
The United States is a popular study destination for international students, with over one million choosing to study there in 2023. The country's top-ranked institutions and wide variety of subjects are a big draw. The most popular subjects for international students in the USA include STEM fields, with almost 55% of students choosing a STEM field to major in. The top three most popular subjects are Computer Science and Mathematics, Engineering, and Business and Management.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students in the USA | 1,075,496 |
| Number of degree-granting institutions in the USA | 4,500 |
| Percentage of students who chose a STEM field | 55% |
| Number of students who chose Computer Science and Mathematics | 240,230 |
| Number of students who enrolled in Engineering degrees in 2023 | 202,801 |
| Number of students who enrolled in Mathematics and Statistics in 2023 | 43,000 |
| Number of students who enrolled in Social Sciences in 2023 | 85,998 |
| Number of students who enrolled in Physical and Life Sciences in 2023 | 84,830 |
| Number of students who enrolled in Fine and Applied Arts in 2023 | 51,689 |
| Number of students who enrolled in Health Professions in 2023 | 34,856 |
| Number of students who enrolled in Communications and Journalism in 2023 | 21,990 |
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What You'll Learn

Computer science and mathematics
The United States is the world's most popular study destination, attracting a record high of 974,900 international students in 2015, with this number expected to reach one million in the near future. In 2023, over one million international students studied in the USA at one of the 4,000 higher education institutions.
The demand for skilled workers in computer science is increasing, and a degree from a US institution carries weight and recognition worldwide. According to the World University Rankings, computer science is tied for the fifth-highest reported median salary mid-career at $116,000. Additionally, the field offers job security, high starting salaries, and a diverse range of career options. The US is home to leading tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, Google, and IBM, which offer lucrative job opportunities with average annual salaries of $107,000.
Computer science programs in the US provide a solid foundation in programming languages, algorithms, and operating systems. Students also gain proficiency in various programming languages and frameworks, as well as practical skills and theoretical understanding, making them highly sought-after by technology businesses. Additionally, scholarships and internships offered by tech companies and professional associations further enhance the appeal of studying computer science in the US.
Mathematics is another popular subject choice for international students in the US. Qualifications in mathematics and statistics are in high demand, with over 43,000 students enrolling in these specializations in 2023. The skills developed in mathematics degrees are sought after by employers in various fields, including data analytics, business analytics, actuarial science, and banking. Mathematics degrees also provide a strong foundation for pursuing a career in the tech industry, as they equip graduates with the necessary analytical and numerical skills.
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Engineering
International students in the USA are a primary source of talent in the technology industry, with foreign nationals accounting for 74% of full-time graduate students in electrical engineering, 71% in industrial and manufacturing engineering, 61% in civil engineering, 58% in mechanical engineering, 54% in chemical engineering, and 53% in materials engineering.
International students considering a career in engineering in the USA should be aware that entrance requirements vary by college. Most schools require students to take high-level math and science courses, and some colleges require proficiency tests in math and physics. Students should research their desired school's entrance requirements and explore financial resources such as scholarships and loans.
Some of the common types of engineering offered include industrial, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and civil engineering. More specific areas of specialisation include nuclear engineering, architectural engineering, and audio engineering. According to the U.S. News rankings, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and the University of California—Berkeley are the top schools for undergraduate engineering programs.
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Business and management
The United States is a popular study destination for international students, with its high-quality education, diverse environment, and ample opportunities. Business and management is a popular field of study for international students in the USA, with numerous business schools offering a wide range of courses.
Course Options
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): This undergraduate program provides an essential understanding of several aspects of business and management, including accounting, finance, marketing, economics, organizational behavior, and business ethics.
- Bachelor of Science in Business Management: This degree provides students with the practical skills and knowledge required to build careers in various business environments.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA): MBA programs usually last 2 years and focus on fundamental topics like finance, marketing, operations, and human resources. Students also learn about advanced subjects such as strategic management and leadership.
- Master of Science in Management: Specialized master's programs can be completed in one year and offer a more focused curriculum.
- PhD in Business: A PhD is the highest level of education in the field of business and management. Students focus on advanced research and explore topics such as organizational behavior, economics, and data analysis.
Career Opportunities
- Management: Graduates can pursue managerial positions in a variety of industries, utilizing their leadership and decision-making skills.
- Entrepreneurship: With a strong understanding of business principles and leadership skills, graduates can start their own entrepreneurial ventures.
- Consulting: PhD holders often pursue consulting careers, using their expertise to advise businesses and influence the industry.
- Finance and Accounting: Business degrees provide a strong foundation in finance and accounting, leading to career opportunities in these fields.
- Marketing: Students gain expertise in marketing and advertising, preparing them for roles such as marketing executives.
- Human Resources: Business programs cover human resource management, enabling graduates to pursue careers in this field.
Top Institutions
The USA is home to some of the top business schools in the world, including:
- Harvard Business School
- Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania)
- Sloan School of Management (MIT)
- La Salle University
- Adelphi University
- American University
- Auburn University
- Florida International University
- University of Illinois Chicago
Scholarships
There are also several scholarships available specifically for international students pursuing business and management degrees in the USA, such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.
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Health professions
International students can be accepted into health professions schools in the USA, and financial aid is available. However, the admissions process can be challenging, as only a limited number of schools can consider non-US citizens or non-permanent residents. Of the 20,000 places in medical schools in the US, about 200 go to non-US citizens or non-permanent residents. International students may face additional requirements, such as providing evidence of their capacity to pay tuition fees or pre-paying tuition for all four years.
Some universities may require international students to purchase health insurance, which can be expensive. However, there are cheaper alternatives available, such as American Visitor Insurance, which may satisfy university requirements and provide comparable coverage.
F-1 Doctors is a web-based platform that offers guidance, resources, and support specifically for international applicants to healthcare profession programs in the USA. They aim to make the application process more accessible and provide a pipeline of diverse healthcare professionals that represent the patient population in the country.
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Physical and life sciences
The United States is the world's most popular study destination, attracting a record high of 974,900 international students in 2015, with numbers likely to exceed one million in the future. In the 2023/2024 academic year, US higher education institutions welcomed over 1.1 million international students, an increase of 7% from the previous year.
International students are drawn to the United States by the promise of a high-quality education, diverse study options, and the opportunity to gain access to prestigious institutions like those in the Ivy League. The specific subjects that attract international students to the United States vary, but Physical and Life Sciences are among the top choices.
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) also attracts a high number of international students with its strong focus on research and science programs. Caltech's relatively small student population of around 2,255 includes a significant proportion of international students, highlighting the appeal of science-focused institutions in the United States.
International students pursuing physical and life sciences in the United States benefit from access to world-class research facilities, renowned faculty members, and innovative programs that foster cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. These factors contribute to the enduring popularity of physical and life sciences among international students seeking a challenging and rewarding academic experience in the United States.
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