Savanna Hoffman
International students are defined as non-immigrant visitors who travel to a foreign country to pursue their education. In 2022, there were 6.9 million international students, with the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom being the top three destinations. International students contribute significantly to the economies of their host countries, with their spending supporting local businesses and driving economic growth. In the United States, international students have faced challenges due to visa policies and debates around the impact of their enrollment on social mobility and national unity. However, international students bring diverse perspectives and create cultural ties between their home countries and their host country. They also contribute to job creation, innovation, and the advancement of industries such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students worldwide in 2022 | 6.9 million |
| Top 3 destination countries | United States, Canada, United Kingdom |
| Number of international students in the US in 2023-24 | 1.1 million |
| Number of international students in Canada in 2023 | 1 million |
| Top origin country of international students in the US in 2023-24 | India |
| Number of Indian students in the US in 2023-24 | 331,602 |
| Number of international students in the US in 2018 | 1,095,299 |
| US visa type required by most international students | F1 Visa |
| Economic impact of international students in the US in 2023-24 | $43.8 billion |
| Number of jobs supported by international students in the US in 2023-24 | 375,000+ |
| Number of jobs supported by international students in the US in 2022-23 | 368,000 |
| US states with the largest numbers of international students | California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts |
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What You'll Learn
The US: a popular choice for international students
The United States is a popular destination for international students, with 1,126,690 international students from over 210 places of origin studying at US institutions during the 2023/2024 academic year. This number has been steadily increasing, with an overall rise of 50% since the 1979-80 school year.
There are several reasons why the US is a popular choice for international students. Firstly, the US has a reputation for providing quality higher education. The country's universities are known for their outstanding research and academic programmes, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In fact, international students earned nearly half of all Master's and Doctor's STEM degrees awarded by US institutions in 2023, accounting for 103,000 degrees. This is further facilitated by the US government, which has, at times, approved unlimited access for certain foreign students and academics, such as in 1978 when President Jimmy Carter allowed Chinese students and academics to enter the US.
Secondly, studying in the US provides international students with the opportunity to gain an understanding of American culture and society and develop friendships with Americans. This can create ties between the US and the students' home countries, fostering international understanding and soft power.
Additionally, the US offers a range of support services for international students, including student exchange programs and international student offices on college campuses. These services can help international students adapt to the new cultural and academic environment, providing resources and assistance throughout their studies.
Furthermore, the US has a strong economy and job market, which can be attractive to international students looking for employment opportunities during and after their studies. International students also contribute significantly to the US economy, with a combined contribution of $43.8 billion in the 2023-2024 school year. They support job creation, stimulate local economies, and provide essential revenue to universities, benefiting the overall economic health of the country.
However, it is important to note that there have been concerns about the impact of international students on university admissions for domestic applicants. As the number of slots available at universities remains relatively fixed, the increase in international students can make the admissions process more competitive for domestic students. This has sparked debates about the internationalization of American universities and the potential need for more outreach to a broader range of domestic applicants.
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The UK and Canada: other top destinations
The UK and Canada are two of the top three destinations for international students, alongside the US. In 2022, the UK hosted 758,855 international students, while Canada welcomed 842,760.
The UK and Canada have both benefited from the US's loss of appeal to international students. Since 2000, the US has lost 20% of its share of the international student market to these two countries, as well as Australia. Canada's international student population surged past one million in 2023, thanks to policies that streamline pathways to permanent residency for those with in-country education and work experience.
International students are drawn to the UK and Canada for many of the same reasons they are attracted to the US. These include the prestige of certain institutions, the promise of gaining valuable "American experience", and the prospect of improved career opportunities upon returning home.
International students also contribute significantly to the economies of the UK and Canada, as they do in the US. In the 2022-2023 academic year, international students in the US contributed $43.8 billion to the economy and supported over 368,000 jobs. International students in the UK and Canada are likely to have a similar impact, injecting money into local communities and supporting jobs in higher education, accommodation, dining, transportation, and other service sectors.
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India: the second most common origin country
International students are defined as "non-immigrant visitors" who travel to a foreign country, either physically or virtually, to pursue secondary or tertiary education. In 2022, there were 6.9 million international students worldwide, with the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom being the top three destinations. The United States is a particularly popular study-abroad country, with 1,126,690 international students enrolled in the 2023-24 school year. This number has quadrupled since the 1979-80 school year.
The United States offers several advantages that attract international students, such as advanced education, the prestige of American institutions, and the belief that studying in the U.S. provides better career opportunities. Additionally, international students contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, supporting job creation and local economies, and providing revenue to universities.
