Higher education for Syrian refugee students in Türkiye: challenges and expectations

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Syrian civil war affected many Syrian students. This exploratory study focuses on Syrian higher education students who were forced to emigrate to Türkiye during the Syrian war. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 Syrian refugee students studying at a public university in Hatay. In the light of hope theory, thematic analysis was applied to explore Syrian refugee students’ experiences during and after higher education in Türkiye. The study found that language and, especially for female students, being a parent are among the challenges that Syrian refugee students encounter during higher education. However, despite the challenges, Syrian students were hopeful for their future in Türkiye.