Over 17,000 Bangladeshi students now study in US

The number of Bangladeshi students pursuing higher education in the United States has hit a historic milestone, surpassing 17,000, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange.  

This marks a staggering 26% increase from the previous academic year (2022-2023), propelling Bangladesh from 13th to 8th place among countries sending international students to the US within a single year. Over the last decade, the number of Bangladeshi students in the US has grown by 250%, rising from 4,802 in the 2013-14 academic year to 17,099 in 2023-24.  

The US hosted a record 1,126,690 international students during the 2023-24 academic year, reflecting a 7% increase from the previous year. Undergraduate enrollment rose by 8% to 502,291 students, while postgraduate work experience programmes saw a remarkable 22% growth. Enrollment in community colleges surged by 13%—the fastest growth in 25 years—reaching 59,315 students.  

International students contributed over $50 billion to the US economy in 2023, supporting more than 368,000 jobs, according to the US Department of Commerce.  

The United States remains committed to fostering international education and student exchange, which are seen as crucial for driving innovation, enhancing economic growth, strengthening diplomacy, and bolstering national security.  

To mark International Education Week (IEW) 2024, the US Embassy in Dhaka is hosting various virtual and in-person events. These sessions aim to guide Bangladeshi students on applying to US institutions, exploring academic programmes, securing scholarships, and participating in government-sponsored exchange opportunities.