Lana Oconnell
International student enrollment has been steadily increasing since 1950, barring a few exceptions, such as the early '70s, the mid-2000s, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic significantly impacted international students due to countrywide travel bans and shifting immigration rules. However, enrollment is now on the rebound, with the 2023-24 school year in the US seeing 1.1 million international students, a 7% increase from the previous year. This trend is not unique to the US; Canada, for example, saw a 29% increase in international students in 2023. The top places of origin for international students in the US are India and China, which together make up over half of all international students in the country.
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What You'll Learn
International student enrollment in the US rose by 7% in 2023/24
International student enrollment in US colleges and universities increased by 7% in 2023/24, reaching an all-time high of over 1.1 million students. This growth coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Open Doors Report, which is the leading annual benchmark for international educational exchange in the United States.
The number of new international students enrolling in US colleges and universities for the first time remained robust, with 298,705 new international students in 2023/24, matching the previous year's total and pre-pandemic levels. This increase in international student enrollment brings the total number of international students in the US to 1,126,690 across more than 210 places of origin.
International graduate students and students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) reached record highs. Over half a million international graduate students (502,291) pursued study in the United States in 2023/24, an 8% increase and an all-time high. The number of international students who remained in the US to gain practical work experience through OPT reached a record high of 242,782, a 22% increase from the previous year.
India became the leading place of origin for international students in the US, with 331,602 students in 2023/24, reflecting a 23% increase from the prior year. India and China together made up over half of all international students in the US. Eight of the top 25 sending countries reached all-time highs, including Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, Italy, Nepal, Pakistan, and Spain. Sub-Saharan Africa also saw strong growth, with a 13% increase in student numbers for the second consecutive year.
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India sent the most students to the US in 2023/24
International student enrollment in US institutions reached an all-time high in the 2023/24 academic year, with 1,126,690 foreign students enrolling. This number represents a 7% increase from the previous academic year.
The momentum is most pronounced at the graduate level, where enrollments climbed to 196,567, marking a 19% increase. Additionally, participation in Optional Practical Training (OPT) surged by 41%, reaching a record high of 242,782 students, an increase of 22% from the previous year.
The majority of international students in the US pursued STEM fields of study, with 42.9% of Indian students choosing mathematics and computer science, 24.5% pursuing engineering, and 11.2% studying business or management. The US is home to numerous world-renowned universities, and graduates are highly sought after by leading employers worldwide. The favorable job prospects and comparable costs make the US a preferred study destination for Indian students.
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International students in Canada rose by 29% in 2023
Canada witnessed a significant surge in its international student population in 2023, with numbers rising by 29% compared to the previous year. This increase propelled Canada's reputation as a sought-after study destination, solidifying its position as the third most popular country for international students, just behind the United States and the United Kingdom.
According to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the country hosted an impressive 1,040,985 international students in 2023, a substantial jump from the previous year. This influx of students contributed to Canada's overall population growth, with international students now representing 2.5% of the country's total residents, a notable increase from just five years ago.
Ontario, Canada's most populous province, played a significant role in this growth, witnessing a 2% increase in its share of international students from 2021 to 2023, accounting for 51%-52% of all international students in the country. The popularity of Ontario's college programs, particularly in post-secondary studies, attracted a large number of international students.
The diversity of Canada's international student population also underwent a noticeable shift. While Indian and Chinese students have traditionally dominated international enrollment in Canada, together accounting for under 51% of all international students in 2023, there was a growing trend towards diversification. Eight of Canada's top ten fastest-growing student populations in 2023 originated from African countries, with notable increases in students from Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Congo, and Senegal. Additionally, students from the Philippines, Nigeria, and Nepal contributed to the diversification, with Nepal entering Canada's Top 10 markets.
