The number of Indian scholars choosing to study abroad has steadily increased over time. Though there was an unforeseen depression in the figures during the epidemic and lockdowns last time, a good number of scholars are again gearing up to move abroad. India has been a source of interest for transnational scholars in the United States. While looking at the growth of India in the US’s transnational educational sector, the emotional increase of the Indian request, what Indian students are studying in the US, and what the US can do to support Indian scholars are moving forward.
KEY INSIGHT AT A GLANCE
• In 2021, Indian scholars accounted for 18% of all transnational students in America, alternate to China (35).
• Nearly 32% of international students in Arizona came from India in 2020–21.
• Math and computer science were the most popular fields of study for Indian students in 2020–2021.
The number of Indian scholars in the US has doubled since 2012-13. In 2017-18, figures peaked with just over 196,000 Indian scholars in the US. This was an increase of 5.4 from the former time. There was a slight drop in 2020-21, with 167,000 Indian scholars in the US. However, Indian students still accounted for nearly one in five of all transnational scholars in the US.
CANADA VS. THE UNITED STATES
Over the last couple of decades, various countries have begun to stand out as “popular destinations” for post graduate study applicants. Among the countries that offer various post-graduate and doctoral programs for scholars across the globe, two countries have established their eminence. One of them is known for its snow- limited mountains, its love for ice hockey and everybody’s favourite Prime Minister. The other is famed for its booming job requests, high standards of living, and thriving multilateral atmosphere. We are, of course, talking about Canada and the USA. Two extensively different countries with several striking parallels; one of which is the primarily inimitable quality of secondary education.
According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canada trended ahead of the US, with an aggregate of just under 167,000 study permit holders from India, while the US had just over 213,000 scholars working and studying in the US in 2021.
The number of transnational scholars enrolled in US institutions dropped prior to the COVID- 19 epidemic, with registration increasing for Canadian institutions. According to a recent analysis from the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), Indian graduates in STEM are more likely to choose Canada over the US to stay, posing stiff competition for US institutions. This is largely attributed to Canada’s friendly immigration laws, particularly the occasion for transnational scholars in Canada to gain temporary work visas and endless residence.