Lori Meadows
The US is a popular destination for international students, with around 1.1 million international students by the latest count. This is due in part to the country's world-leading status in business, technology, science, politics, media, and education. However, recent funding cuts and measures taken by the Trump administration have made it increasingly difficult for international graduate students to pursue their studies in the US. These challenges include reduced scholarship opportunities, restrictions on employment, and increased competition for graduate assistantships and other on-campus jobs. Despite these obstacles, the number of international applications to US graduate programs increased by 12% in 2021 compared to 2020, with a significant increase in first-time international student enrollment in Math & Computer Sciences and Engineering programs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of international students in the US | 1.1 million |
| Number of international applications to US graduate programmes in 2021 | 852,006 |
| Percentage increase in international applications in 2021 compared to 2020 | 12% |
| Number of first-time international students enrolled in US graduate programmes in 2021 | 101,371 |
| Percentage increase in first-time international student enrolments in 2021 compared to 2020 | 92% |
| Percentage of international graduate applications from Indian and Chinese students | 64% |
| Percentage increase in applications from Europe in 2021 compared to 2020 | 28% |
| Percentage increase in applications from Latin America and the Caribbean in 2021 compared to 2020 | 23% |
| Number of international applicants offered admission to Duke University | 1,754 out of 2,840 (61.8%) |
| Number of international applicants offered admission to Northwestern University | 3,518 out of 7,700 (47%) |
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What You'll Learn
- International graduate student applications to US universities increased by 12% in 2021
- International students in the US face challenges with funding, visas, and employment
- The US is home to half of the top 10 universities in the world
- International graduate students must take English proficiency tests and standardised tests for admissions
- The number of first-time international students enrolled in US graduate programmes increased by 92% in 2021
International graduate student applications to US universities increased by 12% in 2021
The rise in applications is largely driven by Indian students, with a 36% increase in applications from India in fall 2021. Indian students now account for two-thirds of all graduate applications, alongside Chinese students. Applications from Europe also grew by 28% in 2021, the first growth from this region since 2016. Latin American and Caribbean students are sending in more applications, with a 23% increase in 2021. Middle Eastern and North African students submitted 35% more applications, while Sub-Saharan African students sent in 64% more.
The fields of study that saw the biggest increases in applications were Public Administration & Services (+43%), Education (+25%), and Health Sciences (+22%). First-time international student enrolments in Math & Computer Sciences graduate programmes rose by 189%, and Engineering programmes saw a 129% increase.
US colleges and universities are working hard to recover their international enrolments, focusing on bringing international students to the US for in-person instruction on campus. However, the pandemic has accelerated the trend of US students opting out of degree studies, with overall enrolments falling by 9.4% in the past two years, equivalent to a loss of 1.4 million students across the US college system.
International students face financial burdens and visa uncertainties when applying to US graduate programmes. Higher education in the US is expensive, and scholarships are becoming less reliable due to funding cuts. International students also have restricted employment opportunities, as they can only work on-campus jobs, and graduate assistantships are highly competitive. Obtaining an F-1 non-immigrant visa is a requirement for international students, and they must provide proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their course.
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International students in the US face challenges with funding, visas, and employment
The US is a world leader in education, with many of the world's top universities. It hosts more international students than any other country, with around 1.1 million international students enrolled in its universities. However, international students in the US face several challenges, including funding, visas, and employment.
International students in the US have traditionally relied on scholarships to fund their education, as higher education in the US is notoriously expensive, especially for international students. However, due to recent funding cuts, scholarships have become less reliable, leaving international students with limited options for securing funding. While domestic students can work to pay for their tuition, employment opportunities for international students are restricted to on-campus jobs, which can be highly competitive and challenging to obtain.
The Trump administration's policies have also negatively impacted international students' visa status. There have been efforts to prevent universities from enrolling international students and a proposed “one-strike” immigration policy that would instantly revoke visas for any interaction with the criminal justice system or expression of dissenting views on social media. The Department of Homeland Security has actively canceled SEVIS records, which track international students' visa compliance, without due process, creating confusion and uncertainty for students and institutions.
Additionally, international students face challenges in finding employment after graduation. The H-1B visa, the primary work visa for college graduates, has a binding cap of 65,000 per year and requires employer sponsorship. While certain exemptions exist for F-1 students, the process of transitioning from a student visa to a work visa can be difficult, and the lack of clear immigration pathways is a significant concern for international students.
The situation is further complicated by the political and cultural tensions between the US and some countries, such as China. The US government's adversarial approach to international students, particularly from China, has led to a decrease in enrollment from these countries, with other countries like India now sending more students to American institutions. Universities in other countries, such as Japan and Hong Kong, are capitalizing on the US's hostile environment to attract international students.
