Since 2004, the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) has conducted a multi-year empirical examination of international graduate application, admission, and enrollment trends.
This analysis responds to member institutions’ concerns about continuing changes in the enrollment of students from abroad seeking master’s and doctoral degrees from U.S. colleges and universities.
Key Findings from the 2022 Report
- International graduate applications increased for the third year in a row. Between Fall 2020 and Fall 2021, the total number of international graduate applications received by U.S. degree-granting institutions participating in the CGS International Graduate Admissions Survey increased by 12%.
- First-time international graduate enrollment is rebounding. Between Fall 2020 and Fall 2021, the number of students enrolled for the first-time in U.S.-based graduate programs increased by 92%. This stands in contrast to the 39% decline in first-time international graduate enrollment between Fall 2019 and Fall 2020. After the decline during the pandemic, this increase brings first-time international graduate enrollment in Fall 2021 on the rebound back to Fall 2018 levels.
- First-time graduate enrollment is increasing across all fields of study. First-time enrollment in the fields of Mathematics & Computer Sciences and Engineering, both of which traditionally enroll large numbers of international students, increased substantially between Fall 2020 and Fall 2021, at 189% and 129% respectively.
Access the report
Downloadable Figures and Data Tables
Press Release for the 2022 Report
Contact
For more information about the International Graduate Admissions Survey, please contact Enyu Zhou.
Looking for last year’s report? Click here.