UDEF (Federation of International Student Associations) was established on December 14, 2012, by 11 founding associations. Today, it operates in 75 cities through 62 member associations, all working to support international students studying in Türkiye. UDEF is a non-governmental organization formed by international student associations with the aim of hosting students who choose Türkiye for their education, getting to know them, helping them connect with one another, and supporting them in meeting both their material and emotional needs throughout their academic journey. It also strives to contribute to their development into well-equipped individuals who can carry the knowledge and experiences they gain in Türkiye to other parts of the world. UDEF’s mission is to ensure coordination among international student associations, encourage the establishment of new associations, promote a healthy public perception of international students, and address the challenges they face in areas such as education, healthcare, and residence permits. To achieve these goals, UDEF actively collaborates with relevant government institutions.
UDEF as a federation, is the biggest and a well known civil society movement working for international student association in our country with participating volunteers,68 associations in 75 provinces of Turkey. Activities under the umbrella of UDEF covers dozens of activities under headings such as; education and social studies. The contents, periods and responsibilities of these activities are determined through inter-agency consultations and the highest level of benefit-oriented plans are prepared. Within the scope of social activities; social and sporting activities, history and cultural trips are organized in the country for these students . In order for our guest students to learn the social andcultural structure of our country and for them not to feel alone in our homeland, international student gatherings, international student picnics, summer and winter camps and festive programs are organized.
To be an institution that hosts international students studying in Türkiye, guides those who wish to pursue their education in Türkiye, maintains communication and collaborates with Türkiye alumni, encourages the establishment of international student associations, and ensures coordination among existing ones.
To be an institution whose members contribute to shaping the future of humanity.