Updated on October 31, 2025, based on data from the Open Doors 2024 Report
The United States continues to be the most popular destination for higher education. According to the Open Doors 2024 Report, published by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, the number of international students enrolled in U.S. universities reached a record 1,126,690 in the 2023–24 academic year — a 7% increase from the previous year.
For the first time since 2009, India has overtaken China as the largest source of international students in the United States.
Table of contents
- International Students in the USA – Indian Students Record Growth in 2023–24
- International Students in the USA – Chinese Students’ Gradual Decline Continues
- Top 10 Countries Sending Students to the U.S. (2023–24)
- Academic Levels of International Students in the USA (2023–24)
- Economic Impact of International Students in the U.S.
- Long-Term Trends – India Rising, China Slowing
International Students in the USA – Indian Students Record Growth in 2023–24
The number of Indian students in the U.S. has skyrocketed, crossing 331,602 in 2023–24 — a 23% increase over the previous year. India now accounts for 29% of all international students in the United States — its highest-ever share.
Indian Students In the USA
| Category | Number of Students | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Students | 196,567 | 19% |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | 97,556 | 41% |
| Undergraduate Students | ~34,000 | Estimated |
| Total | 331,602 | 23% |
The majority of Indian students pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs, and nearly half go on to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT) — a work permit allowing graduates to gain professional experience in the U.S.
International Students in the USA – Chinese Students’ Gradual Decline Continues
Chinese student enrollment in the U.S. continues to decline modestly. In 2023–24, there were 277,398 Chinese students — a 4% drop from the previous year.
Chinese Students in the US
| Undergraduate Students | ~142,000 | -3% |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Students | ~92,000 | -5% |
| Non-degree / Exchange | ~12,000 | -4% |
| Total | 277,398 | -4% |
Despite the decline, China remains the second-largest source of international students in the United States. Visa restrictions, trade tensions, and improved higher education infrastructure in China are among the key factors behind the slowdown.
Top 10 Countries Sending Students to the U.S. (2023–24)
| Rank | Country | Students | Change YoY | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 331,602 | 23% | 29% |
| 2 | China | 277,398 | -4% | 25% |
| 3 | South Korea | 43,847 | 2% | 4% |
| 4 | Canada | 31,015 | 3% | 3% |
| 5 | Vietnam | 26,179 | 5% | 2% |
| 6 | Taiwan | 21,632 | 3% | 2% |
| 7 | Nigeria | 19,906 | 12% | 2% |
| 8 | Japan | 18,035 | 4% | 2% |
| 9 | Brazil | 16,390 | 6% | 1% |
| 10 | Saudi Arabia | 15,497 | -1% | 1% |
India and China together account for 54% of all international students currently studying in the United States.
Academic Levels of International Students in the USA (2023–24)
| Level | Students | Total | Key Trends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate | 483,000 | 43% | Highest growth from India |
| Undergraduate | 416,000 | 37% | Largest share from China |
| OPT (Training / Internships) | 193,000 | 17% | Dominated by STEM fields |
| Non-degree / Exchange | 34,000 | 3% | Slight decline |
Economic Impact of International Students in the U.S.
International students support more than 400,000 jobs in the U.S. through their spending on tuition, housing, and living expenses.
| Year | Contribution to U.S. Economy | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | $44.7 billion | 5.50% |
| 2021–22 | $33.8 billion | Post-COVID rebound |
| 2023–24 | $50.0 billion+ | Record high |
Read: Why Students In the USA From India And China Are Vital For America’s Future
Long-Term Trends – India Rising, China Slowing
| Academic Year | Total | Indian Students | Chinese Students | India Growth | China Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | 1,095,299 | 202,014 | 369,548 | 3% | 2% |
| 2020–21 | 914,095 | 167,582 | 317,299 | -17% | -14% |
| 2021–22 | 948,519 | 199,182 | 290,086 | 19% | -9% |
| 2022–23 | 1,057,188 | 268,923 | 289,526 | 34% | ±0% |
| 2023–24 | 1,126,690 | 331,602 | 277,398 | 23% | -4% |
Why are more Indian Students Choosing the USA
- Expanding middle-class families investing in global education
- Strong demand for STEM and business programs
- Favorable post-study work opportunities under OPT and H-1B visas
- Rapid digitalization and university outreach in India
- Growing reputation of U.S. master’s programs and research pathways
Conclusion
The continued rise in Indian enrollment underscores both the U.S.’s appeal and India’s growing global footprint in higher education. However, the dependence on two countries — India and China — raises concerns about diversity and resilience in international student recruitment.
For students, the data reaffirms that the U.S. remains the leading destination for advanced education, particularly for STEM, management, and research disciplines.
Source: Open Doors Annual Data 2019–2024 (IIE).
Also See
- Indian Embassy Warnings For Students Going To The USA
- Checklist For International Students Going To The US
- The Cost Of Living In The USA – A Guide For Expats And Students
- The A To Z Of Tax Filing In The USA For International Students
