The United States has long been a magnet for international students, and has recently been released Open Door 2024 The report confirms this enduring appeal Indian student Despite visa policy uncertainty and global competition, the US has cemented its reputation as a leading destination for higher education, leading to the largest group of international students in the US.
A record-breaking year: the statistics speak
The Open Doors 2024 report showed a 21% increase in Indian student enrollment to a record 331,602 students in the 2023/2024 academic year. This milestone marks India’s growth as the largest source of international students in the US, surpassing China. Graduate-level programs have been an important driver of this growth, with nearly 60% of Indian students pursuing advanced degrees.
Speaking on this trend, Mr. Sachin Jain, Country Manager- ETS India and South Asia said, “More than 1.1 million students are pursuing higher education in the US in the 2023/24 academic year, an increase of 7 percent over the previous year. Primarily run by graduate students. Indian students continue to choose the US as their top destination, and these trends are consistent with the growth we’ve seen in both the GRE and TOEFL tests being accepted by 100% of US institutions.”
Why do Indian students continue to choose America?
Academic excellence and flexibility: Indian students are drawn to the US for its unparalleled academic diversity and quality. With more than 4,500 institutions, students can tailor their education through flexible programs. Mr. Aritra Ghoshal, Founder, OneStep Global asserts, “America offers such opportunities. Optional practical training (OPT) and strong international student support services, making it a springboard for professional success.
Pathways to Practical Work Experience: The Alternative Practical Training (OPT) program has become a cornerstone of America’s appeal, enabling students to gain invaluable work experience post-graduation. The Open Doors 2024 report shows a 41.3% increase in Indian participation in OPT, emphasizing its importance. “Programs like OPT help students acquire industry-relevant skills and effectively navigate their career journey,” commented Mr. PK Aggarwal, Dean of UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Professional Education.
Economic Contribution and Mutual Value: Indian students contribute an estimated $11.8 billion to the US economy, creating mutual value that enriches academic institutions and the broader business ecosystem. Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director, Career Mosaic, highlights, “This trend is driven by the aspiration of Indian students to engage in cutting-edge research and innovation while enriching the cultural and professional ecosystem. As these collaborations deepen, there is a need to focus on equitable access and build pathways to sustain this important exchange of talent. We strongly believe that American education is a driving force for visionary leaders, pioneering innovations, and addressing the critical challenges of our time.”
Overcoming challenges
While the United States continues to be the top choice for international students, including Indians, challenges such as visa policies and affordability pose obstacles. The F-1 visa remains a popular route, but more emphasis on a smooth transition from academia to the workforce is important. Mr. Sourav Arora, Founder and CEO of University Living observed, “Policies that ensure a smooth transition from education to the workforce will be key to sustaining this momentum. The growing number of Indian students represents an opportunity for stakeholders in both countries to strengthen the frameworks that enable these bright minds to thrive and contribute on a global scale.
Concluding thoughts
Despite stricter visa policies in competing destinations like Canada and Australia, the US remains flexible. The growth of non-degree programs, along with growing postgraduate enrollment, highlights the adaptability of the US education ecosystem. Reflecting on this, Ms. Meenakshi Kachru Chatta of the College Board observes, “An 18% increase in graduate enrollment and a 13% increase in undergraduate enrollment highlights America’s continuing appeal even as other destinations face challenges.”
OneStep Global’s Ghoshal said America is not only an educational hub but also a transformative experience for students. “Indian students with their aspirations and ambitions have found their dream partner in America, which is reflected in record breaking numbers. As both nations invest in this rich relationship, America must continue to rise to the challenge by promoting inclusive policies and creating opportunities that align with the future of global industries,” he added.