Indian students appear to be more interested to pursue their higher education from abroad, reveals a recent study published on Tuesday by the Institute of International Education (a no-profit organization based in New York). As per the report, the number of Indians studying in the United States increased by 5.4 percent over the last year to 196,271.

"Looking at the past 10 years of data, the number of Indians going to the United States has doubled. The reasons are clear: Indian students are looking for a great education and the United States continues to offer this," said, Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs Joseph Pomper while speaking at US-Indian Educational Foundation (USIEF) event.

Pomper further added that the US embassy continues to see well qualified Indians applying to study in the United States as well as record attendance at U.S. University fairs held across the country.

According to the report, Indians make up nearly 18 percent of all international students in the United States, surpassed only by China. India provided the second highest amount of graduate students and fourth-most undergraduates.

The report also showed that the American students are also choosing India for higher education, American students studying in India increased to 4,704 an increase of 12.5 percent this year.

"I am thrilled to see a significant increase in the number of American university students choosing India as a study abroad destination. Student exchange programs are one of the best ways to foster meaningful relationships and promote mutual understanding between American and Indian citizens," said Adam Grotsky, Director of USIEF.

Further as per the report, in the year 2017-18, US colleges and universities hosted more than one million international students for the third consecutive year. This marks the twelfth consecutive year of continuedexpansion.

The top places of origin for international students studying in the United States were China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Mexico, and Brazil.

The top host states were California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.