Over 2.49 Lakh Indian Students Studying in U.S Universities: Report

Indian students are the second largest group of international students to study in American universities, according to an official report. China tops the list with more of its citizens studying in American universities.

The International Student Data of 2017 released by Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Oct. 26. says that 2,49,763 Indian students were studying in American universities in 2017.

It mentions China as the largest provider of international students to the U.S. with 4,81,106 students in 2017 studying there. According to the report, there were 15,91,070 foreign students in American universities.

India is followed by South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Japan. According to the data, there were 95,701 South Korean students in American universities last year while the numbers for Saudi Arabia and Japan were 72,358 and 41,862 respectively.

Other countries in the top 10 are Canada, Vietnam, Brazil, Taiwan, and Mexico.

“SEVP monitors more than one million international students pursuing academic or vocational studies (F and M visa holders) in the United States and their dependents. It also certifies schools and programs that enroll these students. The U.S. Department of State monitors exchange visitors (J visa holders) and their dependents and oversees exchange visitor programs,” according to the release regarding this data report.

The data report also shared the number of international Students with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT) Authorization. In this list, Indian students topped with 50,507, followed by China (21,705), South Korea (1,670), Taiwan (1,360) and Iran (1,161).

“Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT is a 24-month extension of OPT for qualifying students with STEM degrees,” the release added.

To participate in OPT, an international student must receive employment authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.