Washington: The United States continues to be a highly sought-after destination for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad, as per the information provided by the US Embassy referring to the Open Doors Report. According to the Open Doors Report (ODR), there has been a significant increase of 35 percent in the number of Indian students studying in the United States, reaching a record-breaking figure of 268,923 students during the academic year 2022-23. The Open Doors report, funded by the US Department of State, is a comprehensive annual survey conducted by the Institute of International Education (IIE), covering data on foreign students and scholars in the United States and US students engaged in credit-bearing courses abroad.
The report not only presents the growth rate of the International student community in the United States but also provides insights into their places of origin, sources of financial support, fields of study, host institutions, and academic levels. According to the data from the Open Doors Report, India has surpassed China, reclaiming its position as the primary source of international graduate students in the United States, a position not held since 2009-10. Additionally, the report highlights a significant upswing in the number of Indian students pursuing advanced studies in the US, witnessing a 63 percent increase, reaching 165,936 students. This surge reflects a substantial rise of nearly 64,000 students compared to the previous year.
The report reveals a 16 percent increase in the count of Indian undergraduate students pursuing education in the United States. Indians constitute over 25 percent of the overall international student community, surpassing one million in the country. The unveiling of the Open Doors Report coincides with the kickoff of International Education Week (IEW), promoting the global advantages of international education and fostering cross-cultural engagement.
As per the ODR statistics, India holds the highest number of individuals (69,062) engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT), a form of temporary work authorization allowing eligible students to acquire practical experience in their chosen field, as stated in the US Embassy press release referencing the ODR report. The release also notes that during the primary student visa season from June to August 2023, the US Embassy and Consulates in India issued a record-breaking number of student visas. The consular staff in India approved 95,269 visas in the F, M, and J categories, marking an 18 percent increase compared to the corresponding period last year.
The US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, expressed appreciation for the achievements of Indian students and their families studying in the United States. In his statement, Garcetti commended every Indian student and their supportive families, acknowledging their decision to pursue education abroad and choose the United States as a valuable investment. He emphasized the role of Indian students in fostering closer ties between the two nations and leading toward a promising future. Garcetti celebrated the strength of the Indian educational system, preparing students for global competition, and expressed anticipation for India to maintain its leadership. Additionally, he looked forward to achieving gender balance in student representation and encouraging more US students to explore the opportunities in India, as per the US Embassy release.
In order to aid Indian students in making well-informed decisions regarding their study options, the US Department of State delivers free advisory services, both digitally and in person, through six EducationUSA advising centers in India: New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, and two in Hyderabad. Published by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the Open Doors report conducts an annual statistical survey on international students in the United States, a tradition initiated in 1919. Since 1972, IIE has partnered with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for this survey. Open Doors also sheds light on the number of international scholars at US universities and the participation of international students in pre-academic Intensive English Programs.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State builds relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through academic, cultural, sports, professional and private sector exchanges, as well as public-private partnerships and mentoring programs. Approximately 50,000 participants annually embark on these exchange programs, including the flagship Fulbright Program and the International Visitor Leadership Program.