Among the countries that send the most students to the US for higher education, India is the second most common place of origin. In the 2023-24 academic year, 331,602 Indian students were studying in the United States, representing the largest cohort from any single country and a 23% increase from the previous year. Indian students contributed $5.01 billion to the US economy in 2015-16, according to Open Doors data. This contribution includes tuition fees, living expenses, and other personal needs, which support local businesses and drive economic activity in various sectors.
The large number of Indian students in the US can be attributed to various factors, including the pursuit of advanced education unavailable in their home country, the prestige associated with American degrees, and the expectation of improved career prospects upon returning to India. Additionally, the historical relationship between the two countries, including colonial ties and contemporary political and economic partnerships, may also play a role in influencing educational choices.
Indian students in the US face challenges, including cultural and language barriers, social integration, and visa-related issues. However, the presence of a large Indian student community in the US also provides support networks and facilitates cultural exchange. The academic performance and overall experience of Indian students contribute to the diversity and global reputation of American universities.
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China: a historic source of international students
International students are defined as those who undertake all or part of their secondary or tertiary education in a country other than their own. In 2022, there were 6.9 million international students, with the most popular destinations being in the Anglosphere: the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
China has long been one of the top sources of international students in the world, particularly in the United States. In 2023, China was overtaken by India as the largest source country of international students in the US, with a 4% decrease in the number of students sent to US colleges and universities. However, China still held the second-highest number of international students in the US, with 277,398 students, according to the Open Doors Report. This report has been published annually for 75 years by the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education, marking a record high of international students in the United States.
China had held the top position as the source of international students in the US for the previous 15 years. This trend has contributed to the internationalization of American higher education, with a growing number of foreign students applying and being admitted to US colleges and universities. The internationalization of American student bodies has sparked debate about the benefits and trade-offs of international enrollments. Some argue that international students enrich campuses, foster cultural exchange, and contribute significantly to the economy. On the other hand, critics, including the Trump administration, have suggested that the enrollment of foreign students negatively impacts social mobility and national unity by reducing the number of available slots for domestic applicants.
The majority of international students in the US hold an F1 Visa, which is a non-immigrant, temporary visa for academic study at the post-secondary level. To qualify for this visa, students must first select a school to attend and prove their financial ability to pay for their tuition, books, and living expenses. International students in the US often face challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of support groups. Despite these difficulties, international students in the US create ties between their home countries and the US, develop friendships with Americans, and gain an understanding of American culture and society.
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The US economy: international students' financial contributions
International students have been a vital contributor to the US economy, with their spending supporting job creation, local businesses, and the overall economic health of the country. In the 2022-2023 academic year, over one million international students in the US contributed more than $40 billion to the US economy and supported more than 368,000 jobs. This contribution increased by almost 19% compared to the previous year and is a significant source of revenue for universities and local economies.
International students' spending extends beyond tuition fees, which are often higher than those paid by domestic students, particularly at public universities. International students also spend money on living expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and health insurance. This spending supports local businesses and drives economic activity in sectors such as real estate and retail, creating a multiplier effect that benefits the broader economy.
The economic impact of international students is not limited to their direct spending. International students also contribute to the US economy through their participation in scientific and technical research, bringing innovative ideas, and preparing American undergraduates for global careers. Many international students go on to become entrepreneurs and create jobs and opportunities for locals. For instance, an international student from Pakistan founded BumperWorks, an auto manufacturing company, and kept his business in the local area, creating numerous jobs.
The US is a popular study-abroad destination for international students, with China and India being the top two countries of origin. In the 2022-2023 academic year, there were 289,526 international students from China and 268,923 from India enrolled in US institutions. The popularity of the US as a study destination is attributed to its reputation for quality education and the outstanding reputation of its universities, particularly Ivy League colleges.
However, the US economy's reliance on international students' contributions is not without risks. A pause on student visas or changes in government policies can significantly impact the number of international students choosing to study in the US, affecting not just universities but also local businesses and state economies.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2023-2024, there were 331,602 Indian students studying in the United States, the largest of any single country and a 23% increase from the previous academic year.
International students are drawn to the US by the promise of advanced education unavailable in their home countries, the prestige of American institutions, and the belief that studying in the US will offer better career opportunities.
International students contribute enormously to their local communities, injecting money into the economy and supporting American jobs. In the 2023-2024 school year, international students contributed a combined $43.8 billion to the economy and supported more than 375,000 jobs across the US.
International students often encounter difficulties with language use and understanding local culture, which can make it hard for them to make friends and adapt to their new environment. There may also be competition for places with homegrown applicants.
