The United States and India have long enjoyed a strong partnership in education, and recent developments indicate that this collaboration is reaching new heights. From student exchanges to innovative initiatives promoting gender equity in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine), both nations are working together to expand educational opportunities and foster greater global cooperation. Among the highlights of this expanding partnership are the launch of the Women in STEMM Fellowship and the release of the Open Doors Report, a key indicator of the growing exchange between the two countries.

Empowering Women in STEMM: A New Fellowship

A major step forward in U.S.-India educational cooperation was the announcement of the Women in STEMM Fellowship, a joint initiative between Johns Hopkins University’s Gupta-Klinsky India Institute and the US-India Alliance for Women’s Economic Empowerment. This fellowship is designed to empower women early in their scientific careers, helping them to gain the research skills, mentorship, and global networks necessary to thrive in the competitive STEMM fields.

The importance of this initiative was highlighted by U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti during the fellowship’s launch event. He stressed that the program represents more than just academic collaboration: “Today marks the celebration of the shared belief that education is not confined by borders, and that collaboration between our countries and institutions is the key to solving global challenges,” he said. Ambassador Garcetti also stated the significance of gender equity in shaping the future of science and technology, particularly in countries like India, where women in STEMM face unique challenges.

Johns Hopkins University President, Ronald J. Daniels, reinforced the program’s vision: “Empowering women in STEMM is essential for advancing global innovation,” he said. “This fellowship aims to break down barriers for women scientists in India, equipping them with the tools and support needed to shape the future of research and development.”

With its focus on mentorship, training, and access to global research networks, the Women in STEMM Fellowship is set to play a key role in promoting gender equity and scientific leadership in India, particularly in a time when the country’s tech and scientific sectors are growing rapidly.

India Leads US Enrollment Figures

The release of the Open Doors Report, which tracks international student mobility, brought exciting news for the US-India educational partnership. For the first time in over a decade, India has become the largest source of international students in the United States, surpassing China. More than 330,000 students from India enrolled in US higher education during the 2023-2024 academic year—a 23% increase over the previous year.

Ambassador Garcetti celebrated this achievement, noting, “India’s continued growth as the largest sender of students to the US reflects our deepening ties and shared commitment to advancing educational and professional opportunities.” This shift demonstrates the strong and growing academic relationship between the two nations, driven by a shared belief in the power of education to shape the future.

The Open Doors Report also highlighted key trends in various levels of academic engagement:

  • Graduate Enrollment: India remains the top source of international graduate students, with nearly 197,000 students pursuing advanced degrees in the US This marks a 19% increase from the previous year.
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: The number of Indian undergraduates in the U.S. rose by 13%, reaching over 36,000 students in 2023-2024.
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT): There was a significant increase in Indian students participating in OPT programs, which allow graduates to work in the US for up to three years after completing their studies. This number surged by 41%, reaching nearly 98,000 students.

These statistics underscore a growing demand among Indian students for US higher education, driven by opportunities for academic excellence, research, and professional development.

The US As a Study Destination for Indian Students

While the trend of Indian students coming to the U.S. is well-established, the reverse trend is also gaining momentum. The Open Doors Report revealed a 300% increase in the number of American students choosing India as a study abroad destination, with numbers rising from 300 in 2022 to 1,300 in 2023. This growth signals India’s emerging role as an important hub for international students, especially as its higher education sector becomes increasingly diverse and globally integrated.

Strengthening Collaboration Through Digital Tools

Both the US and India are expanding opportunities for educational collaboration through innovative tools. The US Consulate General in Mumbai, in partnership with the University of Denver, will soon launch a Digital Guide on Internationalization. This resource will help Indian institutions navigate the complexities of US-India academic collaborations, covering everything from faculty exchanges to curriculum development and research partnerships.

Additionally, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a new initiative in Rajasthan and Telangana aimed at improving early childhood education and promoting hygiene practices. The project, Learn Play Grow, will directly impact 20,000-25,000 children and engage millions more via social media, aligning with India’s NIPUN Bharat mission to ensure foundational literacy and numeracy for all children.

EducationUSA: Expanding Access to U.S. Higher Education

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote US higher education opportunities, the US Department of State has launched the EducationUSA India website and a mobile app. These platforms provide tailored resources for Indian students interested in studying in the US., helping them navigate the application process and explore educational possibilities. With these tools, students can access the latest information and find the resources they need to successfully plan their US education journey.