Indian students, for the third consecutive year, have set a new record by choosing the United States as their preferred destination for higher education.
The recently released Open Doors Report (ODR) revealed an astonishing 35% increase in the number of Indian students studying in the US, reaching an all-time high of 268,923 students for the academic year 2022-23.
This influx has positioned Indian students as a dominant force, constituting over 25% of the one million-plus international students pursuing education in the United States.
The ODR’s release coincides with the commencement of International Education Week (IEW), a global celebration of the benefits derived from international education and exchange programmes.
A noteworthy trend outlined in the ODR is India surpassing China to become the largest source of international graduate students in the US.
This marks the first time since the academic year 2009-10 that India has taken the lead.
The data highlights an impressive 63% increase in the number of Indian graduate students, totalling 165,936 students—an astonishing rise of nearly 64,000 students from the previous year.
Additionally, Indian undergraduate students experienced a commendable 16% increase.
An intriguing aspect of the report is India’s prominence in the number of individuals pursuing optional practical training (OPT).
A total of 69,062 Indian students engaged in OPT, a temporary work permission allowing them to gain real-world experience aligned with their field of study.
The US Embassy and Consulates in India played a pivotal role in facilitating this surge by issuing a record number of student visas during the main student visa season from June to August 2023.
Consular officers issued a remarkable 95,269 visas in the F, M, and J categories, signifying an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
US Ambassador Eric Garcetti expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “You did it, India! Each and every Indian student in the United States and the families supporting their success deserve recognition for this achievement.”
He commended the decision of Indian students to pursue education abroad, stressing on its role in bringing the two nations closer together and paving the way for a brighter future.
To further support Indian students in navigating their educational journey, the US Department of State offers free advising services.
These services are available virtually and in-person at six EducationUSA advising centres strategically located in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, and two in Hyderabad.
For additional information, students and families can access the EducationUSA India app, available for free on iOS and Android devices.
