There has been a record-breaking increase in the number of Indian students going to the United States for higher studies, claims a report by the U.S.-based Institute of International Education.
The report has been published jointly by the Institute of International Education and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. According to the report, the number surged by 29.4 per cent in 2014-15 to constitute a record high of 1,32,888 students.
The increase in the number of students from India represents the largest growth from a single country, states the report, titled “Open Doors” . India has now overtaken China, which witnessed only 11 per cent increase in the number of students going to the U.S. during the corresponding period. China, however, continues to top the chart when it comes to overall enrolment of international students in the U.S. The last time India grew at a comparable rate (29.1) was in 2000-01, when the number of students from India exceeded 50,000 for the first time. In 2014-15, China and India together accounted for 67 per cent of the total increase in international students, who now constitute nearly 45 per cent of the total number of international students in the U.S., the report added.
Talking about the report, First Secretary of the U.S. Embassy Mathew K. Asada said: “We already have a record number of Indian students in the U.S. right now. But we can get beyond the number we have”.
According to officials, the increase in numbers has been facilitated by the fact that the U.S. gives an opportunity not only study but also work. “The U.S. facilitates not only studies but also practical work experience. That is our unique selling point. There are no regulatory barriers,” he added. Another reason that likely contributed to the high number of applications is the stringent visa norms for the United Kingdom, another favourite destination for students when it comes to studying abroad. However, officials refused to comment on it. As far as the U.S. in concerned, it approved 25 per cent more student visas this year compared to last year.
“Nearly 60 per cent of all international students who study in the U.S. are funded by families. Only 20 per cent are funded by U.S. colleges and universities,” said Ishrat Jahan, Regional Educational Advising Coordinator for India and Central Asia.
According to a report, the number of students heading to the U.S. for higher studies has gone up by 29.4 per cent in 2014-15 to constitute a record high of 1,32,888 students