Ibrahim Gardner
The United States is a top choice for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. In 2024, the number of Indian international students in the US surpassed the number of Chinese international students for the first time in 15 years. There were over 331,000 Indian students in the US in the last academic year, constituting 29% of all international students in the country. This trend can be attributed to various factors, including the high competition for entrance into Indian universities, the allure of the American Dream, and the increasing demand for higher education in the US among India's growing middle class and university-age population.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Indian international students in the US | 268,923 (2022-23 academic year) / 331,602 (2023-24 academic year) |
| Percentage of international students in the US from India | 25% (2022-23 academic year) / 29% (2023-24 academic year) |
| Percentage growth in the number of Indian international students in the US (2023-24 academic year) | 23% |
| Number of US study visas issued to Indian students (2023) | 140,000+ |
| Number of US study visas issued to Indian students (2022) | 133,000 |
| Number of US study visas issued to Indian students (2021) | 96,000 |
| Percentage of international students in the US from India (2024) | 29% |
| Number of Indian graduate students in the US (2022-23 academic year) | 165,936 |
| Percentage increase in the number of Indian graduate students in the US (2022-23 academic year) | 63% |
| Number of foreign students in US universities from India (2024) | Nearly 269,000 |
| Percentage increase in the number of foreign students in US universities from India (2022-23) | 35% |
| Number of Indian students studying in foreign universities | 1.5 million |
| Number of Indian students studying in foreign universities (2012) | 187,500 (estimated) |
| Number of Indian students studying in 85 countries outside India (Jan 2021) | 1 million+ |
| Number of Indian students studying in North America | 50%+ of Indian students studying abroad |
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What You'll Learn
Indian students are the largest group of international students in the US
Indian students have become the largest group of international students in the US, surpassing Chinese students for the first time since 2009. According to the State Department and the Institute of International Education, there were over 331,600 Indian students in the US in the last academic year, constituting 29% of all international students. This represents a 23% growth from the previous academic year, with the number of Indian students in the US continuously rising.
The US has consistently been the top study destination for Indian students, with a record number of study visas expected to be issued in 2024. This is due to several factors, including the high competition and low acceptance rates at top Indian universities, the increasing demand for overseas education among India's growing middle class and university-age population, and the opportunity to work in the US for up to three years after graduation. Additionally, the US government has actively recruited Indian students, with US universities recognising the need to tap into the pool of Indian students as Chinese student numbers declined.
The majority of Indian students in the US are enrolled in graduate programs in science, math, and engineering, fields that face shortages in the US. However, undergraduate numbers are also rising, and Indian students are increasingly pursuing degrees beyond STEM, such as the performing arts. Despite the high demand, the cost of US education remains a barrier for many Indian students, and there have been concerns about the safety of Indian students in the US due to a number of recent incidents.
To assist Indian students in finding the right study opportunities, the US Department of State offers free advising services, both virtually and in-person, at EducationUSA advising centers. Additionally, some US institutions are putting less emphasis on tests and more on real-world experiences, which could appeal to international students. The US government also offers the Optional Practical Training program, allowing international students to work in the country for up to three years after graduation.
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US visa rejections for Chinese students
Indian students have consistently been one of the largest groups of international students in the United States. In the 2022-23 academic year, a record number of 268,923 Indian students traveled to the US for higher education, constituting more than 25% of the over one million foreign students in the country. Indian students surpassed Chinese students to become the largest source of international graduate students in the US for the first time since 2009/2010.
However, the number of Chinese students in the US has been declining. In 2024, there were approximately 277,000 Chinese students in the US, down from a high of around 370,000 in 2019. This decrease has been attributed to various factors, including growing tensions between the US and China, heightened US government scrutiny of Chinese students, safety concerns, racism and discrimination, immigration difficulties, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
US visa policies have also played a significant role in the decline of Chinese students in the country. During the Trump administration, there was a push to remove Chinese government-funded Confucius Institute cultural centers from US university campuses, citing concerns about advancing China's "global propaganda and malign influence." As a result of increased scrutiny, the US government began heavily reviewing and rejecting students from institutions presumed to have Chinese military ties. In 2020, the US revoked visas for more than 1,000 Chinese students and researchers deemed security risks, and many Trump-era policies have remained in place under the Biden administration.
Chinese students have expressed disappointment and frustration with US visa rejections, which they say are broad and indiscriminate. Even students intending to study non-military subjects have had their visas rejected under clause 212(f). The growing trend of US visa rejections for Chinese students has led to a shift in preferences, with more Chinese students opting for schools in Europe and returning to China after graduation.
