The United States has long been a magnet for international students, and the recently released Open Doors 2024 Report confirms this enduring appeal with Indian students leading the charge and comprising the largest group of international students in the U.S. Despite visa policy uncertainties and global competition, the U.S. has cemented its reputation as the premier destination for higher education.
A Record-Breaking Year: Statistics Speak
The Open Doors 2024 Report reveals a staggering 21% increase in Indian student enrollments, reaching a record 331,602 students in the 2023/2024 academic year. This milestone marks India’s rise as the largest source of international students in the U.S., overtaking China. Graduate-level programmes have been a significant driver of this growth, with nearly 60% of Indian students pursuing advanced degrees.
Speaking on this trend, Mr. Sachin Jain, Country Manager- ETS India & South Asia, said, “Over 1.1 million students are pursuing higher education in the U.S. during the 2023/24 academic year, marking a 7% increase from the previous year driven primarily by graduate students. Indian students have remained steadfast in their choice of the U.S. as their top destination, and these trends align with the growth we’ve seen with both GRE and TOEFL tests that are accepted by 100% of U.S. institutions.”
Why Indian Students Continue to Choose the U.S.
Academic Excellence and Flexibility: Indian students are drawn to the U.S. for its unparalleled academic diversity and quality. With over 4,500 institutions, students can tailor their education through flexible programs. Mr. Aritra Ghosal, Founder of OneStep Global, emphasizes, “The U.S. offers opportunities like Optional Practical Training (OPT) and robust international student support services, making it a springboard for professional success.”
Pathways to Practical Work Experience: The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program remains a cornerstone of the U.S.’s appeal, enabling students to gain invaluable work experience post-graduation. The Open Doors 2024 Report shows a 41.3% increase in Indian participation in OPT, underscoring its importance. Mr. PK Agarwal, Dean of UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Professional Education, noted, “Programs like OPT help students gain industry-relevant skills and navigate their career journeys effectively.”
Economic Contributions and Mutual Value: Indian students contributed an estimated $11.8 billion to the U.S. economy, creating a reciprocal value that enriches academic institutions and the broader professional ecosystem. Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director at Career Mosaic, highlights, “This trend is fueled by Indian students’ aspirations to engage in cutting-edge research and innovation while enriching cultural and professional ecosystems. As these collaborations deepen, it is imperative to focus on equitable access and build pathways to sustain this vital exchange of talent. We firmly believe that U.S. education is a driving force for shaping visionary leaders, pioneering innovation, and addressing the critical challenges of our time.”
Overcoming Challenges
While the U.S. continues to be the top choice for international students including Indians, challenges such as evolving visa policies and affordability pose barriers. The F-1 visa remains a popular pathway, but greater emphasis on smooth transitions from academia to the workforce is critical. Mr. Saurabh Arora, Founder and CEO of University Living, observes, “Policies ensuring smoother transitions from academia to the workforce will be key to sustaining this momentum. The growing number of Indian students represents an opportunity for stakeholders in both countries to strengthen frameworks that enable these bright minds to thrive and contribute on a global scale.”
Closing Thoughts
Despite tighter visa policies in competing destinations like Canada and Australia, the U.S. remains resilient. The growth of non-degree programmes, coupled with increased postgraduate enrollments, highlights the adaptability of the U.S. education ecosystem. Reflecting on this, Ms. Meenakshi Kachroo Chatta of the College Board observes, “The 18% rise in postgraduate enrollments and 13% growth at the undergraduate level highlight the U.S.’s continued appeal, even as other destinations face challenges.”
Ghoshal of OneStep Global observed that the U.S. is not only an academic hub but also a transformative experience for students. “Indian students, with their aspirations and ambitions, have found in the U.S. a partner for their dreams, reflected in the record-breaking numbers. As both nations invest in this thriving relationship, the U.S. must continue to rise to the challenge by fostering inclusive policies and creating opportunities that align with the future of global industries,” he added.