A recent report from Open Doors highlights a significant shift in academic preferences among Indian students pursuing higher education in the United States. While engineering continues to be the most popular field of study for international students in the U.S., its appeal among Indian students has notably declined in recent years. In the 2023-24 academic year, only 24.5% of Indian students opted for engineering courses, a marked drop from 29.6% in 2021-22.
Conversely, there has been a sharp rise in the number of Indian students choosing computer science and mathematics programs, with 42.9% now pursuing these subjects. This surge reflects broader global trends, as technology-focused industries, including artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, and cybersecurity, are expanding rapidly. The demand for tech-savvy professionals with expertise in these areas is growing, offering Indian students promising career prospects and enhanced job security.
The growing popularity of computer science and mathematics can be attributed to the versatility of these fields. Unlike traditional engineering degrees, which often concentrate on specific specializations, computing and IT programs offer a broad skill set applicable across various sectors. Graduates of these programs can work in software development, data analytics, fintech, cybersecurity, and more. Additionally, U.S. universities are increasingly offering interdisciplinary programs that integrate technology with business, healthcare, and social sciences, making these degrees even more appealing to prospective students.
Further contributing to this trend is the rise of students from the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which together accounted for an impressive 56% of all Indian student visas issued by the United States in 2023. This growing representation underscores the increasing importance of these states in enhancing India’s global educational footprint. Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are renowned for their robust educational infrastructure, particularly in STEM fields. These states are home to some of India’s top coaching institutes, which prepare students for international admissions and standardized tests like the GRE and TOEFL.
As the U.S. continues to be a premier destination for higher education, offering both world-class academic programs and strong job prospects for graduates, students from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are increasingly choosing U.S. universities to gain a competitive edge in the global job market.
Recent Random Post:
