Financial Evolution of the Education Sector: An Analysis of the Sustainability of the Turkish Higher Education Sector

Authors : Mustafa Özyeşil, Havane Tembelo

Pages : 11-35

Doi:10.17233/sosyoekonomi.2026.01.01

View : 374 | Download : 412

Publication Date : 2026-01-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study analyses the financial trajectory of higher education in Türkiye (2010-2022) and evaluates the influence of economic and financial factors on educational outcomes. Using Instrumental Variables (IV) and Difference-in-Differences (DiD) techniques, it isolates exogenous shocks —such as oil price fluctuations and the 2018 financial crisis —to establish the causal effects of public spending. The findings show that increased public expenditure as a share of GDP improves student enrolment, graduation rates, academic publications, and the presence of international students, whereas per capita GDP has no significant effect. The study offers policymakers empirical insights into strategic investments in higher education.
Keywords : Yükseköğretim Finansmanı, Kamu Harcamaları, Araç Değişkenler, Farkın Farkı, Türkiye

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