Unprecedented Interest from Tunisian Students in Turkish Universities at 2026 Fair

Educational Fair in the Heart of Tunis On July 11, 2026, a major educational fair focusing on Turkish universities was held at the "Palace of Culture" in Tunis. Organized by the educational institution "Veccehni," the event hosted dozens of public and private universities from Turkey, presenting their undergraduate and postgraduate programs to applicants [1]. This fair provided an exceptional opportunity for Tunisian students to speak directly with university representatives about admission requirements, tuition fees, and campus facilities.

Aviation: The Most Attractive Field for Tunisian Youth One of the highlights of the fair was the remarkable interest in fields related to the aviation industry. Prof. Dr. Rahmi Er, Rector of the University of Turkish Aeronautical Association (Türk Hava Kurumu Üniversitesi), told the media that demand for programs such as pilotage, aerospace engineering, and aviation management exceeded expectations [2]. He noted that this was their third appearance in Tunisia and that the students' enthusiasm reflects confidence in the quality of Turkish higher education in strategic sectors. According to him, Turkey now ranks among the top 10 countries in the world for attracting international students [3].

The Role of Educational Diplomacy in Strengthening Ties Ahmet Misbah Demircan, the Turkish Ambassador to Tunisia, attended the ceremony and emphasized the importance of scientific cooperation between the two countries. He stated that the presence of international students in Turkey is not just an educational matter but serves as Turkey's "soft power," strengthening cultural, commercial, and industrial ties between Tunisia and Turkey in the long run [1]. Demircan also mentioned that the Turkish government aims to increase the number of Tunisian students, who currently serve as cultural ambassadors between the two nations.

Why is Turkey a Popular Destination for Students? Representatives from participating universities, including Istanbul Aydın University, believe that cultural proximity, high quality of education aligned with European standards, and affordable living costs are the main reasons Tunisian youth choose Turkey [2]. Numerous workshops and counseling sessions were held at the fair to familiarize students with degree equivalence processes and entrance exams. With more than 350,000 international students currently in Turkey, the country has become one of the dynamic educational hubs in the region [3].