The U.S. is and will remain the pre-eminent destination for international students in the world due to its familiarity in terminologies of world-governed degrees, highly competitive research opportunities, and good work pathways. According to the latest Open Doors report, over 1.1 million international students are currently enrolled in various institutions in the United States. So, let's check the top countries that send the most students and what drives these students to the U.S.
Multitudes of foreign students from India, China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Vietnam, and Taiwan come to the U.S. to achieve much more than what education has to offer. The transnational flow of students is also a key stakeholder in international relations.
🎓 The top sources of international students in the United States. pic.twitter.com/HyG3PohSfY
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| Rank | Country | Percentage of Total |
| 1 | India | 29.4% |
| 2 | China | 24.6% |
| 3 | South Korea | 3.8% |
| 4 | Saudi Arabia | 2.6% |
| 5 | Canada | 2.1% |
| 6 | Vietnam | 2.0% |
| 7 | Taiwan | 1.8% |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 1.5% |
| 9 | Nepal | 1.5% |
| 10 | Brazil | 1.5% |
Border Context and Trends
Border policies and visa regulations play a crucial role in determining how many international students can actually come to the U.S. to study. In recent years, the U.S. government has been working to strike a balance between ensuring national security and welcoming talented individuals, especially in the wake of the disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the changing political landscape.
One significant trend we've noticed is that the visa process has become tougher and more complicated, particularly for students hailing from countries like China and Iran. These students often encounter extra screenings or longer wait times because of concerns surrounding technology transfer and national security.
On the flip side, the U.S. has ramped up its support for STEM students through initiatives like STEM OPT, which enables graduates in science, technology, engineering, and math to work in the U.S. for up to three years after they finish their studies. This has made the U.S. particularly appealing for students from India and other tech-savvy nations.
Here are the top 5 countries that are a major source of international students in the U.S., along with the reasons and dominant field of study.
1. India
It has overtaken China to become the largest source of international students for the U.S. There are currently about 331,600 students from India studying in American colleges and universities. The growth rate has been very high, owing mainly to the skyrocketing popularity of STEM courses- computer science, engineering, and data-related fields, to name a few.
Indian students mostly go to the U.S. for master's or doctoral degrees, and a considerable number go for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for some work experience post-study. This combination of world-class education and career opportunities continues to attract Indian students in very large numbers.
2. China
Some 277,400 Chinese students are officially listed in the U.S.; they're, hence, in the second spot in the list. Although it is still a good number, it marks a decreasing trend across past years. Some theorize that it could be because of the immigration limitations and the U.S.-China tense relations that have increased in recent times, but Chinese students still constitute quite a large chunk of the foreign students' community.
They often enter undergraduate degree programs, and business, mathematics, engineering, and sciences rank either number one or two among their chosen courses. Although trends may be changing, for many Chinese families, an American education continues to mean a great deal.
3. South Korea
South Korea continues to be a significant player in the international student scene in the U.S., with more than 43,100 students currently pursuing their studies here. Although there’s been a slight dip in numbers, South Korean students maintain a robust presence, particularly in areas like engineering, health sciences, and business. The esteemed reputation of U.S. universities and the allure of gaining international experience keep drawing Korean students in, many of whom are looking to earn advanced degrees or embark on global careers.
4. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has made a comeback with nearly 29,000 students now studying in the U.S., thanks in part to government-sponsored scholarships like the King Abdullah Scholarship Program. These students typically pursue degrees in engineering, medicine, and business, which align with the country’s vision to build a diversified, knowledge-based economy. After a dip in numbers in recent years, the upward trend signals renewed interest in American education.
5. Canada
Even though Canada has a good education system, around 23,200 Canadian students decided to study in the U.S. last year. This is partly due to strong academic partnerships, athletic scholarships, and specialized programs not always offered at Canadian universities. The close location and shared culture also make it easier for Canadian students to adjust. Business, arts, and science programs are among their most popular choices.
Final Thoughts
These top countries show a variety of reasons for studying abroad, including research opportunities, job prospects, cultural prestige, and government support. Indian and Chinese students together account for more than half of all international students in the U.S. As global trends change, these numbers will keep evolving, but the U.S. will remain a strong attraction for ambitious students from around the world.
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