Iranian Families Seek Educational Migration to Europe: A Growing Trend for Opportunities

Lower costs, easier access to European universities, and growing disillusionment with Iran’s education system are compelling many families to send their children abroad for better educational opportunities. Among the preferred destinations, Turkey has emerged as a top choice for Iranian migrants seeking a brighter future.

Over the past three decades, Turkey has steadily grown into one of the prime destinations for Iranians. Official statistics reveal a significant increase in the Iranian population in Turkey, from just 23,000 in 1990 to approximately 84,000 by 2020. In recent years, this number has surged, approaching 100,000 as migration accelerates.

Education as a Driving Force

For many Iranian families, the main motivation for migrating is not just economic hardship but also the pursuit of quality education for their children. Schools in Turkey are increasingly viewed as a gateway to prestigious European universities, making them highly appealing to Iranian parents.

• Higher Education Opportunities: Parents believe that enrolling their children in Turkish schools enhances their chances of pursuing higher education abroad, especially in Europe.
• Rise in Educational Migration: This belief has led to a significant increase in educational migration at both high school and university levels.

Iranian migration agencies have capitalized on this growing demand. Their advertisements depict Turkish schools as stepping stones to esteemed European institutions. Unlike in the past, this trend is no longer confined to elite students or top exam scorers; many average high-achieving students are now leaving Iran even before attempting the national entrance exam.

Brain Drain Crisis

Iran is among the regional leaders in brain drain. According to the Iranian Migration Observatory, between 2001 and 2020, only 56.6% of high school Olympiad medalists chose to stay in Iran. Among scholars from the National Elites Foundation, this figure was only 69.1%. The migration rates are particularly alarming among:

• Olympiad Medalists: 37.2% leave Iran.
• National Elites Foundation Members: 25.5% migrate.
• Top University Exam Candidates: 15.4% emigrate.

A closer examination of national entrance exam data reveals an even more troubling trend: from 2001 to 2015, over 1,400 out of 5,356 top-ranked students left the country—amounting to over 25%. This continuous exodus signifies a profound crisis in Iran’s higher education system, where many of the nation’s brightest young minds view migration as their only viable option.

Educational Options Abroad

Iranian families in Turkey have two primary educational options:

1. Iranian Schools: These schools remain connected to Iran’s education system and allow students to sit for Iran’s national entrance exam while offering pathways to Turkish and European universities.
2. Turkish Schools: These institutions facilitate broader integration into the host country’s education system, particularly beneficial for students fluent in Turkish.

In both scenarios, tuition fees are relatively affordable compared to private schools in Iran. For instance, in 2021, the average annual tuition for elementary Iranian students in Turkey was around 4,000 lira, while high school fees were approximately 7,000 lira—lower than many private schools in Tehran.

The Role of Migration Agencies

Iranian migration agencies actively promote Turkey as a cost-effective alternative to Europe, often promising families not only educational opportunities but also residency permits as part of their packages. This targeted recruitment strategy utilizes Iranian students—especially high achievers—as a draw for others. Turkey has recognized the value of attracting Iranian talent, providing easier residency options and lower living costs than many European countries, making it an attractive middle ground.

According to Turkey’s Ministry of National Education, during the 2021–2022 academic year, nearly 8,000 Iranian students were enrolled in Turkish universities. This positioned Iran among the top five countries sending students to Turkey, alongside Azerbaijan, Syria, Turkmenistan, and Iraq.

Migration Trends and Concerns

Between 2010 and 2020, the number of Iranian migrants worldwide increased by approximately half a million, averaging around 50,000 new departures each year. Unlike students from countries such as India or China, who often return after studying abroad, Iranian elites rarely come back. Only about 10 to 15 percent of these individuals return after migration, emphasizing the severity of the brain drain crisis.

This pattern indicates that educational migration is not merely a temporary phase but frequently serves as the first step toward permanent emigration.

Official Concerns and Domestic Reactions

In 2022, Iranian media reported that a Turkish cultural institute conducted entrance exams for Iranian high school students, offering scholarships without the approval of Iran’s Ministry of Education. This revelation incited protests from the ministry, which accused foreign institutions of illegally recruiting Iranian students.

Even high-ranking officials within the Iranian regime have acknowledged the situation. President Massoud Pezeshkian has consistently advocated for policies aimed at retaining Iranian students domestically. However, the combination of worsening repression, economic decline, and pervasive uncertainty about the future drives families to seek educational opportunities abroad, despite the emotional toll it takes on them.