The 2024 Open Doors report reveals that the number of Nepali students studying in the United States has reached an all-time high. According to the report, there are currently 16,742 Nepali students enrolled in American universities, making Nepal the 10th largest country of origin for international students in the U.S.
In the 2023/24 academic year, the number of Nepali students increased by 10.9% compared to the previous year, accounting for 1.5% of all international students in the U.S. Last year (2022/23), there were 15,090 Nepali students in the U.S., reflecting a continuous upward trend. Previously, the total count of Nepali students was 11,799 in 2021/22, 11,172 in 2020/21, 12,730 in 2019/20, 13,299 in 2018/19, 13,270 in 2017/18, and 11,607 in 2016/17.
The breakdown shows that 7,461 Nepali students are pursuing undergraduate studies, 5,882 are enrolled in graduate programs, 122 are in non-degree programs, and 3,171 are participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT). Texas hosts the largest number of Nepali students, followed by New York, Ohio, Louisiana, and Illinois.
The Open Doors 2024 report states that the U.S. hosted a record high of 1.13 million international students in the 2023/24 academic year, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. This record coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Open Doors Report, recognized as the leading annual benchmark for international educational exchange in the United States. Open Doors is published by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education (IIE).
International students accounted for 6% of the total U.S. higher education population and contributed more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. “The experience of studying in the United States not only shapes individuals’ lives but also influences the future of our interconnected world,” said Scott Weinhold, Senior Bureau Official for the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. “The ties formed between U.S. and international students today lay the foundation for future relationships in business and trade, science and innovation, and government relations.”
International Graduate Students and Students on OPT Reach Record Highs
Over half a million international graduate students (502,291) pursued studies in the United States during the 2023/24 academic year—a record high representing an 8% increase from last year. Additionally, the number of international students who remained in the United States to gain practical work experience through Optional Practical Training (OPT) reached a record high of 242,782 students—an increase of 22% from the previous year. The number of international undergraduates (342,875) remained stable, with a moderate decrease of one percent from 2022/23.
The number of new international students enrolling at a U.S. college or university for the first time remained robust, with a total of 298,705 new international students in 2023/24. This marks a slight increase (0.1%) from last year, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
“As we celebrate 75 years of Open Doors, we are thrilled to report that this year marks a record high for international students in the United States,” said Allan Goodman, IIE CEO. “International students enrich our campuses, foster cultural exchange, and contribute significantly to our economy. We remain dedicated to supporting these bright minds and ensuring that the U.S. continues to be a premier destination for global education.”
India Becomes Top-Sending Country for International Students
India sent 331,602 international students to pursue higher education in the United States during the 2023/24 academic year—a 23% increase from last year. Enrollments from India primarily increased at the graduate (196,567; +19%) and Optional Practical Training (OPT; 97,556; +41%) levels.
China was the second leading country of origin, despite experiencing a decline of 4%, with a total of 277,398 students. It remained the top-sending country for undergraduates and non-degree students, with totals of 87,551 and 5,517, respectively. Chinese students pursuing OPT increased by 12%, reaching a total of 61,552. Together, India and China accounted for over half of all international students in the United States.
Several other countries sending students to the United States also experienced strong growth. Eight out of the top twenty-five countries reached all-time highs: Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, India, Italy, Nepal, Pakistan, and Spain. Sub-Saharan Africa saw an increase totaling 13% in 2023/24—the highest growth rate among all world regions for two consecutive years, following an increase of 18% in 2022/23.
Rise in International Student Numbers Across Most States
The number of international students increased year-over-year across forty-four states. California, New York, and Texas welcomed the most international students. Among these states, Missouri (+35%), Michigan (+14%), and Illinois (+13%) saw notable growth.
More than half (56%) of international students across academic levels pursued STEM fields of study. One out of four (25%) studied math and computer science, while nearly one out of five (19%) focused on engineering disciplines.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
