In recent years, the landscape of international education in the United States has changed dramatically. As higher education institutions strive to enhance their campuses with varied perspectives, knowing the trends and opportunities connected with international students becomes increasingly important. This blog looks at the top nations sending students to the U.S., the most popular majors among these students, the growing demand for bilingual graduates in the workforce, and the importance of the Michigan English Test (MET) in preparing international students for academic achievement.
Top Countries Sending Students to the United States
According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), the top ten places of origin for international students in the U.S. in 2022/23 were China, India, South Korea, Canada, Vietnam, Taiwan, Nigeria, Japan, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. China and India alone account for more than half of the international student population. Data shows the U.S. remains and likely will remain a top choice for international students.
Popular Majors among International Students
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects are the most popular degrees among international students in the U.S.. According to the National Science Foundation (NSF), roughly 52 percent of international students participate in STEM programs. Engineering is the most prominent program, closely followed by computer science and information technology.
Chinese students frequently pursue majors in business and management, engineering, and mathematics/computer science. Indian students gravitate toward engineering, math/computer science, and business. This trend emphasizes the role of STEM subjects and business degrees in attracting strong international talent.
Business and management studies are also highly demanded, with a large number of international students seeking degrees in these areas. These programs’ practical nature and global relevance make them exciting options for students seeking to advance their careers.