In the academic year 2022-23, the number of Indian postgraduate students in the US skyrocketed by 63%, reaching 1.65 lakh. This marked the first time in 15 years that India surpassed China as the leading source of international graduate students in America. During that time, there were 126,000 Chinese graduate students in the US.

The most recent Open Doors Report, released on Nov 13, revealed that there were 268,000 Indian students studying in the US last year at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This number includes those who were enrolled in Optional Practical Training programs, which permit foreign graduates with F-1 or student visas to participate in paid or voluntary work for a maximum of three years. According to data analyzed by The Indian Express, the number of students recorded in 2022-23 is 35% higher than the 1.99 lakh students in 2021-22, marking the largest one-year increase in at least 23 years.

52% of all international students in America are from China and India combined.

This milestone also marks a notable change in the demographic makeup of international students in the US. Over the last ten years, India's share has increased significantly, going from 12 percent in 2012-13 to 25 percent in 2022-23. This is only two percentage points lower than China's current share, which is at 27 percent. Ten years ago, China accounted for 31 percent of the share.

In 24 US states, including Illinois, Texas, and Michigan, students from India have surpassed those from China in numbers. These states are among the top choices for international students.