In a historic shift, India has overtaken China to become the largest sender of international students to the United States, with enrollment surging 23% in the 2023-2024 academic year, according to the Open Doors report by the Institute of International Education (IIE). This milestone marks the first time since 2009 that India has led in this category, as the overall number of international students in the U.S. reached an all-time high, reports Bloomberg.
India sent 331,602 students to the US, contributing significantly to the 7% rise in international student enrolment, which exceeded 1.1 million. In contrast, the number of Chinese students declined by 4% to 277,398, making China the second-largest source country. Together, India and China account for over half of the international student population in the US.
International students’ economic and academic contributions
“International students enrich our campuses, foster cultural exchange, and contribute significantly to our economy,” said Allan Goodman, CEO of IIE. In 2023, international students made up 6% of the total U.S. higher education population and contributed over $50 billion to the U.S. economy, according to the Department of Commerce.
Most international students pursue STEM fields, with 25% enrolled in math and computer science programmes and nearly 20% in engineering. Indian students dominate STEM enrolments, comprising 40% of international students in these fields, compared to 23% from China.
Regional and institutional trends
All four US regions reported growth in international student numbers, with the South experiencing the largest increase at 13%. California remains the leading destination, hosting 16% of international students, followed by New York and Texas. New York University, Northeastern University, and Columbia University emerged as the top institutions, each enrolling over 20,000 international students.
The resurgence of international student enrollment follows a pandemic-induced decline. However, geopolitical tensions and immigration policies could influence future trends. For instance, while former President Donald Trump suggested issuing green cards to foreign graduates, his campaign later walked back the proposal, raising questions about the impact of potential policy changes under his administration.
US gains favour in global education market
Amid tightening international student policies in Canada, Australia, and the UK, the US has gained a competitive edge. A 2024 survey by IDP Connect revealed that the US is now the top choice for international students, overtaking its competitors.
“The growth in the US and emerging markets demonstrates that students remain committed to bringing their global study dreams to life but are sensitive to policy changes,” said Simon Emmett, CEO of IDP Connect.
Experts emphasize the need for US institutions to sustain this momentum by diversifying international student recruitment, advocating for visa support, and offering financial assistance. “Universities must incorporate internationalization into diversity strategies,” said Dr. Mrika Martel, IIE’s head of research, evaluation, and learning.
With increasing demand for high-quality education and promising career prospects, particularly in STEM and business fields, the US appears poised to maintain its position as a global leader in higher education.