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Nearly 50,000 Fewer Indian Students in the US, But PhD Numbers Rise 45.9%
Sentiment: NeutralHigh Priority
What Happened?
The number of Indian students in the US has dropped significantly, with a 13.5% decline to 316,893. However, PhD enrollments surged by 45.9%, indicating changing preferences.
Key points
- Active Indian student records in the US fell to 316,893 in October 2026.
- Master's level enrollments dropped by 20.1%, while PhD enrollments increased by 45.9%.
- The overall number of international students in the US declined by 7.1%.
- Funding structures for PhD programs, including tuition waivers, are attracting more students.
- Students are increasingly considering affordability and career outcomes in their study choices.
Key insights
- The decline in master's enrollments may lead universities to reassess their program offerings.
- Increased interest in funded PhD programs could shift the focus of Indian students towards research-oriented education.
- The financial burden of studying abroad is prompting families to seek clearer returns on investment.
Why it matters
The shift in student preferences could impact the future of international education in the US.
Source
India Today
