The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is once again a top destination for international students, according to data from this year’s Open Doors report. The report, released Nov. 16 by the Institute of International Education (IIE), ranks Illinois No. 1 among public universities and No. 5 in the country for the most international students. The university also ranks No. 33 for the most students studying abroad.
“The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is known for extending its research, education and engagement across cultures, disciplines, geographies and worldviews,” said Chancellor Robert J. Jones. “We are proud of our reputation as a global university that truly welcomes our international community.”
With robust educational programs, impactful research partnerships and a diverse student population, Illinois provides one of the most comprehensive global learning environments in the world. According to the 2020 Open Doors data report, 13,962 international students were enrolled at Illinois and 2,224 students earned credit abroad, up from 1,931 in the previous year.
“Opportunities like study abroad, international research and partnerships and student exchanges not only foster global citizenship, but allow students and faculty alike to enhance their skill-sets, broaden their perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of their chosen fields,” said Dr. Reitumetse Obakeng Mabokela, Vice Provost for International Affairs and Global Strategies.
The university facilitates approximately 300 education abroad programs in over 45 countries, providing more than $350,000 in student scholarships each year to foster global education. All Illinois undergraduate students studying abroad on pre-approved programs are eligible to apply for the Illinois-for-Illinois (I4I) Scholarship, a student-initiated fee that supports study abroad education for in-state undergraduates.
Findings from the 2020 Open Doors report include:
- The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is No. 1 among public institutions for international student and scholar enrollment and fifth in the country overall, enrolling 13,962 international students and scholars;
- Illinois is 33rd in the country for credit-bearing study abroad participation, with 2,224 students earning credit abroad in 2018-19;
- Students from China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada make up the bulk of all international students in the United States;
- The United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France and Germany were the top host destinations for U.S. students studying abroad.
The Institute of International Education has conducted an annual census of international students in the U.S. since its founding in 1919. Open Doors has been published by the Institute since 1949, and has received support from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the U.S. Department of State since the 1970s. For more on the IIE, visit: http://www.iie.org/en.