IUPUI enrolls record number of international students

  • Sept. 3, 2013

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis has enrolled a record 1,837 international students, up 15 percent from last year and 27 percent over fall 2011.

For the first time, the number of students from India has surpassed those from China. International students now comprise 6 percent of the total IUPUI enrollment.

"The growing number of international students who we successfully recruit and retain helps create an even more dynamic and inclusive campus at IUPUI,” said Nasser Paydar, executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer. “The growing number of international students on campus help all students learn the importance of interacting globally to be successful and makes Indianapolis and Central Indiana more welcoming and attractive to visitors, business and industry.”

The 10 countries sending the most students are:

  • India, 423
  • China, 406
  • Saudi Arabia, 355
  • Egypt, 67
  • South Korea, 62
  • Japan, 42
  • Iran, 39
  • Taiwan, 36
  • Mexico, 28
  • Canada, 27

Notable enrollment growth trends include an increase in graduate students from India, continued increase in students from Saudi Arabia sponsored under the King Abdullah Scholarship Program and visiting undergraduate students from Japanese universities who have chosen IUPUI as their study abroad destination for a semester or academic year.

International students are attracted to IUPUI’s comprehensive mix of world-recognized Indiana University and Purdue University degree programs, said Sara K. Allaei, director for International Enrollment & Services. “IUPUI’s location next to the downtown Indianapolis canal, connection to the city via the Cultural Trail, and availability of attractive and affordable housing catering to students adds to the appeal.”

In general, students from Asia, especially China, tend to dominate international student enrollments across the U.S., with India sending the second-largest group of students. A recent surge of graduate students enrolling in programs in engineering, computer science and informatics has pushed Indian student enrollment at IUPUI ahead of that from China.

IUPUI is fortunate to attract a diverse mix of undergraduate and graduate international students representing all major world regions. More than 140 countries are represented in IUPUI’s student body.

As part of its services to international students, the Office of International Affairs promotes opportunities for international students to engage with the community. This fall, the office, in collaboration with IUPUI Alumni Relations, will be launching an International Host Program. This program will connect alumni in Central Indiana with IUPUI international students to offer a wide range of support activities, including mentoring, dinner invitations, sports events and off-campus events.

About the Office of International Affairs
As part of its broad mission to promote the internationalization of IUPUI, the Office of International Affairs recruits, admits and welcomes international students to campus, providing comprehensive support services as well as visa documentation and immigration advising related to their student program.

Richard Schneider
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