Visakhapatnam: During International Education Week, data from the U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad reveals that Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have become leading states for American higher education aspirants, together accounting for 56% of all Indian student visas issued in 2023.
At a press conference in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday, Rebekah Drame, Chief of the U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad, and Public Affairs Officer Alexander McLaren shared statistics indicating that Telangana leads with 34% of student visas, while Andhra Pradesh follows with 22%. The gender distribution among students shows that approximately two-thirds are male and one-third are female.
Rebekah Drame noted significant growth in visa processing, with over 47,000 student visa interviews conducted in 2023, a 25% increase from the previous year's 35,000 interviews. Additionally, the consulate has processed more than 5,500 U.S. Citizen Services in 2024, ranking second among all U.S. missions in India, just behind Chennai.
The 2024 Open Doors Report underscores India's status as the top source of international students in the United States, comprising 29% of the total international student population. Currently, there are 331,602 Indian students studying in the U.S., marking an all-time high.
Key findings from the report indicate a significant increase in various categories of students. There are currently 196,567 graduate students, reflecting a 19% increase, while the number of undergraduate students stands at 36,053, which represents a 13% rise. Additionally, participants in Optional Practical Training (OPT) have surged to 97,556, marking an impressive 41% increase. However, the report also notes a decrease in non-degree students, with the total now at 1,426, reflecting a 28% decline.
Alexander McLaren highlighted the promising growth of educational exchanges between the two nations, noting a substantial increase in American students choosing India for their studies from 336 to 1,355 students, reflecting a remarkable rise of 303.3%.
