India Tops U.S. International Students Again as Enrollments Rise

(UNITED STATES) India tops list of source countries for international students in the United States for the 2024–2025 academic year, with 363,019 Indian students enrolled. That’s 10% more than the previous year’s 331,602, and it keeps India in first place for the second year in a row. Indian students now make up about 31% of all 1.177 million international students in the country — almost one in three.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this rise comes during a period when many countries face pressure on international enrolments. The ranking here is based on official enrolment counts for 2024–2025 at U.S. colleges and universities, comparing India with other sending countries and looking at the scale and direction of year‑on‑year change.

Below is a ranked list of the seven most important trends behind India’s position, along with what each trend means for students, families, and U.S. institutions.

Quick summary of key figures

Key takeaway: India is now the largest and a stable source of international students in the U.S., representing nearly one‑third of the total international student population.

1. India’s clear lead with 363,019 students

The most important point is scale. With 363,019 enrolled students, India holds a clear lead as the top source of international students in the United States. This is not a small margin — Indian students form about 31% of the entire international student body of 1.177 million.

For Indian families, this shows that studying in the U.S. is now a common pathway, not a rare choice. Students can expect growing peer networks, alumni groups, and Indian community support across many campuses.

For U.S. universities, India has become central to international planning. Many schools now:

• Shape programs and support services with Indian students in mind
• Build long‑term relationships with Indian high schools and education agents
• Adjust recruitment travel and online outreach to match demand

Because India tops the list of sending countries, competition among U.S. colleges for Indian applicants is likely to remain strong.

2. Strong 10% growth, even after last year’s surge

The second key trend is the 10% growth in Indian enrolment between 2023–2024 and 2024–2025, rising from 331,602 to 363,019 students. This growth is slower than the 23% surge recorded in 2023–2024, but it is still very strong—especially while many other countries are flat or shrinking.

This pattern suggests a shift from an explosive spike to a more steady expansion.

Implications:
– Demand remains high, so admission to top programs can be competitive.
– U.S. schools are still actively adding Indian students to their classes.
– Families have a bit more time to plan rather than rushing because of a one‑time boom.

For universities, a 10% increase on an already large base signals that India is becoming a stable, core market, prompting continued investment in Indian‑focused recruitment events, information sessions, and alumni engagement.

3. India overtakes a shrinking China

In second place behind India is China, with 265,919 students in 2024–2025. That number represents a 4% decline from the previous year and is reported as China’s lowest enrolment in at least eight years.

Contrast:
– India: +10%
– China: -4%

This divergence is central to why India tops the list of sending countries. Even though India’s growth slowed compared with last year, China’s decline widened the gap.

Effects:
– Indian classmates often now outnumber Chinese classmates on many campuses, shaping student clubs, campus language use, and peer study groups.
– Institutions that once depended mainly on China may now rely more on India to stabilize international enrollments, reducing concentration risk.

4. Focus on STEM and graduate‑level study

Indian students in the U.S. are mainly enrolled in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and graduate‑level programs. This is driven by expectations of strong career paths and post‑study work options.

For students:
– Many Indian peers are in engineering, computer science, data‑related majors, and other technical areas.
– Classrooms in these programs often have large Indian cohorts, creating social support but also high academic competition.
– Graduate departments may be experienced in working with Indian students and may offer tailored orientation and advising.

For U.S. universities:
– The concentration in STEM and graduate study affects planning for labs, faculty hiring, and teaching loads.
– Departments in these areas may rely more on Indian enrolment to keep research groups active and graduate programs full.
– Students interested in non‑STEM fields may benefit from schools offering scholarships or outreach to balance cohorts.

5. Preference for public institutions over private

Another key pattern is institutional choice. About 63% of Indian students attend public institutions, while 37% enrol in private universities.

Public universities often:
– Have lower tuition fees than private schools
– Offer large campuses with strong research facilities
– Maintain long‑standing graduate programs in engineering and sciences

Private universities attract more than a third of Indian students for reasons such as:
– Smaller class sizes
– Specific program strengths
– Long‑term brand value

For families, the higher share at public institutions may reflect cost concerns and perceived return on investment. Both public and private schools must clearly communicate total costs, living expenses, and long‑term prospects, because families compare fees closely.

6. Five U.S. states dominate Indian enrolment

Indian students are concentrated in five key states: Texas, New York, Massachusetts, California, and Illinois. They are not spread evenly across the country.

Impacts for students and parents:
– These states often have well‑established Indian communities, cultural groups, and grocery stores.
– Universities there may offer stronger peer networks and mentoring from Indian alumni.
– State‑level policies and local job markets can shape internship and work chances after graduation.

For universities:
– Being in one of these states can be a major recruiting advantage since many families already recognize campuses in these areas.
– Schools in other states may differentiate themselves by promoting smaller class sizes, specialized programs, or lower living costs to attract students willing to study outside the typical hotspots.

7. India’s resilience amid global enrolment declines

The final and revealing trend is India’s resilience in a difficult global context. For the 2025–2026 academic year, new international student enrolments dropped by 17% overall. A striking 96% of institutions reported visa application concerns, delays, and denials as the main reasons for the fall. Travel restrictions were cited by 68% of institutions that saw declines.

Despite these headwinds, India’s 2024–2025 numbers remain strong: India holds its top position, grows by 10%, and maintains nearly one‑third of the total international student population.

Practical implications:
– Many Indian applicants are still willing to manage long procedures and possible delays to study in the U.S.
– Early planning, complete documentation, and close contact with admitting schools are more important than ever.

For universities, India’s resilience makes it a high priority for recruitment. Institutions are likely to:
– Increase staff time dedicated to India
– Work more closely with Indian partners on application support
– Offer clearer guidance about timelines and expected visa steps

For official guidance on student visa rules and processes, see the U.S. Department of State – Student Visa page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study.html

How students and families can use these trends

These seven ranked trends explain why India tops the list of sending countries and what that means in practice.

Questions families should consider when planning:
1. Program fit: Does the program align with the strong STEM and graduate focus many Indian students choose, or am I looking for something different?
2. Institution type: Do I prefer a public university (where most Indian students go) or a private one with possibly smaller cohorts?
3. Location preference: Am I comfortable joining large Indian communities in Texas, New York, Massachusetts, California, or Illinois, or do I want a less common setting?
4. Timing and visas: Can I start the application and visa process early, given the reported delays and concerns?

By weighing these questions, students can match personal goals with the real trends shaping international study in the United States today.