Savanna Hoffman
The United States is a popular destination for international students, with more than a million international students hosted during the 2022-2023 academic year, marking a 12% jump from the previous year. The 2023/2024 academic year saw a record high of 1,126,690 international students from over 210 places of origin, with India as the top-sending country. International students are drawn to the United States by its global leadership in higher education, with a wide range of accredited institutions offering diverse fields of study. The most popular fields of study for international students include STEM subjects, particularly math and computer science, as well as engineering, business, and management. The presence of international students in US colleges and universities fosters cultural exchange, enriches campuses, and contributes significantly to the US economy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students in US higher education institutions in 2023/2024 | 1,126,690 |
| Number of new international students in US colleges/universities in 2023/2024 | 298,705 |
| Number of international students in US colleges/universities in 2022/2023 | 1,060,000 |
| Number of international students in US postsecondary institutions in 2020/2021 | 1,057,188 |
| Number of international graduate students in the US in 2023/2024 | 502,291 |
| Number of international undergraduate students in the US in 2023/2024 | 342,875 |
| Number of international students in the US on OPT in 2023/2024 | 242,782 |
| Number of countries sending international students to the US in 2022/2023 | 200+ |
| Number of student visas issued to African students in 2023 | 40,000+ |
| Number of countries that sent the most international students to the US in 2022/2023 | 25 |
| Number of countries that sent the most international students to the US in 2022/2023 with all-time highs | 8 |
| Number of states with a jump in international students in 2022/2023 | 48 |
| Number of states with an increase in international students in 2023/2024 | 44 |
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What You'll Learn
International student enrolment in US colleges and universities
International students continue to be drawn to US colleges and universities, with 48 states reporting an increase in international students. The US remains the top choice for students seeking higher education abroad.
During the 2023/2024 academic year, there were 1,126,690 international students from over 210 places of origin studying at US higher education institutions, a 7% increase from the previous academic year. This number includes 298,705 new international students, matching the previous year's total and pre-pandemic levels.
The majority of international students in the US study STEM fields, with 56% enrolled in STEM programmes in 2023/2024. Math and computer science was the leading field of study, with one in four international students (25%) enrolled in this field. Other popular fields include business and management (14%), physical and life sciences (8%), social sciences (8%), and fine and applied arts (5%).
The US government and American colleges and universities are eager to welcome international students, recognising the benefits they bring to campuses and the economy. International students contribute to cultural exchange and enrich the diversity of educational institutions in the US.
The leading country of origin for international students in the US in 2023/2024 was India, which sent 331,602 students, reflecting a 23% increase from the prior year. China was the second-leading place of origin, with 277,398 students, despite a 4% decline. Together, India and China made up over half of all international students in the US.
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International students by country of origin
International students are a significant contributor to the US economy, and their numbers have been steadily increasing over the years. The US hosted more than 1.1 million international students at higher education institutions in 2023/24, a 7% increase from the previous academic year and an all-time high. International students accounted for 6% of the total US higher education population.
India is the top sender of international students to the US, with 331,602 students in 2023/24, a 23% increase from the previous year. India enrollments increased primarily at the graduate (196,567; +19%) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) academic levels (97,556; +41%). India replaced China as the top-sending country for the first time since 2009.
China was the second-leading place of origin, with 277,398 students, a 4% decline from the previous year. China remained the top-sending country for undergraduates and non-degree students, sending 87,551 and 5,517, respectively. Chinese students pursuing OPT increased by 12% to 61,552. Together, India and China accounted for over half (54%) of all international students in the US.
Other countries that experienced strong growth in the number of students sent to the US include Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, Italy, Nepal, Pakistan, and Spain. Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest growth rate among all world regions for the second consecutive year, with an increase of 13% in 2023/24, building on an 18% increase the previous year.
The US remains the top choice for students seeking higher education abroad, with its nearly 4,000 accredited institutions of higher education offering a diverse range of educational opportunities. International students are attracted by the global career opportunities that a US degree can offer, as well as the option to gain practical work experience through OPT programs.
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Popular fields of study for international students
The United States is a popular destination for international students, with more than a million international students hosted in the 2022-2023 academic year, marking an almost 12% jump from the previous year. In 2023/2024, the number of new international students enrolling at US colleges or universities for the first time remained robust, with 298,705 new international students, matching the previous year's total and pre-pandemic levels.
