The number of Indian students in universities in the United States has gone up by 25% during the 2015-2016 academic year, according to new data. The information was compiled by the Institute of International Education in partnership with the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange said Indian students contribute to more than $5.5 billion (Rs 37.259 crore approximately) to the American economy, BBC reported.
There were 1,32,888 Indian students in the US in 2014-’15, which went up to 1,65,918 in 2015-2016. The number of Indian students in the United Kingdom, however, dropped 50% in the past four years. While the number of Indian students in American academic institutions went up the most compared to other countries, China remained at the top of the list with the highest number of their students in the US – twice as much as India, PTI reported.
The report also notes that American universities witnessed the highest surge in international students in the 2015-2016 academic session. Universities had 10,44,000 international students enrolled for the academic year, making up 5% of the total student population in the country.
The reports said over one-third of the international students opted for engineering, math or computer science, while 14% chose Optional Practical Training (OPT), including many in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) professions. Indian students account for three-fourth of the international students who opt for science, technology, engineering or math.
India and China together also accounted for 84% of the growth in international students. Saudi Arabia is the third country to send the most of students to the US in 2015-2016. The three countries together make up for 53% of the total international students in the US. The countries are followed by South Korea and Canada.
For US students, Europe remained the destination of choice for the 2015-2016 academic year. Most American students chose the UK, followed by Italy, Spain, France and China.
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