‘US universities still a big draw’

Indian students dominate in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - STEM (36%) and Computer Science and Mathematics (34.9%). The report, produced in collaboration with the Institute of International Education (IIE), also revealed that the biggest increase was seen among Optional Practical Training (OPT). The number of Indians on OPT has jumped 44% from 29,388 to 42,328, making up a significant number of the Indian students in the United States (26%). This will only increase with the extension of the OPT period from 12 months (for all F-1 students) to 36 months for STEM graduates from May 2016.

US Consul General Phillip A Min, who launched this report here on November 14, said the education system in the United States offers Indian students diverse options. “Foreign degrees are something that Indians value. We do a lot of outreach among school students on studying in the US. One thing that remains in my mind is a student, who wanted to pursue engineering in the US as well as her passion, which is dance. The US education system is equipped to encourage students to do that, giving them the flexibility to pursue their interests,” he said, while announcing the International Education Week, to promote US as a destination for higher education among schools in the city. 

Maya Sundararajan, Regional Officer of Education, said the focus on research draws many Indian students. “Research is an important corner stone of US education system. Now, we are seeing more Indian students interested in pursuing research opportunities,” she said, adding that California, Texas and New York were preferred destinations for Indian students. 

After the victory of Donald Trump, there has been an increase in trepidation among Indian students interested in studying in the US. Allaying fears, Consul General Min said, “When we look at what the US and India share, our relationship is strong. United States takes pride in its education system and American universities want foreign students,” he concluded.