Eskişehir: Named Turkey's Most Popular Student City in 2026

With the start of the major selection season and preparations for the new academic year, the annual report from the "University Research Laboratory" (ÜNİAR) has been released. This report, based on a survey of more than 50,000 students across 81 Turkish provinces, shows that Eskişehir remains the most unrivaled city for student life [1].

Continued Leadership of Eskişehir in 2026 According to the results announced in July 2026, Eskişehir maintained its first-place position with a score of 90 out of 100 (A+ rank). The city, which hosts three major universities (Anadolu, Osmangazi, and Eskişehir Technical University), is known as the "Student Capital of Turkey" due to its dynamic cultural atmosphere, high security, and efficient transportation system [2]. Local media outlet Gazete26 reported that student satisfaction in this city is not limited to the academic environment; rather, the positive interaction of the local population with youth and the relatively affordable cost of living have made the primary difference.

List of Top Student Cities in Turkey In the 2026 rankings, interesting changes are observed following Eskişehir. Coastal and tourist cities have secured high ranks due to improved welfare infrastructure:

1. Eskişehir (Central Anatolia Region)
2. Mersin (Mediterranean Region)
3. Denizli (Aegean Region)
4. Manisa (Aegean Region)
5. Çanakkale (Marmara Region)

A notable point in this year's report is the 5-place rise of Denizli, placing it among the top 3 cities [1]. In contrast, metropolises like Istanbul and Ankara ranked lower in terms of "overall satisfaction with urban life" due to high housing costs and traffic, despite their extensive educational facilities.

Criteria for Selecting Student-Friendly Cities ÜNİAR considered 6 main indicators for this ranking: - Satisfaction with urban transportation facilities. - Sense of security within the city environment. - Diversity of recreational, sports, and artistic activities. - Positive attitude of local businesses and residents toward students. - Cost of living and access to healthcare services. - Dynamism of the social and cultural space [3].

Eskişehir received full marks in all these indicators, particularly in the security and cultural activities section along the "Porsuk" River. With its extensive tram network and numerous student cafes, the city provides an ideal environment for spending one's university years [2].

Challenges for Students in Other Provinces While 27 Turkish cities are in a "very satisfactory" status, the 2026 report warns that in 55 provinces, student dissatisfaction regarding local attitudes and lack of welfare facilities has increased. Cities like Hakkari, Bingöl, and Muş remain at the bottom of this list and require serious reforms in social infrastructure to attract and retain students [1].