Trends in International Student Enrollment from India and China

This report analyzes the recent shift in international student enrollment in the United States, highlighting how India has surpassed China as the largest source of international students for the 2023–2024 academic year. The document outlines the enrollment figures, with 331,833 Indian students compared to 289,526 Chinese students, and discusses the factors contributing to this trend. It details the decline in Chinese enrollment due to various reasons, including geopolitical tensions, visa scrutiny, and demographic changes. In contrast, the report explains India's demographic advantages, strategic planning, and a strong focus on STEM fields, which have led to a significant increase in Indian students pursuing higher education in the U.S. The document also examines the institutional preferences of Indian and Chinese students, noting the differences in their enrollment patterns across U.S. universities. It concludes by discussing the implications of these trends for U.S. colleges and universities in terms of international recruitment and program alignment.