Washington: The resurgence of international student enrollment at US colleges and universities has been prominently fueled by a remarkable 35% increase in the number of Indian students. This has contributed to an overall 12% rise in the 2022-2023 academic year intake.
The total reached almost 1.06 million students, nearing pre-pandemic levels and emphasising the resilience of the US as a favoured destination for global students, despite challenges posed by the pandemic, reported Bloomberg.
The surge in Indian enrollments is notable, compensating for a decline in Chinese student numbers and signalling a shifting dynamic in international education trends. The number of Indian students rose to approximately 269,000, narrowing the gap with the 290,000 Chinese students during the 2022-2023 school year.
Allan E. Goodman, CEO of the Institute of International Education, underscored the enduring appeal of the US as the preferred destination for international students, a trend that has persisted for over a century.
Chinese students, although still the largest foreign nationality on US campuses, have shown a levelling off, with some middle-income families exploring more cost-effective alternatives in the UK and Australia or opting out of international degrees altogether. A British Council report in May noted that some Chinese students are choosing Asian destinations like Singapore, Hong Kong, or Malaysian universities.
The growing interest of young Indians in US universities can be attributed, in part, to India's robust economic growth, projected at 6.3% this year and the next by the World Bank. This economic upturn is leading to increased incomes, prompting wealthier families to consider international education for enhanced career prospects.
Beyond economic factors, obtaining a foreign degree is seen as a means to elevate the social status and marriage prospects of low and middle-income families. Limited education options domestically have also contributed to the rise in Indian students opting for US institutions.
During the Trump administration, concerns about visa restrictions and personal safety influenced some Indian students to reconsider their plans to study in the US. However, improved US-India relations have contributed to a resurgence in Indian students choosing the US for higher education.
India, now boasting the world's largest population surpassing China, with half under the age of 30, presents a demographic advantage.
In contrast, China's economic slowdown has tempered enthusiasm for studying abroad, with families expressing concerns about US-China relations, anti-Chinese sentiments, and safety issues in the U.S.
Zhou Huiying, founder of the Shanghai-based consultancy Lideyouwei Education Technology, highlighted that families from smaller Chinese cities are particularly anxious about US tensions and associated costs.