International students in the US tend to focus on STEM and business majors, which often lead to high-earning careers. Math and computer science are the leading field of study for international students, with one in four students (25%) pursuing this field in 2023/2024. Software engineering, computer programming, and information sciences are also popular areas of study within mathematics and computer science.
Engineering is another popular field of study for international students in the US. In 2023, 202,801 international students enrolled in engineering degrees at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The field is expected to grow by 10% by 2031, offering high earning potential for graduates.
Business and management is a top area of study for international students, as it often leads to high-earning positions. Business majors can include accounting, international business, marketing, finance, business administration, management, and supply chain management. In 2023/2024, 14% of international students pursued business and management studies.
Other popular fields of study for international students in the US include social sciences, physical and life sciences, fine and applied arts, health professions, and communications and journalism. These fields attract international students due to their diverse range of specialisations and strong employment outcomes.
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International student visas
International students continue to be attracted to colleges and universities in the United States, with 48 states reporting an increase in international students. The US hosted over 1.1 million international students in the 2023/2024 academic year, a 7% increase from the previous year. The number of new international students enrolling in US colleges and universities for the first time in 2023/2024 was 298,705, matching pre-pandemic levels.
For international students wishing to study in the US, it is important to understand the process of obtaining a student visa. The type of visa required for international students to study in the US is either an F-1 or J-1 visa. The F-1 visa is the most common and is issued to full-time students enrolled in an academic or language program at a US institution. Any student who is funded by personal or outside funds, or a combination of the two, is eligible for F-1 status. J-1 visas are also available for exchange visitors and can be issued at any time before the beginning of their program.
To obtain a student visa, students must first apply and gain admission to their chosen US institution. Once admitted, students must apply for an I-20 (or DS-2019) through their institution by uploading the required documentation. The I-20 or DS-2019 form certifies admission and enrollment at the institution. For F-1 visas, students must request the SEVIS Form I-20 from the admissions office. Students must also complete and submit the DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. After completing the DS-160, students must schedule an interview with their local US embassy or consulate, which typically involves a quick in-person interview with an immigration officer. Students should be aware that each consulate sets its own timeline for accepting and processing student visa applications, with some areas experiencing wait times of over 30 days.
In addition to the application form and interview, students must provide financial evidence showing the amount and source of funding to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. This typically includes bank statements from the past 12 months, signed by an authorized bank representative or a recognized sponsoring agency in the US. Students may also need to provide transcripts and/or diplomas from previous institutions, scores from standardized tests, and proof of immunization records. International students should carefully review the requirements and regulations for maintaining their visa status while studying in the US, as failure to comply with federal regulations can result in the loss of visa status.
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International student fees
International students continue to be attracted to US universities, with 48 out of 50 states reporting a jump in international students. The US hosted 1,126,690 international students from over 200 countries in the 2023/2024 academic year, a 7% increase from the previous year. This number includes 298,705 new international students, 502,291 international graduate students, and 342,875 international undergraduates.
In addition to tuition fees, international students should budget for other expenses such as textbooks and accommodation. Textbooks and additional fees can cost between $500 and $1,000 per year. On-campus accommodation is a convenient option to be immersed in the university experience, while off-campus accommodation can offer a more affordable option and the opportunity to live with other international students or a local family.
Health insurance is another important consideration for international students, as medical care in the US can be expensive. While J visa holders are required by law to have health insurance, F or M student visa holders are not, but their university may require it. Many universities offer health insurance plans for their students, with average costs ranging from $700 to $1,000 per year. Private insurance is also an option, with monthly premiums averaging between $30 and $140.
While studying in the US can be expensive, there are ways to keep costs down. Living on campus can be more affordable than off-campus accommodation, and some universities offer lower tuition fees. Additionally, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations to earn extra income.
For those on a tight budget, there are also lower-cost schools to consider. According to U.S. News data, the 20 most affordable colleges for international students have annual total costs at or below $27,520, with the lowest being $19,788. These costs include tuition and fees, room and board, books, and transportation but do not account for financial aid.
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Frequently asked questions
There were 298,705 new international students in US universities in 2023/2024, matching the previous year's total.
There were over 1.1 million international students in total in US universities in 2023/2024.
The number of international students in US universities in 2023/2024 increased by 7% from the previous academic year.
India and China make up over half of all international students in the US.
There were 342,875 international undergraduate students in US universities in 2023/2024.
