Indian students are opting for higher education abroad in record numbers. This upsurge has led to India dethroning China as the top source of international students in the US after 15 years.
According to the latest data, over 3.3 lakh Indian students were studying in American universities during 2023-24, up 23% from last year. On the other hand, China, which was the top source of students last year, saw a 4% drop with 2.77 lakh students.
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Most Indians opt for STEM field courses as the US has a high demand for skilled workers in this sector. Thus, graduation from an American university facilitates an easier transition into such jobs and helps them settle there.
This trend reflects India's growing demand for US education and highlights its economic impact. In 2023, international students contributed $50 billion to the US economy, mostly through fees and living costs.
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It also mirrors the relationship between the countries. While US-India ties have grown ever stronger in recent years, tensions between America and China are on the rise.
This blooming relationship with India might be under threat under the new US president Donald Trump, who has vowed to impose strict visa policies and higher tariffs on India. All signs indicate that this number might decrease in the next four years.