There is currently a notable spike in interest in American higher education, marked by a 14% growth compared to pre-pandemic levels. This upward trend in international student interest signals a promising development for the upcoming academic year.
The charm of the United States as a hub for global education continues to be a magnetic force, attracting students from around the world. According to the latest Open Doors 2023 Report, the U.S. hosted a significant 1,057,188 international students from over 210 regions during the 2022–23 academic year. This represents a remarkable 12% increase from the previous academic year, marking the fastest growth rate in the past four decades.
An in-depth analysis of the current numbers reveals that international students are choosing U.S. institutions across various academic levels, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs. This rise in interest not only underscores the enduring appeal of American higher education but also highlights the country’s continued strength as a preferred destination for students seeking a diverse and enriching academic experience.
Graduate students’ enrollment rises:
In the academic year 2022–23, there was a remarkable 14% increase in the enrolment rate of new international students. The enrolment number has reached a record-breaking high of 298,523 international graduates. A substantial portion, constituting 60% of all new international enrollees (168,920 students), expressed a keen interest in pursuing their studies abroad. However, examining the trend over the years, the academic year 2019–2020 recorded 374,435 international students in the U.S. This number experienced a slight dip in the subsequent year, 2020–21, with 329,272 international students enrolled. Perhaps there was a noticeable recovery in the academic year 2021–22, witnessing an enrollment of 385,097 international students. The upward trajectory continued in the academic year 2022–23, reaching a substantial 467,027 international graduate students.