The total number of US study visas issued to Indian students has seen consistent year-on-year growth, increasing from over 96,000 in 2021 to 133,000 in 2022, and surpassing 140,000 in 2023. “The number of students from India to the US is continuously growing. We are also really proud to say that every first time student who wanted a visa appointment got it, something we weren’t able to achieve in the past,” said Brenda Soya, public affairs officer at the US Consulate General in Mumbai. “Mumbai itself has had more student visa interviews than anywhere else in the world,” she added.

Gender gap?

Although a quarter of international students in the US are from India, the majority are male, with women comprising only about one-third of Indian students in the country. This is despite a recent survey indicating that the US is the top destination for most Indian women who wish to study abroad. “There are still fewer female students than men in the US from India, and that’s something we are trying to figure out. The reason could be that most of them are going for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), and traditionally more men join the courses,” Soya stated. “There are statistically more women on US campuses, so if you are a woman from India you are part of the top half of the majority, which should be comforting.” 

Increase in non-STEM course enquiries

Data reviewed by The PIE indicates that 76% of Indian students continue to pursue STEM majors, though there has been a growing interest in non-STEM programs among students. There is now more interest in courses like Social Sciences, whereas most previous enquiries were focused on engineering, computer science, and business programs. Furthermore, students are increasingly showing a preference for careers in public policy, counselling, and teaching, according to these latest findings.

Moreover, as Indian students expand their interests beyond STEM fields in the US, institutions like the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) are now promoting their programs in India. “While most other institutions are STEM-oriented, we are a performing arts school. If students wish to go after careers in theatres, films, OTT, it’s only natural they will pursue education in the US or in India,” said Palak Tejani, recruitment specialist at AMDA. “We don’t have entry level tests for students rather auditions. Students have to send monologues to us, which we evaluate. We are also conducting a live audition in Mumbai in November for prospective students.” 

Recruitment in India

Given that India is one of the largest international student source markets globally, many US universities are now launching direct recruitment efforts in the country for the first time. “This is our first time in India and we wanted to get exposure in the country. We are a specialised university and our biggest challenge is that many questions are about UG courses but we don’t offer any,” said Cherish-Hagen Swanson, international student coordinator, University of Western States. Furthermore, institutions such as Canisius University, a private Jesuit school in New York, are shifting their focus away from standardised tests and placing greater emphasis on 'real world experiences,' a move that could attract more international students.