US remains top choice for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad

There has been a substantial 35 per cent increase in the number of Indian students pursuing higher education in the United States, reaching an unprecedented peak of 268,923 students during the academic year 2022-23.

A report revealed that, for the third consecutive year, Indian students make up over 25 percent of the total population of over one million international students studying in the United States.

The report underscores the ongoing trend of a record number of Indian students choosing the US as their preferred destination for higher education.

Moreover, the recent data from the Open Doors Report reveals a significant milestone as India surpasses China, emerging as the leading source of international graduate students in the United States for the first time since 2009-10.

The statistics show a remarkable 63 per cent surge in the number of Indian graduate students, totalling 165,936—an impressive increase of nearly 64,000 students compared to the previous year. 

Additionally, Indian undergraduate students witnessed a notable growth of 16 per cent.

According to the Open Doors Report (ODR) data, India has taken the lead with 69,062 individuals participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT). 

OPT is a form of temporary work permission that enables 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 US Embassy and Consulates in India recorded an all-time high in the issuance of student visas. 

Consular officers throughout India granted a total of 95,269 visas in the F, M, and J categories, reflecting an 18 percent surge compared to the corresponding period in 2022.