The United States retained the top spot for Indian students
United States remains top choice for Indian students: According to the Open Door Report (ODR), in the academic year 2022-23, the United States witnessed a 35% growth in the inflow of international students from India, reaching an unprecedented peak of 268,923. Indian students now represent more than 25% of the million-plus international students in the United States.
This is the third year in a row that a record number of Indian students have traveled to the United States to pursue higher education. The publication of the Open Doors Report marks the start of International Education Week (IEW), a global celebration highlighting the benefits of international education and exchange.
Open House Report 2022 – 2023
According to data from the Open Doors Report, India has taken the lead by surpassing China in the number of international graduate students in the United States. This is the first time that India has claimed this seat since the academic year 2009/10. Check the table to find out the statistics:
Open door report data | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | Percentage increased |
Indian International Students in USA | 199.182 | 268,923 | 35% |
Undergraduate students | 27,545 | 31,954 | 16% |
Graduate students | 102.024 | 165,936 | 62.6% |
OPT | 68,188 | 69,062 | 1.3% |
The number of undergraduate, graduate and OPT Indian students has increased in the US
According to the Open Door Report (ODR), India leads with 69,062 individuals opting for optional practical training. OPT is a form of temporary work authorization that allows eligible students to gain practical, real-world experience aligned with their field of study. Also, the number of Indian graduates increased by 63% to 165,936 students, an increase of almost 64,000 students, compared to last year.
While Indian undergraduates also grew by 16%. The US Embassy and Consulates in India issued a record number of student visas during the main student visa season from June to August 2023. Consular officers across India issued 95,269 visas in categories F, M and J. This was an 18 percent increase in compared to 2022 during the same time frame.
The value of choosing the US for higher education
US Ambassador Eric Garcetti remarked, “You did it, India! Every Indian student in the United States and the families who support their success deserve recognition for this achievement. The decision to study abroad and your choice of the United States represents a valuable investment for you and your family. You bring our countries together and lead us towards a bright future. We celebrate the strength of India’s education system in preparing students for global competition and look forward to seeing India continue to lead. We are also looking forward to balancing these record numbers. We want to see an equal number of women studying in the United States and to see more American students come to experience all that India has to offer.”
Free counseling services for Indian students in finding the right opportunity
To help Indian students find the right study opportunity, the US Department of State offers free advising services to students, virtually and in person, at six EducationUSA advising centers across India. These centers are in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and two in Hyderabad. All six centers are staffed by EducationUSA advisors who offer accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date information about study opportunities in the United States. Students and families looking for additional facts about studying in the United States can download the EducationUSA India app, which is available for free on iOS and Android devices.
About the Open Doors report
The Institute for International Education (IIE) has published the Open Doors report. The IIE has conducted an annual statistical survey of international students in the United States since its founding in 1919 and in partnership with the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs since 1972. Open Doors also reports on the number of international scholars at US universities and international students enrolled in pre-academic intensive English language programs. The Open Doors 2023 report includes international students enrolled in American higher education institutions in the United States and online from abroad and those on optional practical training (OPT) from fall 2022 through spring 2023.
About the US Department of State’s Office of Educational and Cultural Affairs
The Office of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the US Department of State builds relationships between the people of the United States and the people of other nations through academic, cultural, athletic, professional, and private sector exchanges. This includes engagement in public-private partnerships and mentoring programs. Each year, approximately 50,000 participants participate in these diverse exchange initiatives, including flagship programs such as the Fulbright Program and the International Visitor Leader Program.
Register for score updates
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education