023)

WHICH COUNTRIES DO THOSE LEAVING PREFER?

Among the countries to which higher education graduates emigrated, the USA ranked first. Graduates also preferred Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Canada. 

Business graduates, in particular, were the group that emigrated most to the USA and Canada. 

TurkStat published this data officially for the first time with its Higher Education Brain Drain Statistics study. 

The study covers citizens of the Republic of Turkey who reside abroad for long periods. The data was supported by records from the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the Ministry of Interior. 

News Source: 12punto