India Overtakes China in Sending Students to U.S

India has surpassed China as the leading country of origin for international students in the United States. This is mainly because of the rivalry between Beijing and Washington as well as zero-COVID restrictions limiting bilateral exchanges in the academic sphere

India Overtakes China as the Top Recipient of Student Visa for USA

In the twelve months between October 2021 and this July, the U.S. issued 56,000 F-1 student visas to Chinese nationals. Due to rising tensions between the two countries, many Chinese students have chosen to return home or enroll in courses elsewhere, resulting in a 30% decrease in visas over the year from about 80,000.

Between October 2021 and July of this year, the U.S. issued nearly 100,000 F-1 visas to citizens of India. A comeback from a year ago, when many countries restricted travel from India due to an outbreak of coronavirus, contributed to the almost 60% increase. However, India is still seen to be outpacing China.

Reasons for Decline in Numbers of Chinese students in USA

Particularly among younger Chinese, there seems to be an increase in anti-American sentiment. According to the U.S.-China Perception Monitor's study of Chinese internet users in September 2021, 64% of respondents aged 25 to 34 and 57% of respondents aged 65 and up had an unfavorable opinion of the U.S.

The reduction has also been worsened by heightened U.S. inspection of Chinese students, which is driven by worries about espionage. Under President Xi Jinping's zero-COVID plan, China has imposed tough entrance restrictions that have prevented students from leaving home as well.

Rich and powerful people in China frequently send their kids to study in the United States to network and find better career possibilities. However, some people now view Chinese institutions as a better alternative for the future of their children as Xi has advanced more inward-looking policies.

The U.S.-China rivalry is certain to continue, escalating resentment on both sides, and the reduction in Chinese students studying in the U.S. might widen the academic divide between the two nations.