The Influence of Multi - Cultural Higher Education on Economic Development

The aim of this study is to specify the contribution of universities and university students to social and cultural structure and economic development of the country. Representatives of public organizations, tradesmen and economic organizations were given semi-structured interview. The data were analyzed through "content analysis". The findings indicate that, students from foreign countries do not spoil the cultural structure of the country. However, due to the economic conditions in their countries, students from the third world countries are willing to stay on the island. If employed, their employment might have negative effects on the social and cultural structure of the island in long-term. Another finding revealed that the universities do not receive sufficient contributions from the state and the scholarships awarded are insufficient.