Despite the challenges posed by long-term layoffs, visa concerns, and job uncertainties, Indian students studying in the United States are choosing to stay back for employment opportunities. Recent data reveals that India has become the second-largest contributor of students to the US, showcasing a remarkable increase in enrollment numbers.
According to the Open Doors 2023 report based in Washington, DC, Indian student enrollment in the academic year 2022–2023 reached a record high of 268,923, marking a substantial 35% surge from the previous year. While China remains the top contributor with 289,526 students, India’s notable increase is a standout feature, reflecting a 12% overall rise in international student enrollment in US universities during the same academic year, totaling 1,057,188 students.
The surge in graduate student enrollment, reaching 165,936, and a 16% increase in undergraduate enrollment, totaling 31,954, contribute significantly to India’s upswing in student numbers. Additionally, 69,062 students, a 1.3% increase, participated in Optional Practical Training (OPT), a program that allows international students to work in the US for up to three years in their field of study. Among Indian students in the US, STEM subjects, particularly mathematics and computer science, continue to be the top choices.
Responding to inquiries about employment prospects, an official emphasized the strong desire of Indian students to pursue further education in the US. OPT data indicated a 17% overall increase in the Fall 2023 snapshot, with 198,793 international students enrolled in OPT, marking an 8% increase from the previous year.
The Fall 2023 international student enrollment snapshot projects an 8% increase in the overall international student population in US universities. Notably, 70% of them prioritize undergraduate outreach, while 80% focus on graduate outreach for Indian students. The report also highlights a 14% year-over-year increase in first-time enrollment, reinforcing the US as a highly sought-after destination for Indian students.
