New Delhi: India has become the top source of international students in the United States for the first time since 2009, representing 29% of the total international student population and surpassing China. According to the latest Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, over 330,000 Indian students enrolled in US higher education institutions during the 2023-2024 academic year, marking a 23% rise from the previous year.

This surge was largely fueled by a 19% increase in graduate student enrollments, totaling 196,567, and a significant 41% rise in participation in Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs, which reached 97,556 students. US Ambassador Eric Garcetti highlighted India's milestone, celebrating the role of international education in fostering future leaders and strengthening global ties. Reflecting on his own experiences, Garcetti shared his enthusiasm for the value of educational exchanges.

Meanwhile, China, historically the largest contributor to the US international student population, experienced a 4% decline, with 277,398 students enrolled. Despite this drop, China continues to lead in undergraduate and non-degree program enrollments.

In total, the US hosted a record 1.1 million international students in the 2023-2024 academic year, a 7% increase from the previous year. The report also noted record numbers in graduate programs, with over 500,000 students, and OPT participation, which exceeded 242,000.

The upward trend extended to American students in India, whose numbers surged from 336 in 2021/22 to 1,355 in 2022/23, reflecting remarkable growth of over 300%. International students in the US have a diverse range of study areas, with STEM disciplines attracting the majority. Math and computer science continue to lead at 25%, followed by engineering at 19%, business and management at 14%, physical and life sciences at 8%, and social sciences at 8%, with fine and applied arts accounting for 5%.