Open Doors 2024 Report: The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education released findings on international students and U.S. study abroad from the Open Doors 2024 International Educational Exchange Report.

The Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange is the long-standing, comprehensive source of information on international students and scholars in the United States and U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit.

According to the press release, the total number of international students at U.S. colleges and universities reached an all-time high of over 1.1 million (1,126,690) in 2023-2024, up 7% from the previous academic year.

International students make up 6% of the total higher education population in the United States and contributed more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Student Mobility Totals

India Senders the Most Shipments for the First Time Since 2009

India sent 331,602 international students to pursue higher education in the USA in 2023-2024; This reflects a 23% increase over the previous year. Enrollment increased primarily at the graduate (196,567; +19%) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) academic levels (97,556; +41%).

China comes in second with 277,398 students, despite a 4% decrease. Among undergraduate and non-graduate students, it continued to be the country that sent the most students, sending 87,551 and 5,517 students, respectively. The number of Chinese students attending OPT increased by 12% to 61,552.

India and China together accounted for more than half of international students in the United States. Many other countries sending students to the United States experienced strong growth; Eight of the top 25 countries reached all-time highs, including Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, India, Italy, Nepal, Pakistan and Spain.

Sub-Saharan African totals grew by 13% in 2023/24, the highest growth rate of all world regions for the second year in a row, above the 18% increase in 2022-23.

International Students by Academic Level