Nearly half of all the applications to American graduate institutions came from international students, according to a recent research report by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS). A total of 395 institutions responded to the survey conducted in September-October 2016.
Of nearly 1.8 million applications submitted for admission to graduate programs (master’s or doctorate) for Fall 2016, nearly 47% or 838,627 were submitted by prospective international students. American graduate institutions received 667,389 applications (79% of total) from Asian students.
This is not surprising with the size of Asia. With 4.3 billion inhabitants, Asia is home to 60 % of world’s population and Asian families place a strong emphasis on education as a pathway for upward socioeconomic mobility. The quality and reputation of American schools are also a strong attraction for international students. The combination of these factors results in strong aspirations to study in the US for a master’s or a doctorate.
Three-fourths of all first-time or new international graduate students starting their studies in Fall 2016 were from Asia. Eighty percent of the total 70,234 Asian students were enrolled in Master’s and Certificate programs, and the remaining 20% were in enrolled in doctorate programs.
Students from #Asia form three-quarter of all first-time international graduate enrollment in US #highered pic.twitter.com/gbtbJz17M2
— Rahul Choudaha, PhD (@DrEducationBlog) February 9, 2017
America stands as the top destination of choice for many Chinese and Indian students. China and India are home to 37% of world’s population, yet they form 67% of all international applications to American graduate schools. Chinese students submitted 320,486 applications (38% of total) while Indian students submitted 246,951 (29% of total).
~two out of every third new international graduate student in the US #highered was from China or India- CGS research pic.twitter.com/Y6iC5tjyMy
— interEDGE (@InterEdge_org) February 9, 2017
By the fields of study, engineering received the most international applications, followed by mathematics and computer sciences. Half of all international applications were for these STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields.
This strong interest in STEM fields is not only due to the presence of high-quality research institutions but also the access to an ecosystem of world-class engineering and technology companies for future career opportunities.
Likewise, the presence of top-ranked business schools makes America a highly attractive destination. One out of every sixth international graduate application was for a business program.
New CGS research- Two-thirds of all first-time #intlstudents at graduate level enrolled in Engineering, Math & Computer Science and Business pic.twitter.com/4Z3B3PZJyW
— Di Hu (@CoachDiHu) February 9, 2017
The data from CGS report suggests that American graduate institutions hold a strong preference for Asian students. At the same time, US universities are becoming increasingly dependent on the presence of Asian students on their campuses to meet enrollment goals.
However, the political environment in the US is becoming unwelcoming for international students and moving towards limiting immigration and work opportunities. So far, Asian students have been flocking to the US, however, any policy that reduces opportunities for finding internships and jobs for international students would hurt attractiveness of the US graduate schools.
Sadly, Trump’s contentious issue is yet one more that makes being an international student difficult, on top of our already complex culture and language. Assimilation assistance must come from numerous sources to aid these young people embarking on life’s journey. Most struggle in their efforts and need guidance from schools’ international departments, immigration protection, host families, concerned neighbors and fellow students, and even informative books to extend a cultural helping hand so we all have a win-win situation.
One such new award-winning worldwide book/ebook that reaches out to help anyone coming to the US is "What Foreigners Need To Know About America From A To Z: How to Understand Crazy American Culture, People, Government, Business, Language and More.” It is used in foreign Fulbright student programs and endorsed worldwide by ambassadors, educators, and editors. It also identifies “foreigners” who became successful in the US and how they’ve contributed to our society, including students.
A chapter on education explains how to be accepted to an American university and cope with a confusing new culture, friendship process and daunting classroom differences. Some stay after graduation. It has chapters that explain how US businesses operate and how to get a job (which differs from most countries), a must for those who want to work with/for an American firm here or overseas.
It also has chapters that identify the most common English grammar and speech problems foreigners have and tips for easily overcoming them, the number one stumbling block they say they have to succeeding here.
Good luck to all wherever you study or wherever you come from, because that is the TRUE spirit of the American PEOPLE, not a few in government who have the loudest voice!