Study Abroad: Indian student enrollment in the US jumps by 35 percent

A notable increase in Indian student enrollment in the US universities has marked a rebound from pandemic lows, with a significant 35% rise.

The 2022-23 academic year saw a 12% growth in international student numbers in the US, the most considerable increase in over four decades. This surge brought the total to more than 1 million, the highest since the 2019-20 academic year. 

India surpasses China in US student enrollment

American colleges saw a record enrollment of nearly 269,000 Indian students, now second only to China. Most of these students enrolled in graduate programs, primarily in STEM and business fields. Marianne Craven of the State Department noted the strengthening educational ties between the US and India.

Declining chinese student numbers

The number of Chinese students in the US has been decreasing for three consecutive years, reflecting changes in global educational trends and the impact of travel restrictions due to the pandemic.

US universities attracting indian students

In a strategic shift, US universities are increasingly focusing on recruiting students from India, leading to a notable increase in Indian student enrollment in the US. This shift aligns with the UN’s prediction of India’s population soon surpassing China’s, identifying India as a crucial market for international education. Consequently, Indian students now outnumber Chinese in several US states, with Illinois, Texas, and Michigan emerging as popular destinations.

Graduate programs drawing international students

The recent surge in international student enrollment in the US is primarily in graduate programs, with a 21% increase, while undergraduate programs saw a modest 1% rise. This reverses the previous trend of higher undergraduate enrollments.

Popular fields of study

Math and computer science programs have seen the most substantial growth, with a 20% increase in enrollments. Engineering and business programs also remain popular, collectively attracting over half of all international students in the US.

Recovery from pandemic lows

The surge in international student numbers is nearing pre-pandemic levels, with a peak of almost 1.1 million students in 2018. The following two years saw a steep decline due to COVID-19, but recent trends indicate a continuing recovery, with an 8% increase in international enrollments this fall.