Indian Students Favor STEM Fields in US, with Rising Interest in Tech

Dive Right Into

Key Takeaways

Indian student enrollment in the US increased by 23% in 2023-24, surpassing China as the top source of international students.
STEM fields dominated, with 56% of Indian students prioritizing these disciplines; 42.9% chose mathematics and computer science.
OPT participation rose by 41% among Indian students, driven by extended work authorization benefits in STEM fields after graduation.

In 2024, Indian students exhibited a strong and growing interest in pursuing higher education in the United States, with notable trends emerging in their choice of fields of study. The data provides a detailed picture of their shifting preferences, particularly their overwhelming inclination toward STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. These trends not only highlight individual aspirations but also reflect the broader global demand for skills in these areas.

As revealed by recent data, fields of Business, Management, and Economics continued to attract significant interest from Indian students. However, a slight decline in the number of students opting for these courses was observed compared to previous years. Despite this dip, the appeal of these disciplines remains evident, as they promise diverse career opportunities and lucrative earning potential. Business and management programs accounted for 11.2% of Indian student enrollments, showcasing enduring popularity. The career flexibility offered by these fields, combined with opportunities for leadership roles in multinational companies, sustains their appeal.

Indian Students Favor STEM Fields in US, with Rising Interest in Tech

Computer Science and Information Technology, on the other hand, surged in demand among Indian students, with 42.9% choosing mathematics and computer science as their field of study. This statistic demonstrates the immense pull of rapidly advancing sectors such as artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity. Skilled professionals in these areas are seeing unprecedented employment opportunities globally, and US universities have positioned themselves as leaders in delivering education aligned with these emerging fields.

The discipline of engineering also upheld its reputation as a top choice, with 24.5% of Indian students pursuing engineering degrees in the US. American universities are globally recognized for their state-of-the-art research and innovation in engineering disciplines, which bolster their appeal. Together, these figures illustrate the draw of STEM education, as over half—56%—of Indian students studying in the US pursued these fields. Within STEM, mathematics and computer science were the single most popular choices, with one in four (25%) students choosing them, while nearly one in five (19%) opted for engineering specializations.

Interestingly, there was less enthusiasm for physical and life sciences among Indian students, with only 5.4% choosing these programs. This highlights a clear preference for technology-driven and practical engineering industries over the more research-oriented pure sciences.

India’s remarkable presence in US education was further solidified during the 2023-24 academic year, when the country surpassed China for the first time in 15 years as the top source of international students. India registered an impressive 23% increase in student enrollment, bringing the total number of Indian students studying in the US to over 3.3 lakh. This surge was primarily driven by graduate programs, which saw a 19% jump in Indian enrollment. This trend reflects the drive among Indian students to pursue advanced degrees that provide them with specialized skills and increase competitiveness in the global job market.

Another factor driving interest in graduate programs is participation in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which lets international students gain work experience in the US after completing their studies. Among Indian students, there was a notable 41% increase in OPT participation, particularly among those in STEM fields, where the program offers extended work authorization. The OPT program, therefore, remains a key motivator for Indian students aspiring to integrate academic and professional experiences within the US.

Despite cost being a potential concern, 64.5% of Indian students enrolled in public universities in 2024. Public institutions often come with lower tuition fees while still offering high-quality education, especially in STEM disciplines. The remaining 35.5% of Indian students opted for private universities, which usually provide specialized programs and unique opportunities, particularly in fields such as business and management.

Beyond Indian students, the broader international student population in the US also expanded. In the 2024/25 academic year, international student enrollment across US institutions rose by 3%, building on steady growth from previous years. Undergraduate enrollments increased by 6%, illustrating the rising interest in US bachelor’s degrees, while graduate enrollments experienced a slight decline of 2%. This parallel rise in undergraduate numbers reflects the success of outreach efforts by US universities, which target countries such as India, Vietnam 🇻🇳, China 🇨🇳, and South Korea 🇰🇷. Graduate recruitment, on the other hand, remains focused on India 🇮🇳, China 🇨🇳, Ghana 🇬🇭, and Nigeria 🇳🇬, demonstrating a targeted approach to tapping into the talent pools of these countries.

The preference for STEM fields among Indian students aligns closely with a broader trend among all international students in the US. More than half—56%—of international students across academic levels pursued STEM programs in 2024. This widespread interest can be attributed to the global emphasis on advancements in technology and the corresponding demand for professionals with STEM-based skills. US universities have consistently capitalized on this demand by offering cutting-edge programs tailored to current and future industry needs.

The continued growth of Indian student enrollment indicates the important role of the US as a global hub for education. For Indian students, pursuing courses in the US is not just about education but an investment in their career. The academic environment, combined with post-graduation employment opportunities such as the OPT program and prospects in the US job market, makes the country an attractive choice.

As US universities further enhance their efforts to attract Indian talent, these trends are expected to widen. The increasing focus on recruiting students from India for graduate and undergraduate programs underscores the long-term potential of this demographic. However, with such strong emphasis on STEM fields, questions arise about whether there may be a shift toward more diverse non-STEM fields in the future, as US institutions aim to recruit students across varied programs to enrich the academic landscape.

In conclusion, the fields of study favored by Indian students in 2024 reveal a clear inclination toward STEM, especially in areas like computer science, mathematics, and engineering. Business and management continue to maintain strong appeal despite experiencing a slight dip. The rise in overall enrollment, driven by graduate programs and participation in work opportunities like OPT, reaffirms that the US remains a top destination for Indian students. As universities continue to refine their strategy to recruit from India, it will be intriguing to see how these trends evolve, especially in response to global shifts in industry and employment demands. For more details on STEM OPT extensions, refer to the USCIS official page on OPT.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that the steady growth in Indian student enrollment reflects a broader trend in global mobility among international students. The data paints a vivid picture of the growing connection between Indian talent and US education, with STEM fields acting as a central focus. As this trajectory continues, both Indian students and US institutions will likely reap mutual benefits, enriching academic and professional experiences on both ends.

Learn Today

STEM → An acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, emphasizing education and careers in these high-demand fields.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) → A program allowing international F-1 students to work in the US after graduation, especially in STEM fields.
Graduate programs → Advanced academic degrees pursued after earning a bachelor’s degree, like master’s or doctoral programs, often offering specialized skills.
Enrollment → The process of registering or being admitted to a university or academic program for a specific period or year.
Public universities → State-funded higher education institutions offering affordable tuition fees, especially for students pursuing programs like those in STEM.

This Article in a Nutshell

In 2024, Indian students solidified their STEM dominance in US universities, with 56% choosing these fields—especially computer science (42.9%) and engineering (24.5%). Graduate programs surged, fueled by OPT work opportunities. India surpassed China as the top international student source, reflecting the growing alignment between Indian talent and US educational aspirations.
— By VisaVerge.com