Number of Indian students studying in US rises for 5th consecutive year

The number of Indians studying in the United States has increased by 5.4 per cent over the last year to 196,271, according to the 2018 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, released on Tuesday.

This marks the fifth consecutive year that the total number of Indian students pursuing their higher education in the United States has gone up.

Speaking at the US-Indian Educational Foundation (USIEF), Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs Joseph Pomper said, "Looking at the past 10 years of data, the number of Indians going to the United States has doubled. The reasons are clear--Indian students are looking for a great education and the United States continues to offer this."

Pomper also stated that the Embassy continues to see well qualified Indians applying to study in the United States as well as record attendance at the US university fairs held across the country.

As per the report, Indians make up nearly 18 per cent of all international students in the United States, surpassed only by China. India provides the second highest amount of graduate students and fourth-most undergraduates.

The number of American students studying in India increased to 4,704, 12.5 per cent more than the year before. "I am thrilled to see a significant increase in the number of American university students choosing India as a study abroad destination," said Adam Grotsky, Director of USIEF.

"At USIEF, we believe that student exchange programs are one of the best ways to foster meaningful relationships and promote mutual understanding between American and Indian citizens," he added.

In 2017-18, US colleges and universities hosted more than one million international students for the third consecutive year. This marks the twelfth consecutive year of continued expansion.

The top places of origin for international students studying in the United States were China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Mexico, and Brazil. The top host states were California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.