DHAKA, Nov 18, 2024 (BSS) – The number of Bangladeshi students studying in the United States (US) has reached all-time high, with more than 17,000 currently enrolled in American institutions, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange.

This surge marks a 26 percent increase from the previous academic year (2022-2023), positioning Bangladesh as the second-fastest growing source of international students in the USA. 

The remarkable growth has moved Bangladesh from the 13th to the 8th largest sender of international students to the United States within a year, according to a US Embassy press release issued here today.

Over the past decade, the number of Bangladeshi students in the US has grown by over 250 percent, rising from 4,802 in the 2013-2014 academic years to 17,099 in 2023-2024.

The annual Open Doors Report, produced jointly by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education, tracks the number of international students enrolled at US universities and in pre-academic intensive English programs.

Total international student enrolment in the US reached a record 1,126,690 in 2023-2024, marking a seven percent increase over the previous year, said the release.  

Graduate student enrolment hit an all-time high of 502,291, an eight percent rise, while the number of students pursuing post-graduation practical work increased by 22 percent. 

Community colleges also experienced notable growth, with enrolment rising 13 percent to 59,315 — the fastest rate in over 25 years.

In 2023, international students contributed more than 50 billion US dollars to the US economy and supported over 368,000 jobs, according to the US Department of Commerce.

The United States remains committed to fostering international education and student exchanges, recognizing their critical role in driving innovation, economic growth, diplomacy, and national security, said the embassy.  

The US Embassy in Dhaka is celebrating International Education Week 2024 with a series of virtual and in person sessions, including regional outreach events for Bangladeshi students and scholars. 

These sessions cover the US higher education application process, academic programs, funding and scholarship opportunities, as well as US government-sponsored exchange programs.

Education USA, with a network of over 430 advising centres in more than 175 countries, serves as the official US government source for accurate and comprehensive information about studying in the United States. 

In Bangladesh, Education USA provides free access to information on study opportunities through its advising centres across the country.