The report suggests that competition from Chinese higher learning institutions and geopolitical tensions between China and the United States likely contribute to the decline in Chinese graduate students.
The report suggests that competition from Chinese higher learning institutions and geopolitical tensions between China and the United States likely contribute to the decline in Chinese graduate students.
International graduate applications in the US rose for the fourth consecutive year, according to a new report titled “International Graduate Applications and Enrollment: Fall 2022” from the Council of Graduate Schools.
A survey was conducted by the Council of Graduate Schools, reaching out to 759 colleges and universities, including members of the CGS, the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools, the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools, and the Western Association of Graduate Schools. Out of those surveyed, 370 institutions responded, accounting for 48.7 percent of the total.
Between Fall 2021 and Fall 2022, U.S. universities saw a 26 percent increase in international graduate applications.
Suzanne Ortega, president of CGS, emphasized the importance of understanding the cultural context to facilitate the enrollment of international graduate students. This involves assisting in language proficiency, academic writing, and financial aid sensitivity. “Real sensitivity to the financial needs, the sources of stress for students, and creating an environment that is welcoming,” she added.
While applications and enrollment from India and countries in Sub-Saharan Africa experienced a surge in the Fall of 2020, Chinese applications, which have traditionally been high, have decreased for two consecutive years.
The report suggests that competition from Chinese higher learning institutions and geopolitical tensions between China and the United States likely contribute to the decline in Chinese graduate students.
According to the CGS survey, the proportion of international students enrolling in American graduate programs has significantly increased, with 85 percent of Indian students studying at the master’s level.
Based on the new report, Indian graduate students are increasingly focusing on master’s and certificate programs rather than doctorate programs. The areas experiencing the most significant growth are biological and agricultural sciences, as well as mathematical and computer sciences. Arts, humanities, business, and education also observed an increase.
The report highlights that first-time enrollment for remote-only master’s and certificate programs decreased from 5,183 in Fall 2020 to 2,457 in Fall 2022. This decline suggests that as the pandemic eases, fewer students are choosing virtual education.
Meanwhile, enrollment in master’s and certificate programs offering a blend of in-person, hybrid, and remote learning modes rose from 17,000 to 52,000 between Fall 2020 and Fall 2022. Ortega pointed out that this hybrid approach provides flexibility while fostering networks and the sense of community typically found in face-to-face classes.
Ortega expressed her hope that institutions and researchers would use the data to develop support systems for students. “I hope that U.S. universities will be more thoughtful in the attention they give to recruiting students from Sub-Saharan Africa,” she said.
