(Image source from: Thestar.com.my)

India has surpassed China as the top source of international students in the United States, with over 330,000 Indian students enrolling in US higher education institutions in the 2023-2024 academic year, a 23% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven primarily by a 19% rise in graduate student enrollments, which reached 196,567 students. Additionally, the number of Indian students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) programmes after graduation increased by 41%, reaching a total of 97,556. US Ambassador Eric Garcetti expressed his excitement over this achievement, emphasizing the importance of international education in building future leaders and strengthening the bonds between nations.

According to the report, Chinese students continue to be the largest international group pursuing education in the United States, with a total of 277,398 enrollments. Overall, the US hosted a record 1.1 million international students in the 2023-2024 academic year, a 7% increase from the previous year. The report also noted significant growth in graduate program enrollment (over 500,000 students) and participation in Optional Practical Training (OPT) initiatives (over 242,000 students). Additionally, the number of American students studying in India has seen a substantial rise, increasing from 336 in 2021/22 to 1,355 in 2022/23, a growth of 303.3%. International students in the US have a diverse range of academic majors, with the majority (56%) enrolled in STEM fields, particularly math, computer science, and engineering. Other popular fields include business and management, physical and life sciences, social sciences, and fine and applied arts.