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 on November 13 by the Institute of International Education (IIE), ranks the University of Illinois second in the nation among public universities for the most international students.
“Our diverse community is our most valuable asset, creating a richer educational experience for all,” said Chancellor Robert J. Jones. “And there is no other institution in this state that has the capacity to translate our missions of teaching and learning, discovery and public engagement into real, measurable and positive impact for the world.”
The 2023 Open Doors data report states that 11,548 international students were enrolled during the 2022-2023 academic year with an additional 3,132 participating in Optional Practical Training for a grant total of 14,680. Optional Practical Training permits students to be employed in the United States for one to three years after completion of studies. International Student and Scholar Services also reported that university departments hosted 1,309 international faculty, staff, and scholars for teaching, research, and administrative positions.
“We are very proud to welcome so many international students, scholars, and professionals to our university,” said Dr. Reitumetse Obakeng Mabokela, Associate Chancellor and Vice Provost for Global Affairs & Strategies. “We know first-hand that when we prioritize and celebrate global connections, we ensure that our students, scholars, and faculty have access to a truly dynamic and transformative educational environment.”
The Open Doors report also includes data about the number of students studying abroad for academic credit in 2021-2022. The University of Illinois resumed study abroad programming in January 2022 after a temporary pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and sent 632 students abroad during the Spring 2022 semester according to Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange, the campus study abroad office. The university currently offers more than 300 study abroad programs in 50 countries.
Additionally, the university is committed to furthering global engagement across its trilateral mission of teaching, research, and engagement. Vision 2030 Global Strategy, a seven-year plan to enhance global learning and engagement, consists of guiding strategic priorities that will continue to support the university’s global impact.
“Educating the next generation of global problem solvers–no matter their experience, perspective or origin—is at the heart of our university’s Vision 2030 Global Strategy and broader institutional mission,” said Dr. Mabokela.
Findings from the 2023 Open Doors report include:
- The University of Illinois is second among public institutions for international student enrollment and sixth in the nation overall with 14,680 students enrolled.
- Over a quarter of the top 40 is comprised of Big Ten institutions with the University of Illinois ranked first in the Big Ten for international student enrollment.
- Students from China, India, South Korea and Canada make up the bulk of all international students in the United States.
- Computer and Information Science, Engineering, Biology and Social Sciences are among the top fields of study for international students.
Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, France, and Germany were the top destinations for U.S. study abroad students in 2021-2022.
The Institute of International Education has conducted an annual census of international students in the United States 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 information on the IIE, visit: http://www.iie.org/en.
