Curated By: Sukanya Nandy
Last Updated: November 13, 2023, 14:55 IST
The number of Indian graduate students has increased by 63 per cent to 165,936 students, the report stated (Representative image)
A total of 268,923 students have opted for higher education in the US in the academic year 2022-23, making it an all-time high, the report stated
The number of international students from India to the United States has increased by 35 per cent between the years 2021-22 and 2022-23, according to the Open Doors Report (ODR) released by the US Embassy today, November 14. India has surpassed China to become the largest source of international graduate students in the US for the first time since 2009/10.
The number of Indian graduate students has increased by 63 per cent to 165,936 students, the report added. This is an increase of nearly 64,000 students, compared to last year. Indian undergraduate students also increased by 16 per cent. Indian students constitute more than 25 per cent of the over one million foreign students studying in the United States. A total of 268,923 students have opted for higher education in the US in the academic year 2022-23, making it an all-time high, the report stated.
The ODR data shows India leading in the number of individuals who pursued optional practical training (OPT) which is a type of temporary work permission that allows eligible students to get real-world experience related to their field of study. A total of 69,062 students opted for the training.
The US Embassy and Consulates in India also announced a record-high number of student visas during the main student visa season of June-August 2023. Consular officers across India issued 95,269 visas in the F, M, and J categories, the report added, making it an 18 per cent increase over 2022 during the same timeframe.
Talking about the increase in the number of Indian students pursuing higher education in US, ambassador Eric Garcetti said, “You did it, India! Each and every Indian student in the United States and the families supporting 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 families. You are bringing our countries closer together and leading us towards a bright future. We celebrate the strength of the Indian educational system that prepares students to compete globally and look forward to seeing India continue to lead. We also look forward to balancing these record numbers. We want to see equal numbers of women pursuing studies in the United States and see more U.S. students coming to experience all that India has to offer.”
