Turkiye strengthens its global influence through educational diplomacy

Turkiye strengthens its global influence through educational diplomacy

The Turkish Ministry of National Education is currently implementing 350 education agreements with 125 countries, thereby strengthening Turkey’s “soft power” through broad educational diplomacy initiatives.

Educational diplomacy under the ministry’s leadership enhances cultural cooperation and builds long-term international partnerships. To formalize these relationships, 350 agreements have been signed with 125 countries — from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to Qatar, from Greece to Libya, from the Republic of Congo to Mongolia.

New agreements and strategic partnerships

In the past two years, Turkey has significantly expanded its global education network, signing 16 new agreements with 14 countries. A protocol with Syria covers teacher training, professional development, and special education. A joint initiative with Moldova has launched the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Turkey–Moldova College. Strategic agreements have also been signed with Ukraine, Mongolia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Negotiations with Northern Cyprus, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan include plans to open new Turkish schools.

65 Turkish schools in 13 countries

As of June 2025, Turkey operates 65 educational institutions in 13 countries, serving over 12,000 students and employing 679 teachers. Among the upcoming projects are the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Turkey–Moldova College and the Karabakh Turkish School. These institutions not only strengthen Turkey’s educational presence but also serve as tools of cultural diplomacy.

“Brother Schools” program

Launched in 1994, the “Brother Schools” program connects Turkish schools with partner institutions in 64 countries. So far, 1,229 partnerships have been established, including 712 with foreign schools. This initiative continues to promote cultural cooperation and mutual understanding.

Foreign students and integration programs

The ministry continues to promote inclusive education through adaptation classes, the PIKTES+ project, and Turkish language and culture courses. In the 2024–2025 academic year, 2,174 students from eight countries received Turkish language and culture training. The program is expected to expand to 11 countries soon.

International projects and global influence

The Directorate General for Lifelong Learning carries out adult education, social integration, and employment programs in cooperation with the EU and UN agencies — Erasmus+, EPALE, UNICEF, UNDP, and UNHCR. These initiatives contribute to Turkey’s international visibility and educational diplomacy capacity.

Educational diplomacy as part of Turkey’s global strategy

Projects and agreements led by the Ministry of Education demonstrate that Turkey is becoming not only a regional but also a global actor in education. In the coming years, new agreements will further institutionalize Turkey’s educational diplomacy and promote inclusive learning models worldwide.