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In a historic shift, India has dethroned China as the leading source of international students in the United States, marking the first time since 2009 that this milestone has been achieved. This surge is detailed in the latest Open Doors 2024 Report.
The report reveals there were 3.31 lakh Indian students in the US, making up 29.4% of its 11 lakh-strong international student population in 2023-24. It was 25.4% the previous academic year. On the other hand, the number of Chinese students in the US in 2023-24 stood at 2.77 lakh, the share showing a significant drop to 24.6% from 27.4% in the previous year. The total number of Indian students now stand at 3,31,602 in the 2023-24 academic year.
This growth was driven by a significant 18% rise in graduate-level enrollments, while undergraduate enrollments grew by 13%. In contrast, the number of Chinese students in the U.S. declined by 2.58% for graduate-level enrollments and 12.75% for undergraduate enrollments over the same period. Indian students now comprise 29.4% of the over one million international students in the United States, a remarkable demographic shift.
The Open Doors Report, an annual survey examining international student exchange activity in the United States, is funded by the US Department of State and conducted by the non-profit Institute of International Education (IIE).
“You did it, India! Each and every Indian student in the United States and the families supporting their success deserve recognition for this achievement,” said U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti. He added that this milestone symbolizes stronger ties between the two nations and underscores the strength of India’s educational system.
“We are seeing the results of both increased outreach by U.S. institutions and the aspirations of Indian students seeking globally recognized education opportunities,” stated a representative from the U.S.-India Educational Foundation.
The dominance of Chinese students in U.S. higher education had remained unchallenged since the 2009-2010 academic year. However, factors such as geopolitical tensions, visa restrictions during the pandemic, and India’s growing youth population have contributed to this shift. Simultaneously, U.S. consular services in India have issued a record number of student visas, enhancing accessibility for prospective students.
With India now leading in international student numbers, experts predict this trend will shape the future of U.S.-India educational collaboration. As Ambassador Garcetti noted, this success story strengthens cultural and economic ties while paving the way for even greater student mobility between the two nations.
