India emerges as top source of international students in the US, overtaking China

India has once again become the largest source of international students studying in the United States. This is the second year in a row that India has remained ahead of China in student numbers. The latest Open Doors 2025 report shows that there are 3.63 lakh Indian students enrolled in American colleges and universities in the academic year 2024–25. In comparison, 2.65 lakh students from China are studying there.

The report also lists other countries with a significant student presence in the US, including Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Ghana, Italy, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Spain and Vietnam. Together, India and China form 53.4 per cent of all international students currently in the US.

Increase in Indian enrolments despite visa challenges

One major highlight of the report is the strong growth in the number of Indian students, even at a time when the United States has tightened some visa rules. Indian student numbers grew by 10 per cent compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the number of Chinese students saw a 4 per cent decline during the same period.

A key reason for India’s rising numbers is the sharp growth in undergraduate and training-based programs. Undergraduate enrolments from India increased by 11.3 per cent, rising from 36,053 students in 2023–24 to 40,135 in 2024–25. Another major driver is the huge jump in the number of students choosing Optional Practical Training (OPT), a pathway that lets international students work in the US after completing their studies. OPT enrolments increased by an impressive 47.3 per cent, going from 97,556 to 1,43,740 students.

However, not all categories saw growth. Indian graduate enrolments fell by 9.5 per cent, decreasing from 1,96,567 students to 1,77,892. There was also a 12.2 per cent drop in non-degree programs, moving from 1,426 to 1,252 students. These mixed results show that while interest in undergraduate education and post-study work is rising, some students may be delaying or reconsidering graduate programs due to cost, visa rules or other uncertainties.

International students overall make up 6 per cent of the total higher education population in the United States. Yet, their contribution to the country is much larger. The US Department of Commerce estimates that international students contributed nearly USD 55 billion to the US economy in 2024. This spending includes tuition fees, housing, food, transportation and other living expenses.

Leaders in the education sector say that the impact of international students goes beyond money. According to Jason Czyz, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE), students from around the world help drive research, innovation and cultural exchange in American campuses. He explained that they bring new ideas, support academic research and help build connections between different cultures.

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Growing economic and academic impact of Indian students

Education experts also highlight the strong economic value international students add to local communities. Saurabh Arora, Founder and CEO of University Living, said the latest numbers confirm how important these students are for universities and nearby economies. He noted that, as mentioned in his organisation’s Mobility Report 2023–24, international students spent around USD 12.5 billion collectively in the US. This includes USD 7.2 billion on tuition, USD 2.9 billion on accommodation, and USD 2.4 billion on living costs.

The average annual spending of an international student in the US is about USD 52,000. This includes tuition, which is expected to reach USD 40,000–45,000 per year by 2025. Because of this large financial commitment, students usually prefer countries that offer clear rules, stable systems and good post-study opportunities. Arora said that students commit deeply — financially, emotionally and academically — so they choose places that offer trust, transparency and long-term benefits.

Global education trends show that more students are choosing to study abroad to improve their career opportunities and secure a better future. Despite rising costs and changing visa rules in some countries, demand for international education continues to grow. Many students see studying abroad as an investment that will help them gain global exposure, develop new skills and build better professional networks.

Experts believe that countries that will continue attracting large numbers of foreign students are those that provide reliable student pathways and supportive policies. This includes timely visa processing, clear post-study work rules and strong support systems during the course of study. If countries can offer these advantages, they will be able to welcome and retain talented students from around the world, bringing long-term benefits to both their education system and their economy.

The latest report makes it clear that India’s presence in international education is becoming stronger with each passing year. With continued interest from Indian students, and with more US institutions actively reaching out to Indian applicants, this trend is expected to remain steady. At the same time, American universities benefit from the diversity, talent and economic contribution that Indian students bring.