Indian Students Outnumber Chinese in US Universities First Time in 15 Years

In a historic shift, India has become the largest source of international students in the United States, a position previously held by China since 2009. According to the latest Open Doors 2024 report, over 331,000 Indian students were enrolled at universities in USA for the 2023-2024 academic year, accounting for 29.4% of all international students in the country which totals about 1.1 million students. This is a 4% increase in the number of international students from the last academic year and reflects a growing trend in recent years, with Indian students seeking high-quality education and career opportunities abroad.

Meanwhile, China which has historically sent the highest number of students to the US has seen a decline in numbers with around 277,000 students representing 24.6% of the total international student body.

Growth in Postgraduate and Undergraduate Studies

Indian students in the US are pursuing advanced education at unprecedented rates, with a particularly strong increase in postgraduate enrollment. The Open Doors report noted an 18% growth in the number of Indian postgraduate students, who now represent 59% of the total Indian student population in the US.

Undergraduate enrollment by Indian students also saw a steady increase of 13% over the previous year, highlighting the continued appeal of American Universities among Indian students.

STEM Fields Remain Popular Among Indian Students

As per the report, the broader national interest of Indians is in technology, digital innovation, and infrastructure development. This has led majority of Indian students to choose STEM courses in USA, with 42.9% enrolled in Mathematics or Computer Science programs, while 24.5% pursuing degrees in Engineering.

Positive Impact of International Students on US Campuses

Allan Goodman, the CEO of the respected NGO - Institute of International Education (IIE), highlighted the important role international students play in the United States. He pointed out that these students add immense value, not only academically but also culturally and economically, creating a positive impact for both countries.

In conclusion, this is an exciting development in the global education sector and if you want to take advantage of this you would be happy to know that KC Overseas Education makes the dream to study in USA for international students a reality. KC offers invaluable support, from applications to visa procedures and even adapting to life in the USA, ensuring a smooth journey towards your academic dreams.