The number of international students at US colleges and universities reached a record high of over 1.1 million (1,126,690) in the 2023-2024 academic year, an increase of 7 percent over the previous year.

The latest findings from the Open Doors 2024 Report on International Educational Exchange, published by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education, revealed that India sent 331,602 students to pursue higher education in the US during this period – a increase of 23 percent from the previous year.

In conjunction with the publication of the report, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti highlighted a significant milestone: for the first time since 2009, India surpassed all other countries in sending the most students to the US

Indian students now make up 29 percent of the total international student population in the United States. The country continued to lead as the largest source of international PhD students (Masters and PhD levels) for the second consecutive year.

Sachin Jain, Country Manager – ETS India & South Asia, said at the report’s launch: “The Open Doors 2024 Report is a testament to the continued strong growth of the US as a global destination for higher education. Over 1.1 million students are pursuing higher education education in USA in the 2023/24 school year, which is an increase of 7 percent from the previous year.This growth is in sync with the test trends we have observed among TOEFL test takers, where the USA continues to be their preferred destination.It is pleasing to note that India is now the top place of origin for international students, with a record 331,602 Indian students in the US in 2023/2024 has been steadfast in its choice of the US as its primary destination, and these trends are consistent with the growth we have seen with both GRE and TOEFL tests accepted by 100% of American institutions.”

In the graduate category, nearly 197,000 Indian students were enrolled, showing a year-on-year growth of 19 percent. At the same time, participation in Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs increased 41 percent to 97,556, underscoring India’s critical role in providing skilled professionals to the United States. However, the number of non-degree students decreased by 28 percent to 1,426. For undergraduate programs, the number of Indian students increased by 13 percent to exceed 36,000.