After a 15-year hiatus, India has reclaimed its status as the largest source of international students in the United States for the 2023-24 academic year, overtaking China. This significant achievement is highlighted in the latest Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange 2024, which reveals a striking 23% increase in Indian student enrollment. Over 330,000 Indian students have chosen to pursue higher education in the U.S., reflecting a growing trend of Indian families seeking world-class academic opportunities for their children. This surge underscores the increasing global mobility of Indian students and their preference for U.S. institutions known for academic excellence, research opportunities, and cutting-edge facilities. The shift also emphasizes the changing dynamics in international education, with India once again taking the lead after a long period of growth in Chinese student enrollment.
India has emerged as the largest source of international students in the United States for the first time since 2009, surpassing China. According to the 2023-24 Open Doors Report, over 330,000 Indian students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities, marking a significant 23% increase from the previous year. This surge is especially evident at the graduate level, with nearly 197,000 Indian students now pursuing advanced degrees, a 19% rise from the previous year. Additionally, 97,556 Indian students are participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a 41% increase, enabling them to gain valuable work experience. Undergraduate enrollments also saw a steady increase, with over 36,000 students studying in the U.S.
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So, what makes the U.S. such a popular destination for Indian students? For many, it’s more than just academics. Shreyas P, a Master's student in Mental Health Sciences at Boston University, explains that it’s about the entire experience—academic growth, networking opportunities, and flexible fees with scholarship options. Prakhar Prajapati, a student at Northeastern University in Boston, chose the U.S. for its global reputation, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, with major companies like Johnson & Johnson and Merck headquartered in the region.
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ndian students in the U.S. tend to focus on specific fields of study. According to the Open Doors Report, 42.9% of Indian students major in computer science and mathematics, followed by 24.5% in engineering, and 11.2% in business and management. Other fields like health professionals (2.7%) and physical/biological sciences (5.4%) attract smaller numbers of students.
Many Indian parents also recognize the value of studying in the U.S. Beyond academics, they appreciate the exposure and practical opportunities their children receive. Irani Roy, from Kolkata, shares her thoughts as her son pursues a PhD in Bio-Science Engineering at Pennsylvania State University, saying, “The U.S. offers a lot of practical opportunities and good exposure to students.” Similarly, Rajshree Sharma from Hyderabad supports her daughter's dream of studying Computer Science with a focus on Cyber Security at Purdue University, believing it will secure a bright future for her.
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This growing trend reflects the increasing preference for U.S. higher education, with both students and parents seeking academic excellence, global exposure, and career-enhancing opportunities.
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