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US remains the top choice for Indian students
The United States remains the top choice for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. In 2023, a record number of Indian students travelled to the US for the third year in a row, with a 35% increase resulting in 268,923 students in the 2022-23 academic year. Indian students constituted more than 25% of the over one million foreign students in the US, with Indian graduate students rising by 63% to 165,936.
The US government has also been increasing its efforts to attract Indian students, with the US Department of State offering free advising services to prospective students at six EducationUSA advising centres. The US government also sponsors scholarships and exchange programs, such as the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships and the Fulbright Program, to encourage international students to study in the US.
Despite the high costs and visa barriers, the US continues to be a priority for Indian students over other popular countries such as the UK, Australia, and Canada. The allure of an overseas education and the prestige of an American degree remain strong. Furthermore, the opportunity to gain work experience in the US after graduation is an attractive prospect for many Indian students.
However, there have been concerns about the safety of Indian students in the US, with a number of incidents leading to questions about their well-being. Nevertheless, the US still holds its position as the top choice for Indian students, with a record number of study visas expected in 2024.
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US-bound Indian students face safety concerns
Indian students have constituted the largest group of international students in the US for the first time in 15 years, with more than 331,600 Indian students in the country in the last academic year. This surge in Indian students in the US surpasses the number of Chinese students, who previously held the top spot.
However, this increase in Indian students in the US coincides with a rise in safety concerns. There has been a recent spike in killings and attacks on Indian students in the US, with 11 student deaths recorded in 2024 alone. This has created a climate of fear and anxiety among Indian students, impacting their daily lives and sense of safety. The emotional and psychological impact of these attacks can affect academic performance and overall well-being, adding to the academic pressures and cultural adjustments that international students already face.
While universities work to ensure student safety and develop safety protocols, ultimately, individuals are responsible for their safety. This includes being aware of their surroundings, knowing the safe areas in their city, and avoiding places that are not well-lit or considered "shady." Additionally, students should keep their personal information and documents safe and be cautious when giving out personal details to strangers.
To address the recent attacks, there has been increased collaboration between US universities and Indian embassies to develop safety protocols and support systems for Indian students. US universities are modifying their standard operating procedures, and Indian student associations in the US are creating online and offline support networks. President Joe Biden has also assured Indian students that the administration is working to stop such attacks.
Despite the safety concerns, the US remains the top choice for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. The country offers internationally ranked universities, great employability rates, abundant course options, and a culturally rich environment.
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US universities heavily recruit Indian students
US universities have been heavily recruiting Indian students, and this trend is expected to continue. The number of Indian students in the US has skyrocketed, with a staggering 35% increase in just one year, resulting in an all-time high of 268,923 students in the 2022-23 academic year. This increase is attributed to several factors, including the high quality of education, the promise of better career prospects, and the strong sense of community that US universities offer.
Indian students constitute more than 25% of the over one million foreign students in the United States, surpassing Chinese students as the largest group of international students for the first time in 15 years. This shift is partly due to the decline in Chinese student enrolment, fuelled by strained diplomatic relations, stringent visa policies, and concerns about safety and discrimination. In contrast, Indian students view US degrees as a gateway to higher-paying jobs and opportunities not readily available in their home country.
US universities actively foster this trend by conducting college fairs in India and expanding their reach beyond major cities to smaller towns, where interest in studying abroad is growing. They recognise the importance of providing a sense of belonging and community for Indian students, which makes it easier for them to adjust to life in a foreign country. Additionally, US universities with a high campus ethnic diversity index are more attractive to Indian applicants seeking a familiar environment.
Prestigious universities like Johns Hopkins University, New York University, and Columbia University are particularly popular among Indian students. These universities offer a vibrant student community, academic excellence, and a diverse range of programmes. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is also an attractive option, known for its relatively affordable tuition fees for Indian students.
To assist Indian students in their pursuit of higher education in the United States, the US Department of State offers free advising services through its EducationUSA network. This network comprises over 400 advising centres worldwide, providing valuable information and support to Indian students aspiring to study in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, there are 331,602 Indian international students in the US, making India the largest source of international students in the US.
The number of Indian students in the US has been increasing year on year. In 2023, there were 268,923 Indian students in the US, which was a 35% increase from the previous year. In 2024, the number of Indian students in the US increased by 23% from the previous academic year.
The US is a top choice for Indian students due to the prestige of an overseas education and the allure of the American Dream. Additionally, the acceptance rates at some top Indian universities are very low, with Harvard University having an acceptance rate of 3% compared to higher acceptance rates at US universities. US universities also offer the chance to work in the country for up to three years after graduation through the Optional Practical Training program.
Some challenges Indian students face when studying in the US include the high cost of tuition and living expenses, the complex student visa process, safety concerns, and incidents of racism and discrimination.
