Analyzing Nationwide Enrollment and Graduation Trends in Undergraduate STEM Majors in Türkiye from 2013 to 2023
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study explored nationwide trends in STEM enrollments and graduations in Turkish higher education institutions from 2013 to 2023 by examining the official dataset provided by the Council of Higher Education. The findings highlighted an enduring demand for STEM areas, with more than half of high school graduates choosing STEM majors during this eleven-year period, while there were some fluctuations that could be related to a number of policy changes in the university entrance system. Gender differences were also analyzed. In the earlier years, males were overrepresented in STEM fields. However, the gender gap has recently narrowed, with growing female participation in areas such as biological sciences. Despite an increasing trend in overall female enrollments in STEM majors, significant disparities still remain in particular subfields such as engineering, where male enrollment and graduation rates have been substantially higher. The findings suggest that Türkiye’s nationwide STEM pipeline appears relatively robust at the macro level; however, targeted evidence-based interventions and policy reforms are needed to promote more equitable participation in various STEM career pathways and address persistent gender disparities. This study provides the first comprehensive national analysis of the STEM pipeline in Türkiye and offers valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders.
Source: Milli Eğitim Dergisi
Authors: Osman Akşit, Arif Böyüksolak, Mervenur Belin
Institution: Boğaziçi University
Language: English
Subfield: Safety Research
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7126436240