India Becomes Largest Source Of International Students In US

In a groundbreaking development, India has emerged as the leading source of international graduate students in the United States during the academic year 2022-23, surpassing China for the first time since 2009-10. According to a report from the Institute of International Education (IIE), a record-breaking 268,923 Indian students are pursuing higher education in American institutions, marking the third consecutive year of increased enrollment.

Released on Monday, the Open Doors Report highlighted a 35% surge in the number of Indian students coming to the US, resulting in the unprecedented figure of 268,923 for the academic year 2022-23. Indian students now constitute over 25% of the one million-plus foreign students studying in the US, with a remarkable 63% increase in Indian graduate students, totaling 165,936 during the same period. Additionally, Indian undergraduate students experienced a 16% increase.

The report also underscored India's leadership in the number of individuals pursuing optional practical training (OPT), with 69,062 engaging in this temporary work permission program designed to provide practical experience related to their field of study. In response to this trend, the US embassy noted, "India surpassed China to become the largest source of international graduate students in the United States for the first time since 2009/10.," reported Hindustan Times.

During the main student visa season of June-August 2023, the US embassy and consulates in India issued a record number of student visas. Consular officers issued 95,269 visas in the F, M, and J categories, reflecting an 18% increase from the same period in 2022.

To assist Indian students in navigating their study opportunities, the US State Department offers free advising services virtually and in-person at six EducationUSA advising centers in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. These centers, staffed by EducationUSA advisors, provide accurate and up-to-date information about studying in the US, aiding Indian students in selecting the best program from over 4,500 accredited higher-education institutions.

US Ambassador Eric Garcetti commended Indian students and their families for this achievement, acknowledging their valuable investment and role in bringing the countries closer together. He expressed hope for balanced numbers, advocating for equal representation of women pursuing studies in the US and an increase in US students exploring the educational opportunities that India offers.

The release of the Open Doors Report coincided with the beginning of International Education Week (IEW), celebrating the global benefits of international education and exchange. Published by the US Institute of International Education (IIE), the Open Doors report is an annual statistical survey conducted in partnership with the US State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, encompassing international students enrolled at US higher education institutions, online students from abroad, and those engaged in Optional Practical Training from fall 2022 to spring 2023.

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