Number of Uzbek students in US higher education hits new high

The number of Uzbek students pursuing higher education in the United States increased by 11.9% in the 2023-2024 academic year, reaching 1,219, according to the Open Doors report by the Institute of International Education (IIE), supported by the US Department of State.

More than half of these students (703, up 12.8% from last year) are enrolled in undergraduate programs. Additionally, 350 students (+7.4%) are pursuing master’s degrees, while 134 students (+55.8%) completed Optional Practical Training (OPT). Another 32 students (-40.7%) are engaged in non-degree education programs.

The report highlights that the US hosted over 1.1 million international students in 2023-2024, marking a 17% increase compared to the previous academic year.

India remains the leading country of origin for international students in the US, with 331,600 (29.4%), followed by China (277,300, 24.6%) and South Korea (43,100, 3.8%). Canada (28,900) and Taiwan (23,100) round out the top five.

A majority of international students, 56%, are enrolled in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Among these, mathematics and computer science are the most popular disciplines, attracting 280,900 students (25%), followed by engineering, with over 210,100 students (19%).

Funding for international students primarily comes from personal or family resources (54.5%), employers (21.8%), and scholarships provided by American universities (19%).