International Students in U.S. Universities Hit Record High Despite Political Concerns  

The number of international students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities reached an unprecedented level during the 2023-24 academic year, according to a report from the Institute of International Education (IIE). The report highlighted that 1.1 million foreign students pursued higher education in the U.S., reflecting a 6.6% rise compared to the previous year.

A significant portion of these students hailed from China and India, with India surpassing China as the leading source of international students for the first time since 2009. California continued to be the most popular state for international students, hosting the largest share of this demographic. Among California’s academic institutions, prestigious universities such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and the University of Southern California attracted the highest numbers. Notably, while Chinese students outnumbered their Indian peers in California, the national trend saw Indian students leading.

The report also shed light on a notable 13.1% increase in students from African countries, bringing their total to 56,780. This group included students from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Africa. Meanwhile, East Asia sent 365,369 students to the U.S., with 277,398 coming from China alone—a 4.2% decline compared to the previous year. Other contributors from the region included Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

In contrast, the number of students from Europe showed minimal fluctuation, growing by just 0.8% to reach 90,600. South and Central Asia sent a combined total of 386,260 students, with 331,602 from India alone, representing a 23.3% year-over-year increase. Additional contributors from the region included Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, with the latter accounting for 702 students.

A key factor behind the surge in Indian students was a 41% rise in participants of the “Optional Practical Training” (OPT) program, according to the IIE report. The OPT extension, tied to student visas, allows foreign students to gain work experience during or after their studies, making it an attractive option for Indian students seeking global exposure.

While the current numbers reflect growing interest in U.S. education, some experts have expressed concerns about potential declines under former President Donald Trump’s administration should he return to office. During his first term, foreign student enrollment dropped by 15%, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, policies such as the travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries, a trade conflict with China, and increased scrutiny of Chinese scholars were also cited as contributing factors.

John Aubrey Douglass, a senior research fellow at UC Berkeley’s Center for Studies in Higher Education, highlighted the impact of these policies on the global perception of the U.S. as a welcoming destination. He noted, “There is now a perception throughout the world that the U.S. is not the open society once perceived internationally, and no longer friendly to foreign students generally.”

Trump’s campaign promises during the 2024 election season, including mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, have added to the uncertainty surrounding international student numbers.

However, not all experts believe a second Trump term would significantly alter the trajectory of foreign student enrollment. Allan E. Goodman, CEO of the Institute of International Education, pointed out that enrollment trends have historically shown resilience. “International enrollment has tended to increase over time,” Goodman remarked during a briefing. He added that dips have typically occurred only during extraordinary events, such as the 9/11 terror attacks or the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the political uncertainty, the record-breaking 2023-24 figures underscore the enduring appeal of U.S. higher education among international students. Its globally recognized institutions, advanced research opportunities, and diverse cultural experiences continue to make the U.S. a preferred destination for students worldwide.