The number of Indian students pursuing higher education in the United States has increased significantly by 35 per cent, reaching an unprecedented peak of 268,923 students in the 2022-23 academic year.
The Open Doors Report found that for the third consecutive year, Indian students make up more than 25 percent of the more than one million international students studying in the United States. The report underscores the continuing trend of record numbers of Indian students choosing the US as their preferred destination for higher education.
“You did it, India! Each and 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 by you and your family. You are bringing our countries closer together and leading us to a bright future,” said Eric Garcetti, US Ambassador to India.
“We celebrate the strength of India’s education system, which prepares students to compete globally, and look forward to seeing India continue to lead,” Garcetti added.
Moreover, the latest data from the Open Doors Report reveals a significant milestone as India has surpassed China to become the leading source of international graduate students to the United States for the first time since 2009-10.
The statistics show a remarkable 63 per cent increase in the number of Indian graduate students to a total of 165,936 – an impressive increase of nearly 64,000 students from the previous year. In addition, the number of Indian undergraduate students increased by a remarkable 16 per cent.
According to the Open Doors Report (ODR), India has taken the lead with 69,062 people participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a form of temporary work permit that allows eligible students to gain practical, real-world experience directly related to their field of study.
During the primary student visa season from June to August 2023, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India recorded an all-time high in the issuance of student visas. Consular officers across India issued a total of 95,269 F, M, and J visas, an 18 percent increase over the same period in 2022.