Overall, international students in the US face significant challenges regarding funding, visas, and employment. These challenges have been exacerbated by recent policy changes and political tensions, creating a complex and uncertain environment for those seeking educational opportunities in the US.
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The US is home to half of the top 10 universities in the world
The US is a world leader in education, alongside other spheres such as business, technology, science, and politics. It is home to half of the top 10 universities in the world, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Yale University, and Harvard University, the oldest higher education institution in the US. The US also hosts more international students than any other country, with around 1.1 million international students by the latest count.
International graduate students in the US are evaluated similarly to American students, with some additional requirements. International students will need to obtain an F-1 non-immigrant visa and provide proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their course. They may also need to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Graduate admissions test results, such as the GRE or GMAT, may also be required.
US universities often provide extensive support services, including career counselling, internships, and work-study programs, which help students gain practical experience and enhance their employability. The vibrant campus life and cultural diversity in the US allow international students to interact with peers from around the globe, fostering cross-cultural understanding and global networking opportunities.
However, higher education in the US can be incredibly expensive, especially for international students, and recent funding cuts have reduced the availability of scholarships. International students may face challenges in securing funding and navigating visa uncertainties. They might also encounter restrictions on employment, with on-campus jobs being the only option for many.
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International graduate students must take English proficiency tests and standardised tests for admissions
The US is a world leader in education, with many of the world's top universities. It hosts more international students than any other country, with around 1.1 million international students in the US as of the latest count.
International graduate students applying to US universities will generally be evaluated similarly to American students. However, one key difference is that international students must prove their English proficiency. This is usually done through English language tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English test. These tests typically cover speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. Some universities, like the University of Southern California (USC), require students to take the International Student English (ISE) examination upon arrival if their English proficiency scores are older than two years. It's important to note that USC does not waive the English proficiency requirement based on work experience, ESL enrollment, or time spent in an English-speaking country.
In addition to English proficiency tests, international graduate students may also need to take standardised graduate admissions tests. These include the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, DAT, LSAT, and PCAT, depending on the programme they are applying to. For example, the GMAT is typically required for admission to business or MBA programs, while the MCAT is required for almost all medical schools.
Each US university has its own application process, deadlines, and requirements, so it's essential for international students to carefully review the specific admissions criteria for their chosen programmes. While some institutions accept applications on a rolling basis, most colleges have early (December to January) and regular (March to April) deadlines. International students should also be prepared to obtain an F-1 non-immigrant visa, which requires proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their studies.
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The number of first-time international students enrolled in US graduate programmes increased by 92% in 2021
The United States is a popular destination for higher education, with its universities hosting more international students than any other country. In the 2023-2024 academic year, the US welcomed a record number of international students, with over 1.1 million choosing to study there. This figure represents 5.9% of the total US student population.
In 2021, there was a notable surge in the number of first-time international students enrolling in US graduate programmes, with a 92% increase compared to the previous year. This significant rise can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the country's world-renowned educational institutions and the recovery from pandemic-related disruptions.
Indian students played a significant role in this increase, with a remarkable 430% growth in their enrolment in US graduate programmes. This surge resulted from high deferral rates during the pandemic, as well as India's position as one of the largest sources of international students. China, the other major contributor, experienced a smaller increase of 35%.
The fields of study that witnessed the most significant growth in applications were Public Administration and Services (+43%), Education (+25%), and Health Sciences (+22%). Additionally, first-time international student enrolments in Math and Computer Sciences graduate programmes rose by an impressive 189%, while Engineering programmes saw a substantial increase of 129%.
The US graduate programmes' appeal to international students is influenced by various factors, including the prestige of American universities and the availability of financial aid. However, recent funding cuts have created challenges for international students, impacting scholarships and assistantship opportunities. Despite these developments, the US remains an attractive destination for graduate studies, drawing students from diverse regions worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2022, there were 101,371 first-time international graduate students in the US, with the total number of international graduate students being around 1.1 million.
The fields that saw the biggest increase in applications in 2021 were Public Administration & Services (+43%), Education (+25%), and Health Sciences (+22%). Math & Computer Sciences (+189%) and Engineering (+129%) also saw large increases in international graduate student enrolments.
US universities evaluate international graduate student applications in a similar way to American students. There are no caps on the number of international students that can be accepted to programmes. Some schools may have a higher acceptance rate for international students compared to US students.
Private universities in the US tend to charge a single rate for both local and international students, which is higher than public universities. Public universities will typically have a lower rate for in-state students and a higher rate for out-of-state students and international students.
Asian countries represent 78% of all first-time international graduate students in the US. Indian and Chinese students alone account for nearly two-thirds (64%) of all graduate applications.
