# Brain drain trends in Turkey

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brain-drain-trends-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-10-29T11:07:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Data regarding the migration of highly educated individuals in Turkey shows significant regional disparities. In 2025, the national brain drain rate for higher education graduates was recorded at 2.19 percent. Regional variations were notable, with Istanbul recording a rate of 4 percent, while provinces like Siirt and Erzurum remained well below the national average. 

Other provinces such as Aydın, İzmir, and Ankara also showed varying levels of migration. Specific academic fields are particularly affected, with molecular biology and genetics graduates showing a migration rate of 13.1 percent. 

Drivers for this movement include differences in wages, career opportunities, institutional quality, and quality of life. Migrants often seek economic stability and greater personal freedoms abroad, with Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom identified as primary destinations.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: Brain drain rates vary across Turkish provinces

Data shows İzmir and Ankara lead Turkey in brain drain rates, while Tokat maintains the lowest among compared provinces.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brain-drain-rates-vary-across-turkish-provinces

### 2026-10-25: Brain drain rates vary across Turkish provinces in 2025

2025 TÜİK data shows Erzurum's brain drain rate at 0.57%, well below the 2.19% national average, while Aydın's rate rose to 2%.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brain-drain-rates-vary-across-turkish-provinces-in-2025

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Cite as: Brain drain trends in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brain-drain-trends-in-turkey