India has become the largest source of international students in the United States, moving ahead of China for the second year in a row, according to the latest Open Doors 2025 report. The data shows strong growth in the number of Indian students choosing American universities, even as overall visa rules have tightened.
As per the report, there are 3,63,019 Indian students studying in the United States in the 2024–25 academic year. In comparison, the number of students from China stands at 2,65,919. Together, India and China account for 53.4 percent of all international students in the country.
The findings highlight India’s growing importance in global education mobility and the continued attractiveness of US higher education among Indian students.
The report shows that the number of Indian students in the US increased by about 10 percent compared to the previous year. This growth came despite concerns over tighter visa scrutiny and rising education costs.
One key driver of the rise was undergraduate enrolment. The number of Indian undergraduate students grew by 11.3 percent, rising from 36,053 in 2023–24 to 40,135 in 2024–25. This indicates that more Indian students are choosing to begin their higher education journey in the United States rather than going only for postgraduate studies.
Another major factor was the sharp jump in Optional Practical Training (OPT). The number of Indian students in OPT increased by 47.3 percent, going up from 97,556 to 1,43,740. OPT allows international students to gain work experience in the US after completing their studies, making it an attractive pathway for many.
However, the data also shows some areas of decline. Graduate enrolments among Indian students fell by 9.5 percent, dropping from 1,96,567 to 1,77,892. Non-degree enrolments also saw a decrease of 12.2 percent.
Experts say this mixed trend suggests that while interest in US education remains strong, students are becoming more selective about programmes and costs.
While India’s numbers grew, China experienced a decline. The number of Chinese students in the US fell by about 4 percent compared to the previous year.
This shift has helped India maintain its position as the top source country. Analysts say changing geopolitical conditions, visa uncertainties, and increasing competition from other destinations may be influencing Chinese student flows.
Apart from India and China, other countries with notable student presence in the US include Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Ghana, Italy, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Spain, and Vietnam.
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The report also underlines the economic importance of international students. According to the US Department of Commerce, foreign students contributed nearly 55 billion US dollars to the American economy in 2024.
Jason Czyz, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE), said international students not only pursue education but also support colleges and local communities. He noted that they help drive innovation, research, and cross-cultural exchange.
Saurabh Arora, Founder and CEO of University Living, also highlighted the financial contribution of students. According to the University Living Mobility Report 2023–24, international students collectively spent about 12.5 billion US dollars in the US. This included around 7.2 billion dollars on tuition, 2.9 billion dollars on accommodation, and 2.4 billion dollars on living expenses.
On average, each student spends about 52,000 dollars annually. Tuition fees alone are expected to reach between 40,000 and 45,000 dollars by 2025.
Experts believe the global education market is evolving rather than shrinking. Students continue to look for countries that offer quality education, clear visa policies, and strong post-study work options.
For India, the rising numbers reflect both growing ambition among students and the continued global demand for American degrees. However, future trends will depend on visa policies, job opportunities, and the cost of education.
If the United States maintains reliable immigration pathways and strong academic offerings, it is likely to remain a preferred destination for Indian students in the coming years.
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