Indian Students Now Largest International Group in U.S., Surpassing Chinese

For the first time since 2009, Indian students have overtaken Chinese students in U.S. universities, reflecting shifts in global education trends.

The number of Indian international students in the U.S. reached 331,602 in the 2023/24 academic year, a 23% increase from the previous year.
Chinese student numbers have declined by 4.2%, now totaling 277,398, influenced by geopolitical tensions and safety concerns.
The growth in Indian students is driven by increased graduate and OPT enrollments, with many pursuing STEM fields.
U.S. universities have shifted focus to Indian students as Chinese enrollments continue to fall post-pandemic.
The economic impact of Indian students in the U.S. is significant, contributing an estimated $11.8 billion in 2023.