India Remains Top Source of Students in US – Report
In the 2024-25 academic year, India continued to be the largest source of international students in the United States, with 363,019 Indian students enrolled in U.S. higher-education institutions, marking roughly 30.8% of all international students. China followed with 265,919 students, representing a decline from the previous year.
Trends and Highlights
Indian student enrolment rose by approximately 10% compared to the previous year, while China’s numbers fell by around 4%. The total number of international students in the U.S. reached about 1.18 million in 2024-25. Most of the Indian cohort were enrolled in STEM fields, and many joined through Optional Practical Training pathways.
Implications for Education Flow
The sustained rise of Indian students in the U.S. highlights shifting global-education dynamics. For U.S. institutions, the Indian student population provides both diversity and financial stability amid slowing growth in other markets. For India, the trend underscores the growing global demand for its graduates and the role of international mobility in career pathways. The decline in new international student enrolments overall may prompt U.S. universities to diversify their recruitment strategies beyond traditional source countries.
