Texas Emerges as a Hub for Nepali Students U.S.

USA

Texas Emerges as a Hub for Nepali Students U.S. The United States continues to attract a growing number of Nepali students, with Texas emerging as a key destination. According to the latest data from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), as of January 2025, there are 16,933 Nepali students pursuing higher education in the U.S., with 3,416 of them studying in Texas. This makes Texas one of the most popular states for Nepali students, alongside California, Illinois, Missouri, and Pennsylvania.

Nepali Students in the U.S.: A Snapshot

The SEVIS data reveals that out of the total Nepali students, 10,430 are male and 6,503 are female. While the number has seen fluctuations over the past year—dropping from 20,153 in January 2024 to 16,933 in January 2025—the overall trend shows a steady increase in Nepali students choosing the U.S. for higher education. Notably, 153 students are enrolled in language training programs, and 72 are pursuing aviation training. Additionally, Nepali students are also exploring vocational schools and specialized programs across the country.

Texas: A Growing Destination

Texas has become a hotspot for Nepali students, hosting 3,416 of them. The state’s renowned universities, affordable living costs, and vibrant Nepali community make it an attractive choice. Other states with significant Nepali student populations include:

• California: 514
• Illinois: 546
• Missouri: 473
• Pennsylvania: 420

Record-Breaking International Student Enrollment

The 2024 Open Doors Report highlights that the U.S. has set a new record by welcoming 1.13 million international students during the 2023-24 academic year. Among these, 16,742 Nepali students enrolled in U.S. universities, making Nepal the 10th largest source country for international students in the U.S. This represents a 10.9% increase from the previous year and accounts for 1.5% of the total international student population.

Historical Trends

Over the past decade, the number of Nepali students in the U.S. has shown consistent growth:

• 2022-23: 15,090
• 2021-22: 11,799
• 2020-21: 11,172
• 2019-20: 12,730
• 2018-19: 13,299
• 2017-18: 13,270
• 2016-17: 11,607

Visa Issuances Reflect Growing Interest

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs reports that 13,187 Nepali students were granted U.S. student visas in the 2024 fiscal year, more than double the number from the previous fiscal year (2023). This surge underscores the increasing interest among Nepali students in pursuing higher education in the U.S.

Why the U.S.?

Nepali students are increasingly drawn to fields like science, technology, engineering, management, and aviation training. The U.S. offers world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a diverse cultural experience, making it a top choice for students seeking global exposure.

Data Table: Nepali Students in the U.S. (2024)

As Texas cements its position as a hub for Nepali students, the U.S. continues to be a beacon of opportunity for international education. With a growing number of Nepali students pursuing diverse fields, the future looks bright for cross-cultural exchange and academic collaboration between Nepal and the United States.