The United States saw a record number of international students enrolled in colleges and universities last year, with California being the top destination for these students. According to a report by the Institute of International Education, over 1.1 million foreign students were in the U.S. for various academic programs, with India surpassing China as the leading sender of students.
California, with institutions like USC, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and UCLA, attracted the largest share of international students. While Chinese students outnumbered Indian students in California, the overall number of Chinese students attending U.S. universities decreased last year.
The decline in Chinese student enrollment can be attributed to various factors, including visa delays, federal scrutiny over research collaborations with China, and new restrictions imposed by the Trump administration. Experts are concerned about the future climate for international students under a potential second term for President Trump, especially regarding visa policies and restrictions on immigration.
Despite these concerns, Allan E. Goodman, the CEO of the Institute of International Education, remains optimistic about international enrollment trends. He believes that historical data shows a tendency for international student numbers to increase over time, with some exceptions during extraordinary circumstances like the aftermath of 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report also highlighted the significant growth in the number of Indian students in the U.S., particularly in graduate programs. The Optional Practical Training program, which allows for work training during or after studies, contributed to the increase in Indian student enrollment. Changes in demographic factors and the presence of U.S.-trained professors in China were cited as reasons for the shift in enrollment patterns between Chinese and Indian students.
In California, Chinese students made up 36% of the international student population, while Indian students accounted for 20%. Institutions like USC, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and UCLA attracted the highest numbers of international students, with STEM fields being the most popular choice of study.
Additionally, the report noted a growing number of students from African countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Africa enrolling in U.S. universities. This trend reflects the increasing diversity of the international student population and the appeal of American higher education to students from around the world.