The Paradox of Higher Education Massification in Turkey

Author : Buse Eren

Abstract :Higher education in Turkey has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades. Access to university education has become widespread, and higher education has become more mass-based. The massification of higher education is a multifaceted transformation that has emerged at the intersection of numerous economic, social, and political dynamics. This process has brought about structural changes in educational systems and radically transformed the mission and student profile of universities. However, the broad access afforded by the massification of higher education has also brought with it certain consequences and structural challenges. University education, made more accessible by the massification of higher education, exacerbates the problem of school dropout when not supported by a sustainable structure. In this sense, recognizing the controversial consequences of the massification of education is crucial for designing higher education policies and highlighting the social assistance and social policies students need at the higher education level. This study examines the massification of higher education in Turkey together with not only the increase in the number of students enrolled in higher educatio but also another notable increase that is school dropout. This study emphasizes that school dropout in higher education is a multifaceted problem that must be addressed differently from other educational levels.

Keywords :higher education, universities, massification of higher education, drop out of school, Turkey.

Conference Name :International Conference on Quality and Equity in Higher Education (ICQEHE-25)

Conference Place London, UK

Conference Date 19th Dec 2025