India Surpasses China as Top Source of International Students in US

According to the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) most recent Open Doors 2024 report, India has overtaken China as the country’s top source of international students, marking a historic milestone. This is the first time India has topped the list since 2009.

According to the research, 3.31 lakh (331,000) Indian students attended US universities during the 2023–24 academic year, making up 29.4% of the nation’s 11 lakh (1.1 million) international student body. Compared to 25.4% during the prior academic year, this indicates a notable growth. In 2023–2024, 42.9% of Indian students choose to pursue computer science and mathematics, making these courses the most popular.
In contrast, the proportion of Chinese students studying in the United States decreased to 2.77 lakh (277,000) in 2023–2024, making up 24.6% of all international students, compared to 27.4% the year before. This is the lowest number of Chinese students in the US since 2013-14.

According to the Open Doors survey, China and India dominate the US market for international students, with their combined share growing by 54% from 52.8% in the previous year. Other top countries include South Korea (43,149), Canada (28,998), and Taiwan (23,157). Because of its top-notch colleges, research opportunities and cultural variety, the US continues to be a popular choice for international students. The study emphasizes how Indian students’ interest in US education is rising due to elements including academic success, employment opportunities, and cross-cultural interactions.
“This milestone reflects India’s growing aspirations for quality education and its increasing presence on the global stage,” an education expert stated. “The US remains a hub for international students, and India’s rise to the top spot underscores the country’s commitment to academic excellence.”