The United States continues to be the top choice for Indian students seeking higher education abroad, according to a recent report from the US Embassy. The Open Doors Report (ODR) for the academic year 2022-23 reveals a record-breaking enrollment of 268,923 Indian students in the US, showcasing a remarkable 35% increase.
Funded by the US Department of State and conducted by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the Open Doors Report not only tracks the growth of international student populations but also provides comprehensive insights into their backgrounds, financial support sources, fields of study, host institutions, and academic levels.
The data shows India’s ascent as the leading source of international graduate students in the US, surpassing China with a notable 63% increase, totaling 165,936 students. Additionally, Indian undergraduate students saw a 16% increase. Collectively, Indian students now constitute more than a quarter of the one million international students studying in the US.
The report highlights India’s dominance in the number of individuals (69,062) pursuing optional practical training (OPT), enabling qualifying students to gain practical experience in their respective fields. The US Embassy said a record-high number of student visas were granted during the June-August 2023 season, totaling 95,269 in the F, M, and J categories, reflecting an 18% increase.
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, commended Indian students and their families for their achievements, acknowledging their decision to study abroad as a valuable investment. He emphasized the crucial role of Indian education in global competitiveness and anticipated continued leadership from India. Garcetti also stressed the importance of achieving gender balance in student numbers and encouraged more US students to explore educational opportunities in India.
To aid Indian students in choosing suitable study opportunities, the US Department of State provides free advising services through EducationUSA advising centers in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The Institute of International Education (IIE) has been publishing the Open Doors report since 1919, in collaboration with the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs since 1972. The report covers international scholars at US universities and students in pre-academic Intensive English Programs.
(Inputs from ANI)