According to the findings of the Open Doors 2024 Report released today, India has reclaimed its position as the leading source of international students in the United States for the 2023-24 academic year, a status it last held in 2009. 

The number of Indian students enrolled in US higher education institutions touched 3,31,602, a 23 percent increase from the previous academic year. This growth was primarily driven by a 19 percent increase in graduate student enrollments (196,567 students) and a 41 percent surge in  Optional Practical Training (OPT) participation (97,556 students).  

The report — published jointly by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education (IIE), — revealed that US universities now host over 1.1 million international students (1,126,690), marking a 7 percent increase from the previous academic year. China, which sent 2,77,398 students, saw a 4 percent decline but continues to lead in undergraduate (87,551) and non-degree (5,517) enrollments. Chinese OPT participants increased by 12 percent to 61,552.

The report states that several countries like Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, India, Italy, Nepal, Pakistan, and Spain, also witnessed high enrollments in 2023-24.

STEM fields led the show with 56 percent of international students opting for math and computer science programmes.

Elated with India’s achievement, US Ambassador Eric Garcetti tweeted, “I am thrilled to share that, with over 330,000 students, India has sent more students to the US than any other country this year. This is International Education Week. Let’s celebrate the power of education to build tomorrow’s leaders and deepen our bonds. I came to India first as a 19-year-old student, and I know firsthand the value of these exchanges.”

https://x.com/USAmbIndia/status/1858453407532540290

International students account for 6 percent of total US higher education enrollment, and contributed over USD 50 billion to the nation’s economy in 2023, according to the US Department of Commerce.

“The experience of studying in the United States not only shapes the lives of individuals but also the future of our interconnected world,” said Scott Weinhold, senior bureau official for the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

“The ties formed between US and international students today lay the foundation for future business, trade, science, innovation, and government relations”. 

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