The number of Indian students pursuing higher studies in the US rose 19 per cent in 2021-22 over the previous academic year, with the impact of the Covid pandemic waning. In 2021-22, the number of international students in US universities stood at 9.48 lakh, up 17 per cent from the previous year.

The students were either pursuing academic programmes on their campuses or doing optional practical training (OPT) — temporary jobs related to their area of study.

Fresh enrolment by international students with US universities clocked 261,961 in 2021-22 — up 80 per cent from the previous year after a 46 per cent fall in 2020-21 compared with 2019-20.

The latest numbers suggest that the numbers of international students are back to pre-pandemic levels.

China with 2.9 lakh students and India with 1.99 lakh students made up 31 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively, of international students in the US in 2021-22.

But while the Indian students’ number rose by 19 per cent from 1.67 lakh the previous year, the count of Chinese students fell by nine per cent, according to the Open Doors Report released on Monday by the Institute of International Education.

About 90 per cent of international students returned to in-person learning across US campuses in 2021-22 against less than 50 per cent in 2020-21.

While the count of international students pursuing undergraduate courses declined by four per cent, that of Indians increased by 16 per cent.

Nearly 1.02 lakh Indians were pursuing postgraduate courses, marking a 48 per cent rise. Nearly 68,000 Indian students were doing OPT.

About 54 per cent of all international students were enrolled in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in 2021-22.

The other popular programmes included business and management (16 per cent), social sciences (8 per cent), physical and life sciences (8 per cent) and the fine and applied arts (5 per cent).

Anthony Miranda, cultural and educational affairs counsellor (public diplomacy) at the US embassy here, told reporters that Indian students mostly choose US institutions for master’s courses.

Donald L. Heflin, minister counsellor for consular affairs at the US embassy, said that issuing student visas was a priority.

He said about 82,000 student visas would be issued to Indians in the six months ending December this year.

Nearly 55 per cent of international students in the US support themselves or are funded by their families while nearly 20 per cent are supported by their host institutions through scholarships and need-based freeships.

The rest are supported by others such as their national governments or charitable organisations.