The number of Indian students in American universities has increased by 35%. The enrollment of Indian students has now reached 2,68,923 in the academic year 2022-23, positioning them as the second-largest group after China, according to the ‘Open Doors 2023 report’ on international educational exchange released by the United States (US) department of state’s bureau of educational and cultural affairs and the Institute of International Education (IIE), an educational not for profit organisation. The primary factor behind this surge is the unprecedented issuance of F1 visas by the US government to Indian students in the past year, marking the highest number in recent history, Patriek Karayil, president, American Colleges, told FE Education. “This move is largely attributed to a decrease in demand from China, with fewer students opting to pursue their studies in the US compared to previous years. Consequently, there has been a notable increase in the number of Indian students being granted admission,” he said.
In the academic year 2022-23, China retained its position as the leading source country for students studying in the US, boasting a total of 2,89,526 students. However, it posted a negative growth rate, declining by -0.2% compared to the previous year, the report revealed.
Experts believe that there has been a remarkable 40% growth in enrollment among master’s students, marking the highest growth rate. In contrast, doctorate students accounted for only a five percent growth, while bachelor’s students showed a 13% increase in enrollment from India. The most substantial growth is observed in the field of computer science, with a staggering 51% year-over-year increase, bringing the total number of students to 1,10,796 from India. Engineering also registered significant growth, at 72,300 students, thereby posting a 23% increase. A growing trend among Indian students is the increase in enrollment in US universities to pursue education in STEM fields, encompassing Engineering, Science, Technology and Medicine. “Moreover, students intending to pursue higher education in US universities are displaying a keen interest in cutting-edge courses related to emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advancements in the tech industry,” Saurabh Arora, founder, CEO, University Living, said.
Experts also opine that the expenses associated with pursuing undergraduate and doctoral studies in universities based in the US are relatively lower compared to those in the United Kingdom (UK). However, it is noteworthy that graduate degree programmes in the US tend to be more costly. “When it comes to the cost of living, there is a general parity between the US and the UK, with the student lifestyle playing a significant role in influencing overall living expenses. The US provides a diverse array of scholarships, grants and financial aid opportunities for international students. Nevertheless, identifying specific trends that contribute to the increased enrollment is not a straightforward task,” Sujatha Kshirsagar, president, chief business officer, Career Launcher, explained.
The educational choices of Indian students in the US show a higher representation of males. While around 45% of female students from India are currently enrolled in universities based in the US. The predominant age group falls within the 18-24 category, with the 25-35 range following at a considerable distance. “It is common for students to pursue education in the US approximately two-three years after completing their bachelor’s degree. Many students gain work experience in India before coming to the US, which they can then use to explore research opportunities on campus and seek employment during their Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) periods,” Karayil explained.