When you think about the future of international education, few cities embody “connection” quite like Istanbul.

Perched between two continents and two worlds, it’s more than a point on the map; it’s a living bridge. A city that has shaped civilizations, languages, and trade for centuries, and is now redefining what global collaboration means in education.

1) Istanbul: Where East Meets Next

From its historic skyline overlooking the Bosphorus to its modern universities filled with international students, Istanbul captures a mix of tradition and transformation.

Choosing it as the host city for EdSummit isn’t just about convenience; it’s about purpose. It reflects the direction the industry is heading: toward greater inclusion, more diverse markets, and a broader definition of “international”.

2) Momentum You Can Measure

Today, Türkiye is one of the fastest-growing destinations for international students. The country already hosts over 340,000 international university students, with the government aiming for 500,000 by 2028.

This impressive rise is the result of a deliberate national strategy, which includes expanding English-language programs, simplifying visa processes, and creating scholarships that open doors for students from across Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

Istanbul sits at the heart of this transformation. With over 50 universities, the city is home to many of Türkiye’s most global-facing institutions, from Koç and Bahçeşehir to Bilgi University.

Each year, they welcome more students from abroad, creating a diverse academic environment and a growing ecosystem for partnerships, language programs, and pathway providers.

For educators and agencies alike, this momentum represents an opportunity.

Istanbul connects regions that have long been considered separate markets. Its strategic location, strong air connectivity, and affordability make it easy for schools, agencies, and service providers from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to meet in one place, without the logistical barriers of traditional conference capitals.

3) Why EdSummit Istanbul, and Why Now

The international education landscape is shifting fast. Traditional destinations are diversifying, student mobility is expanding, and collaboration between markets is more essential than ever. That’s exactly why EdSummit is coming to Istanbul.

Here, participants can explore new recruitment channels, build cross-regional partnerships, and engage with both inbound and outbound student trends.

Turkish institutions are increasingly international in outlook, while thousands of Turkish students continue to study abroad—creating a dynamic, two-way exchange that makes Istanbul a unique stage for conversation and collaboration.

Hosting EdSummit here isn’t just symbolic, it’s strategic. It sends a clear message that the future of international education lies in building bridges, not borders. And few cities capture that spirit better than Istanbul.

So when we gather on the shores of the Bosphorus this November, it won’t just be another event on the calendar. It will be a celebration of a city, a moment for our industry, and a statement of what comes next for global education.