According to an Open Doors report released on 18 November, the United States welcomed 1,126,690 international students in the 2023–2024 academic year, further solidifying its position as the fastest-growing destination for foreign learners. This milestone reflects a 7% increase over the previous year, underscoring the country’s resilience and appeal as a global education hub despite shifting international trends.
Record-breaking growth post-pandemic
The 2023/24 figures mark the highest international student enrolment in US history, signalling a strong rebound from a pandemic-era decline. Over the past three years, the number of international students has grown by 23%.
The report, compiled by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in collaboration with the US Department of State, highlights a significant 12% jump in international student enrolment between 2021/22 and 2023/24, far outpacing other leading host countries.
India leads as top source of international students
For the first time in over a decade, India surpassed China as the leading place of origin for international students in the US. India sent 331,602 students in 2023/24, a remarkable 19% year-over-year growth.
The surge in Indian enrolment is largely driven by their strong presence in graduate-level programs and Optional Practical Training (OPT) – areas where they now dominate. In 2023/24, Indian students pursuing graduate studies in the US totalled 196,567. Similarly, OPT participation among Indian students soared by 41%, reaching 97,556.
Regional diversity
Despite a slight decline of 4%, China was the second-largest sending country, with 277,398 students enrolled. South Korea, Bangladesh and Nepal round out the top five, reflecting the growing diversity in student origins.
Sub-Saharan Africa led regional growth, with a 13% increase, following an 18% rise the previous year. Notably, 55% of African students funded their education through personal or family resources, while 22% relied on current employment, such as OPT.
Economic impact
According to the Department of Commerce, the economic contributions of international students in the US reached a staggering US$50 billion in 2023.
“International students not only enrich US campuses culturally and academically but also make a substantial economic impact,” said Allan Goodman, IIE CEO. “Their contributions foster innovation, strengthen global ties and support thousands of jobs across the country.”
International graduate student enrolment across all nationalities grew by 8%, while overall OPT participation increased by 22%, further boosting the US economy and workforce opportunities.
STEM fields dominate international enrolment
The Open Doors data reveals that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields remain the most popular areas of study, attracting 56% of all international students. Math and computer science programs saw a significant 17% rise, enrolling 280,922 students, while engineering courses recorded a steady 4% increase, welcoming 210,163 students.
Meanwhile, business and management programs retained strong appeal, accounting for 159,810 students – a modest 2% rise. Physical and life sciences also experienced steady growth, enrolling 88,717 students, up 5% year-over-year.
Leading destination states and institutions
California, New York and Texas remained the top destination states, collectively hosting nearly one-third of all enrolments. Midwestern states such as Missouri (+35%), Michigan (+14%) and Illinois (+13%) also recorded significant year-over-year growth, underscoring their strong academic institutions and diverse educational offerings.
Nearly 3,000 US higher education institutions participated in the 2023/24 international student census, showing the broad scope of international engagement across the country.
Global context: US outpaces competitors
While countries like Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia remain popular among overseas students, the US continues to be one of the fastest-growing international student destinations. In 2024, the US accounted for 16% of the world’s total international student population, cementing its reputation as a top academic location.
As institutions adapt to emerging trends and strengthen international recruitment efforts, the future looks promising for sustained growth and global collaboration.
To know more about the opportunities available for international students and updates about education in the USA, check out our blog or reach out to our North American team at gspna@globalstudypartners.com.
To view the full report, check out the Open Doors® 2024 Report on International Educational Exchange.
