Inside The US Dream: What Indian Students Are Studying And Why It Appeals
India sent over 331,000 students to the US in 2023–24, but recent visa policy changes under Trump have sparked uncertainty about their academic futures.
In the 2023–2024 academic year, India sent more than 331,000 students to study in the US. However, US President Donald Trump's recent decision to suspend visa interviews for foreign nationals has created widespread uncertainty, leaving many Indian students in limbo about the future of their academic pursuits.
Recently, US President Donald Trump defended his decision to limit foreign student admissions, even criticising Harvard University for what he called 'troubling behaviour" and its large amount of federal funding.
Donald Trump said his administration still welcomes international students- but not those 'causing trouble." He said, 'We want to have great students here. We just don't want students who are causing trouble. I want foreign students here."
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According to the Open Doors 2024 Report on International Educational Exchange, the number of international students at US colleges and universities hit a record high of over 1.1 million (1,126,690) in the 2023–2024 academic year — marking a 7% increase from the previous year. Leading the charge was India, sending 331,602 students, a 23% rise over the previous year's total.
Indian students are particularly drawn to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. Nearly 43% are enrolled in Mathematics and Computer Science, followed by 24.5% in Engineering, and 11.2% in Business and Management. These choices reflect not just global job market trends, but also the reputation of US institutions for cutting-edge research, technological advancement, and real-world impact.
Field of Study Percentage of Indian Students
Business / Management 11.2%
Education 0.2%
Engineering 24.5%
Fine / Applied Arts 1.3%
Health Professions 2.7%
Humanities 0.4%
Intensive English 0.3%
Math / Computer Science 42.9%
Physical / Life Sciences 5.4%
Social Sciences 2.2%
Other Fields of Study 8.3%
Undeclared 0.5%
Total Students 331,602
But what drives Indian students to choose STEM courses and study abroad? And why is the US their top destination?
Speaking to News18.com, Sachin Jain, Country Manager at ETS India & South Asia, explained, 'The United States remains one of the top destinations for Indian students, especially in future-forward fields such as Computer Science, Engineering, AI, Data Science, and Management."
He added, 'Nearly 70% of Indian students in the US are pursuing STEM degrees. This preference is driven by global demand for tech and innovation-led skills, world-class research infrastructure, and structured post-study work opportunities of up to three years. US universities are no longer just degree providers — they are launchpads for global careers."
ALSO READ: Study Abroad Shift: 25% Indians May Avoid US, Experts Say Ireland, Germany & Japan Seeing Surge
For students like Rishabh (name changed on request), currently studying at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the decision to move was driven by more than just university rankings.
'I chose the US because of its cutting-edge research, global faculty, and strong industry linkages. It's not just about textbooks — I work on real-world projects and have access to labs that address some of the world's most pressing challenges. The culture here encourages innovation and critical thinking. It's truly shaping me into a global problem-solver," he said.
Mechmi Gurung, a student in Yale University's Master of Advanced Management programme, shared a similar sentiment.
'Studying in the US was a dream that turned into a plan. The academic flexibility, exposure to diverse cultures, and access to the tech ecosystem make it the best place to grow. I wanted more than just a degree — I wanted experience, innovation, and a global mindset. Being the best version of yourself is what US education pushes you toward," she said.
ALSO READ: Study Abroad Shift: 25% Indians May Avoid US, Experts Say Ireland, Germany & Japan Seeing Surge
Despite Policy Shifts, Experts Remain Optimistic
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According to the Open Doors Student Mobility Facts and Figures 2024, the majority of Indian students (64.5%) were enrolled in public institutions in 2023, while 35.5% attended private universities. Indian students' contribution to the US economy in 2023 was significant, generating $11.8 billion, as per the International Student Economic Impact 2023.
Although recent US policy changes may cause short-term uncertainty, education experts remain optimistic about the long-term outlook for international study. They advise students to stay informed, think globally, and choose academic paths that align with their career ambitions and financial plans.
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Archit Gupta
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First Published:
June 02, 2025, 13:05 IST
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