New Delhi: The number of Indian students in the United States has hit an all-time high at 2.68 lakh in the academic year 2022-23, making India the largest source of international graduate students and surpassing China for the first time since 2009-10.
Citing the Open Doors Report Report (ODR) of the Institute of International Education (IIE), the US Embassy in New Delhi said the number of international students from India to the US increased by 35 per cent in academic year 2022-23 to an all-time high of 2,68,923. Indian students constitute more than 25 per cent of the over one million foreign students studying in the United States."
"The number of Indian graduate students rose by 63 per cent to 1,65,936 students, an increase of nearly 64,000 students, compared to last year, while Indian undergraduate students also increased by 16 per cent. ODR data also shows India leading in the number of individuals (69,062) who pursued optional practical training (OPT), a type of temporary work permission that allows eligible students to get real-world experience related to their field of study."
"The US Embassy and Consulates in India issued record high numbers of student visas during the main student visa season of June-August 2023 (and that) consular officers across India issued 95,269 visas in the F, M, and J categories, an 18 per cent increase over 2022 during the same timeframe," the statement added.
“You did it, India! Each and every Indian student in the United States and the families supporting their success deserve recognition for this achievement… You are bringing our countries closer together and leading us towards a bright future. We celebrate the strength of the Indian educational system that prepares students to compete globally and look forward to seeing India continue to lead,” said US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti.
The ambassador called on more women students to pursue education in the US in an attempt to balance demographics of international students. “We also look forward to balancing these record numbers. We want to see equal numbers of women pursuing studies in the United States and see more US students coming to experience all that India has to offer.”
The US Embassy further said, "To assist Indian students in finding the right study opportunity, the U.S. Department of State offers free advising services to prospective students, both virtually and in-person, at six EducationUSA advising centers throughout India in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, and two in Hyderabad. All six centers are staffed by EducationUSA advisors who offer accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date information about opportunities to study in the United States, helping Indian students find the best program and fit from among more than 4,500 accredited U.S. higher-education institutions."
The statement, further, asked Indian students to seek assistance from six EducationUSA advising centres in India — one each in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai, and two in Hyderabad. “All six centres are staffed by EducationUSA advisors who offer accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date information about opportunities to study in the United States, helping Indian students find the best programme and fit from among more than 4,500 accredited U.S. higher-education institutions," the statement said.
