Increase in the Number of Indian Students in the US Universities

The US educational institutions have witnessed a 32 per cent increase in the number of Indian students as compared to an international increase of 9 per cent. This has been stated in a recent official report.

According to SEVIS by the Numbers, a quarterly report on international students studying in the US, published by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), there has been an increase of 32 per cent students from India as compared to 2014.

Reason behind the increase of Indian students in the US universities

The US has some of the best colleges and universities in the world. This is one of the major reasons for Indian students to opt for the US institutions. The US economy is displaying a positive growth trend. There has been reduction in the unemployment rate in the US and it came down from 10% to 6%. Thus, it is opening up opportunities for more jobs. All these are acting as added reasons for Indian students to apply to the US universities for their higher education.

But there are a few other reasons as well behind the increase in the number of Indian students seeking to study in the US. One of the leading factors is the condition of India’s education system. The ever-increasing population of India is causing the higher education system to struggle to keep pace with it. The demand for highly skilled workers is also compelling many Indian students to go abroad for higher studies.

US universities that attract maximum number of international students

The five US universities with the maximum number of international students are the Colombia University, Purdue University, the University of Southern California, New York University and the University of Illinois.

The report by SEVIS by Numbers states that 76 percent of all international students come from Asia. India is among the top 10 Asian countries whose students opt for US universities. With around 1,50,000 students, India boasts of having the second highest number of international applicants enrolled at the US institutions, with only China ahead.

Condition of the education system India

India does not paint a very bright picture in terms of college enrollment that stands at just 18 per cent. This figure is lower than China’s figure of 26 per cent. According to the British Council, a huge number of schools in India remain plagued by poor quality of teaching and an outdated curriculum. Socio-economic inequalities exist and there is a lack of innovation in the education system of India.

India still lacks in basic infrastructure for schools and educational institutions. Even when India’s economy is growing at a rapid pace, the development of infrastructure for basic education has not seen much progress.

Predictions regarding the future migration of Indian students to the US

As per the World Bank, the expected growth of India’s economy in 2015 is 7.4 per cent. At this rate India’s economic growth will take over China’s growth in two years. It is being predicted that at this rate of economic growth there will be an increase in the migration of Indian students to the US.

With an improving economy, Indian students will be able to afford the high fees of the US universities. International students are not eligible for the various financial aid options that are open for US citizens. Merit-based scholarships are also very less in comparison to the number of Indian students applying for US student visas. But with the improvement in economy, Indian students will be able to bear the educational charges for a degree from the US.

All these points suggest that the interest of Indian students in the US institutions will continue in future.

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