India has surpassed China to become the largest source of international graduate students in the US for the first time since 2009-10, with 268,923 Indian students studying in American institutions during the academic year 2022-23. A recently released report from the Institute of International Education (IIE) indicates that, for the third consecutive year, a record-breaking number of Indian students chose the US as their destination for higher education.

According to the Open Doors Report, the academic year 2022-23 witnessed a remarkable 35% increase in the number of Indian students coming to the US, reaching an unprecedented high of 268,923. This surge positions Indian students as constituting over 25% of the total foreign student population exceeding one million in the US.

The data further reveals a substantial growth in the number of Indian graduate students, marking a remarkable 63% increase to 165,936 during 2022-23. This surge represents an addition of nearly 64,000 students compared to the preceding academic year. Simultaneously, Indian undergraduate student enrollment experienced a 16% rise.

In terms of optional practical training (OPT), a temporary work permission enabling students to gain real-world experience in their field of study, India took the lead. The report highlights that 69,062 individuals from India pursued OPT during the specified period, reinforcing the country's prominence in this aspect.

“According to Open Doors Report data, India surpassed China to become the largest source of international graduate students in the United States for the first time since 2009/10,” the US embassy said in a statement.

The US embassy and consulates in India witnessed a surge in student visas, issuing a record 95,269 visas in the F, M, and J categories during June-August 2023—a notable 18% increase from 2022. To aid Indian students in their pursuit of education in the US, the US State Department provides free advising services through EducationUSA, available both virtually and in-person at six centers across key Indian cities. These services offer precise, up-to-date information to help students choose the best program from over 4,500 accredited institutions.

US embassy and consulates in India set a record, issuing 95,269 student visas (F, M, J categories) from June to August 2023, marking an 18% increase from 2022. The US State Department's EducationUSA provides free advising virtually and in-person at six centres in India (New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Hyderabad) to assist students in choosing from 4,500 accredited US institutions.

US Ambassador Eric Garcetti expressed the view that every Indian student in the US, along with their families, deserves acknowledgment for this accomplishment. “The decision to study abroad, and your choice of the United States, represents a valuable investment by you and your families. You are bringing our countries closer together and leading us towards a bright future. We celebrate the strength of the Indian educational system that prepares students to compete globally and look forward to seeing India continue to lead,” he said.

“We also look forward to balancing these record numbers. We want to see equal numbers of women pursuing studies in the United States and see more US students coming to experience all that India has to offer.” The initiation of International Education Week (IEW) coincided with the unveiling of the Open Doors Report. IEW serves as a celebration of the global advantages associated with international education and exchange.

The Open Doors Report, an annual publication, is produced by the US Institute of International Education (IIE). Collaborating with the US State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, IIE conducts a comprehensive statistical survey focused on international students in the United States.

The recently released Open Doors Report for 2023 encompasses data on international students engaged in both on-campus and online studies at US higher education institutions. It also includes information on individuals participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) during the period spanning fall 2022 to spring 2023.

Image source: Indian Express