India Retains Top Spot as US Welcomes Record 363k Indian Students Amid Visa Uncertainties

Image Source: Internet

{ "title": "India Retains Top Spot as US Welcomes Record 363k Indian Students Amid Visa Uncertainties", "article": "India has secured its position as the largest source of international students in the US for the second consecutive year, according to the Open Doors 2025 report. Released on Monday, the report reveals a record 363,019 Indian students studying in the US in the 2024-25 academic year, a 9.5% increase from the previous year. This significant growth is largely driven by an 11.3% rise in undergraduate enrolments and a 47.3% surge in participation in Optional Practical Training (OPT), which now accounts for over a third of all Indian students in the US. However, graduate enrolments saw a decline of 9.5%, while non-degree enrolments dropped by 12.2%. The report notes that India and China together accounted for 53.4% of all international students in the US in 2024-25, with South Korea, Canada, Taiwan, and Nepal being the next top senders. The US remains the top destination for international students globally, hosting 1.2 million international students in the 2024-25 academic year. Despite this growth, the report indicates a sharp decline of 17% in new international student enrolments in fall 2025, following a 7% drop in fall 2024. The Institute of International Education (IIE) attributes this decline to ongoing visa uncertainties in the US. However, US colleges and universities continue to focus on international student recruitment, citing the value of their perspectives on campus and financial contributions. The Open Doors report provides valuable insights into international students' preferences, with 57% enrolling in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programmes in the US. As the US higher education landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how these trends will shape the future of international student recruitment and education."