India has retained its position as the largest source of international students in the United States for the academic year 2024–25, with 3,63,019 Indian students enrolled across American campuses. The rise represents a 10% year-on-year increase, a slower pace compared to the sharp 23% surge recorded in 2023–24, but still significant amid global enrolment declines and tightening visa scrutiny.

India widens lead as China numbers continue to fall

For the fifth consecutive year, China registered a decline in student numbers, dropping 4% to 2,65,919 students, widening India’s lead as the top sender. This shift consolidates India’s growing dominance in global student mobility trends.

In contrast, international student enrolment worldwide in the US dropped by 7%, signalling emerging headwinds. The Fall 2025 Snapshot shows a 1% decline in overall international students and a worrying 17% plunge in new arrivals.

Experts attribute the downturn to tougher visa checks, longer appointment delays, and concerns over post-study work routes. Yet, these hurdles have had limited impact on Indian students, whose outbound numbers continue to climb.

Rising expenditure underscores India’s growing education footprint

Indian students collectively spent $14 billion on tuition, living costs and other expenses in the US in 2024–25 — nearly matching China’s $14.6 billion, the highest global spend. This marks a jump from $11.8 billion in 2023–24, reflecting deepening financial commitment to American higher education.

International students overall contributed nearly $55 billion to the US economy in 2024 and supported more than 3.5 lakh jobs, according to NAFSA and US Commerce Department data.

Undergraduate numbers rise, graduate enrolments slip

While Indian undergraduate enrolments rose 11%, graduate enrolments — traditionally India’s strongest segment — fell 9.5%.

However, Optional Practical Training (OPT), which enables students to gain work experience post-graduation, surged 47%, highlighting strong interest in US professional opportunities.

Globally, new international student intake in Fall 2024 dropped 7%, with new undergraduate numbers up 5% but new graduate entrants down 15%.

Where Indian students are studying

Data shows that 63% of Indian students enrolled in public institutions, while 37% chose private universities.

The top US states attracting Indian students include:

  • Texas
  • New York
  • Massachusetts
  • California
  • Illinois

These hubs remain popular for their engineering, technology, business, and research-heavy programmes.

What leaders and experts are saying

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised Indian students, saying:

“Wherever Indian students go, they excel — not by chance, but by capability and character.”

He added that Indian youth are contributing with equal confidence to global classrooms, research labs and innovation ecosystems, just as they are shaping India’s own growth.

Jason Czyz, President & CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE), noted:

“International students come to the US to advance their education and contribute to US colleges and communities… driving innovation, scholarship and cross-cultural understanding.”

International students now make up 6% of the total US higher education population, reinforcing the US’ position as the top global education destination.

Global recruitment priorities for 2025

According to the Snapshot Survey of Open Doors 2025:

Undergraduate recruitment focus

  • Vietnam: 55% of US institutions
  • India: 49%
  • Brazil: 39%
  • South Korea: 39%

Graduate recruitment focus

  • India: 57% (highest globally)
  • Vietnam: 32%
  • China: 28%
  • Bangladesh: 28%

The report also highlights a 2% increase in undergraduate numbers but a 12% decline in graduate students, even as OPT participation continues to rise (+14%) due to earlier years of strong graduate enrolments.

Conclusion

India’s commanding presence on American campuses reflects a robust and continuing interest in US education, even as global enrolment dips and visa challenges intensify. With rising expenditure, shifting recruitment strategies, and steady consolidation of undergraduate numbers, India’s student mobility momentum shows no signs of slowing. As US institutions recalibrate international outreach, India remains their most crucial partner in sustaining enrolment strength and academic diversity.