The rise in international students in Canada has had a significant impact on various aspects. It has contributed to a housing demand that surpasses supply, and it has also brought about a situation where the healthcare system struggles to cater to the increased population. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the rise in international students pursuing business programs, which may not align with the country's labor market demands, leading to concerns about the financial motives of educational institutions. Despite these challenges, Canada's appeal to international students remains strong, and the country is expected to continue attracting a significant number of students from around the world.
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International students in STEM fields in the US increased
The number of international students in the US has been steadily increasing over the years, with the country hosting more than 1.1 million international students in higher education institutions in the 2024/25 academic year, reaching an all-time high. This marks a 3% rise in international student enrollment, with undergraduate enrollments increasing by 6% and graduate enrollments decreasing by 2%. The number of international graduate students pursuing studies in the US also reached an all-time high in 2023/24, with 502,291 students, an 8% increase from the previous year.
International students are a significant contributor to the US economy, as they typically pay full tuition rates, providing valuable revenue that subsidizes the cost of attendance for domestic students. A 2015 study found that international students contributed $9 billion to public universities, accounting for 28% of their total revenue. This allows universities to increase domestic student enrollment and support enhanced graduate programs and research initiatives. Additionally, international students and graduates help the US compete globally, especially in the STEM fields.
The US has long been considered a global center of scientific and technological education, but it is now facing competition from countries like China, India, and South Korea, which have rapidly expanded their STEM education programs. To maintain its leadership in talent, the US should foster STEM education and attract foreign talent. International students in STEM fields can aid in developing a highly skilled technical workforce, enabling technological innovation and economic growth.
To address the challenges of recruiting and retaining international students, the US should adopt a national strategy for international education. This includes establishing targets, policies, and funding programs to increase the number and diversity of international students. Additionally, visa and immigration policies should be updated to provide predictability and smoother access to work opportunities for skilled international graduates, especially in STEM fields.
In conclusion, the increase in international students in STEM fields in the US contributes to the country's competitiveness in research and innovation. By attracting foreign talent and fostering domestic STEM education, the US can maintain its position as a leader in scientific and technological advancements.
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International students in US graduate programs rose in 2022/23
International student enrollment in US graduate programs has indeed risen in 2022/23. The Council of Graduate Schools’ Graduate Enrollment and Degrees: 2012 to 2022 report shows that international commencements grew by 10.2% between 2021 and 2022, while domestic commencements declined by 4.7%. This significant jump in international enrollments comes after a 12% increase in international applications to US graduate programs in Fall 2021 and a 26% surge in 2022.
In 2022/23, there were 467,027 international graduate students in the United States, accounting for over one-third of all international students in the country. The majority of these students originated from China and India, totaling 289,526 and 268,923 students, respectively. Eight of the top 25 places of origin reached all-time highs, including India, which became the leading place of origin in 2023/24 with 331,602 international students in the United States, a 23% increase from the previous year. China was the second-leading place of origin, despite a 4% decline to 277,398 students.
International students represented more than one-fifth of graduate enrollments in the US in 2022, with their share increasing by almost 3% compared to 2021, to compose 21.9% of total enrollments. Overall, applications to US graduate schools rose by nearly 4% between Fall 2021 and Fall 2022, driven by interest in master's programs, particularly from Indian students.
While international enrollment in US graduate programs increased, overall enrollment in these programs has been trending downward in recent years. At private, not-for-profit universities, international students made up a third (33.2%) of all first-time enrollments, while at public universities, their share was lower at 25%. International students are drawn to engineering, math, and computer science programs, with foreign students accounting for almost 70% of commencements in mathematics and computer science, and more than half in engineering programs.
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Frequently asked questions
There was a 7% increase in international students in the US in the 2023/2024 academic year, with 1,126,690 international students enrolled.
The US hosts more international students than any other country, with a 3% rise in international student enrollment across institutions as of the 2024/25 academic year. The US has seen a sustained increase over the last three years.
India surpassed China as the top place of origin for international students in the US in 2023/2024, with a record high of 331,602 Indian students. Together, India and China made up over half (54%) of all international students in the US.
