The 2024 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, released by the US Embassy in Colombo, revealed a 10% increase in Sri Lankan students attending US colleges and universities during the 2023-2024 academic year. This surge reflects Sri Lanka’s growing engagement with world-class US educational institutions and highlights the strength of the Sri Lanka-US educational partnership.
Celebrating its 75th year, the Open Doors Report is a comprehensive study of global student mobility trends. It disclosed that a record-breaking 1.12 million international students from over 210 countries enrolled in US institutions, underscoring the United States’ status as the premier destination for higher education.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung expressed enthusiasm about the rising interest among Sri Lankan students:
“The 10% increase in Sri Lankan students studying in the United States demonstrates the power of international education in building strong connections between our people. US universities offer Sri Lankan students access to world-class education, cutting-edge research, and lifelong networks, equipping them to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.”
The report highlights STEM fields, research opportunities, and practical training as key attractions for international students. Many Sri Lankans pursue graduate studies, building professional networks that bridge both nations.
Coinciding with International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative by the US Departments of State and Education, the report emphasizes the benefits of global academic exchanges. EducationUSA, a program supporting prospective students, provides free guidance on studying in the US, including personalized advising through the US Embassy’s center in Colombo.
The 2024 report also underscores the economic contribution of international students, with $50 billion added to the US economy in 2023. While India and China continue to lead in international enrollments, Sri Lanka’s increasing student representation demonstrates its commitment to global education and innovation.
To learn more, Sri Lankan students can access EducationUSA resources through the US Embassy in Colombo or online.