India Top Source of US International Students

India has overtaken China as the top sender of international students to the United States for the 2023-2024 academic year, with a 23% increase resulting in 331,602 Indian students now studying in the US. This marks a significant shift after 15 years, contributing to the record 1.1 million international students in the US, a 7% increase from the previous year. The surge in Indian students is largely seen in graduate programs and Optional Practical Training, reflecting broader trends in STEM fields like Mathematics and Computer Science. Meanwhile, the number of Chinese students has decreased by 4%, although China remains a significant contributor to the international student population. International students significantly bolster the US economy, contributing over $50 billion in 2023. The trend reflects a growing global interest in US education amid changing international education dynamics and policy shifts in other traditional education destinations.