VOI World/ Desk
India has emerged as the largest source of international students in the United States for the 2024–25 academic year, with 3,63,019 Indian students enrolled on American campuses. This represents a 10 per cent rise over the previous year, although the increase is slower than the steep 23 per cent jump recorded in 2023–24. Tougher visa scrutiny, longer appointment queues and work-visa anxieties have not prevented growth, but they have contributed to moderation in the rate of increase.
Undergraduate enrolments from India rose by 11 per cent to 40,135 students, while graduate enrolments declined by 9.5 per cent to 1,77,892. Optional Practical Training participation, which allows graduates to work in the US after completing their studies, saw a significant increase of 47.3 per cent, reaching 97,556 students. Non-degree enrolments, including short-term study and exchange programs, were down by 12.2 per cent.
The data, compiled by the Institute of International Education in Washington, shows that 63.1 per cent of Indian students in the US are studying in public universities, while 36.9 per cent are enrolled in private institutions. California, New York, Texas, Illinois and Massachusetts remain the top US states hosting Indian students.
Spending by Indian students in the US reached nearly USD 14.02 billion, second only to China, which spent USD 14.6 billion. International students overall contributed USD 55 billion to the US economy in 2024 and supported more than 3.5 lakh jobs.
Globally, the number of new international student enrolments in the US fell by 7 per cent, with undergraduate entries rising by 5 per cent and graduate entries declining by 15 per cent. China’s presence continued to slide to 2,65,919 students, widening the gap with India.
Officials and education experts say Indian students are increasingly seen as academically strong, innovation-driven and valued for diversity on US campuses, even as visa processing pressures continue.
