The United States of America welcomed the highest number of international students in the 2023/2024 academic year. Find out how many students are studying in the US, in what fields and which countries they represent

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The United States is the world’s leading destination for international students. According to the latest reports, the country welcomed more than 1.1 million students during the 2023-2024 academic year, a 7% increase from the previous year. Learn more about the main trends in higher education in the United States.

How many students are studying in the United States in the 2023-2024 academic year?

An annual study conducted by the non-profit organization Institute of International Education (IIE) revealed the following trends in the US international education system:

- There are currently 1,126,690 students from more than 210 countries studying in the United States, which is an all-time record.

- Number of new students: During the 2023-2024 academic year, almost 299,000 international students will enroll in US colleges and universities for the first time. This figure remains at pre-pandemic levels.

- Graduate Students – 502,291 students were accepted into graduate programs, an 8% increase from the previous year, which is also a record.

- Optional Practical Training – The number of students pursuing an education in the field of optional practical training increased to 242,782, which is a 22% increase from the previous year.

- Undergraduates – The number of students remained stable at 342,875, showing a moderate decrease of 1%.

- Non-degree programs – The number of people pursuing an education that is not related to obtaining a degree, including English and exchange programs, decreased by 12% to 38,742 after a significant increase in the previous year.

You can get advice on education abroad on the Visit World portal. Our lawyers can answer all your questions about the current rules for admission to certain educational institutions, as well as help with the preparation of documents for admission and study abroad. To order a specialist consultation, follow this link.

Citizens of which countries are currently studying in the United States?

When it comes to the citizenship of international students in the United States, India is the leader. There are currently 331,602 Indian students studying in the states, up 23% from last year. The largest increase is among those seeking higher education and those pursuing elective courses.

China came in second, but the number of international students from this country decreased by 4% to 277,398. The majority of this country’s students are pursuing bachelor’s and non-degree programs.

Bangladesh, Colombia, and Spain also set all-time highs for the number of students studying in the United States. The number of students from Africa also increased by 13%. South Korea and Canada also studied in the United States.

Where do most international students study in the United States?

California, New York, and Texas remain the most popular states for international students. Among the top 10 states, the largest increases in student enrollment were seen in Missouri (+35%), Michigan (+14%), and Illinois (+13%).

What majors do most international students study in the US?

STEM fields remain the most popular majors for international students in the US, attracting 56% of international students.

- Mathematics and computer science: these majors were chosen by 25% of students.

- Engineering: almost 19% of international students studied engineering programs.

- Business and management: business, which accounts for 14% of international students, remains a key strength.

The US education system is one of the best, as it provides access to world-class universities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a diverse and inclusive academic environment. The US education system emphasizes practical skills, critical thinking, and innovation, preparing students for global challenges.

Let's remind you! Hundreds of thousands of students from all over the world dream of studying in Australia, because it is in this country that you can get the education you want and learn English perfectly. We have already told you how to enter a higher education institution in Australia in 2025, what are the requirements and conditions for obtaining a visa.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe trip abroad, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations while traveling around the world.

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