UVA Welcomes More International Students from India Than Ever

Essay

UVA Welcomes More International Students from India Than Ever

side view of a Lawn pavilion
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his fall, the University of Virginia welcomed 416 students from India to Grounds, a significant increase from previous years and part of a larger trend in international education in the US.

For the 2023-24 academic year, UVA saw a rise in students from India, with 305 students arriving for the Fall 2023 through Summer 2024 terms, up from 280 students during the 2022-23 academic year. This figure grew to 416 students for the Fall 2024 term alone. This follows a national shift in Indian enrollments. With an all-time high of 331,602 students, India has surpassed China as the leading country of origin for international students in the United States, according to the most recent Open Doors report published by the Institute of International Education. At UVA, Indian students now form the second-largest international student community, following students from China.

At UVA, Indian students now form the second-largest international student community, following students from China.

UVA currently ranks No. 87 among U.S. institutions for the overall number of international students in the report, with nearly 3,000 students from 109 countries studying on Grounds in the 2023-2024 academic year. Of these students, 247 graduate and 58 undergraduate students came from India, representing diverse academic and cultural contributions to the UVA community. 

“Unlike many universities worldwide, many graduate programs in the US and at UVA make no distinction between US citizen and international students in their funding,” comments Varun Kishore, a PhD candidate in music in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. “What’s more, since I’ve been here, GSAS has consistently increased our stipends to keep up with the increasing cost of living.” This funding equity allows graduate students, both national and international, to focus on doing great research. 

Indian students are particularly prominent in UVA’s graduate business and engineering programs. In 2023-2024, the Darden School of Business hosted 92 students from India, while the School of Engineering and Applied Science welcomed 72 Indian students. These programs’ strong global reputations likely contribute to their appeal among Indian applicants. 

The economic impact of international students, including those from India, extends beyond tuition and fees. In a recent report by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, UVA ranked third in the state for the total economic contribution of international students, which includes spending on room and board, transportation, and living expenses, as well as financial support for accompanying family members. These students’ economic activity supports jobs and injects millions of dollars into the local economy, in addition to their immeasurable cultural and academic contributions. 

The increase in Indian students at UVA reflects a broader effort to build an inclusive and globally engaged academic environment. These students bring different perspectives, enriching the academic discussions and cultural life at the University. From celebrating festivals like Diwali on Grounds to contributing to research across disciplines, Indian students are integral to UVA’s diverse and vibrant community. 

UVA’s global community continues to thrive as international enrollment grows steadily, contributing not just to academic excellence but also to cultural richness. With the increasing number of students from India, UVA is poised to deepen its connections with one of the most dynamic regions in the world, further solidifying its role as a globally engaged university.