CGS：2021年秋季美国国际研究生调查报告_27页_1mb

Summary of International Graduate Applications and Enrollment (Fall 2021)

Core Content

The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) International Graduate Admissions Survey provides an overview of international graduate applications and enrollment trends in the United States between Fall 2015 and Fall 2021. The data reveals a rebound in international graduate admissions and enrollment following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Trends

• Applications:

  • Total international graduate applications for Fall 2021 reached 852,006, a 12% increase from Fall 2020.
  • The increase was particularly notable in Sub-Saharan Africa (64%), Middle East & North Africa (35%), and Europe (28%).
  • India led the growth in applications, with a 36% increase, surpassing China, which saw a -16% decline in applications.

• Enrollment:

  • First-time international graduate enrollment for Fall 2021 increased by 92% compared to Fall 2020.
  • This was a significant rebound from the 39% decline in the previous year (Fall 2019 to Fall 2020).
  • India saw the most substantial growth in first-time enrollment, with an increase of 430%, while China still had not returned to pre-pandemic levels.
  • The fields of Mathematics & Computer Sciences (189%) and Engineering (129%) had the largest increases in first-time enrollment.

• Deferrals:

  • A significant portion of international graduate applications were deferred in Fall 2020, contributing to the increased first-time enrollment in Fall 2021.
  • India had the highest deferral rates, with 21% of master's and certificate offers and 12% of doctoral offers deferred.
  • In Fall 2021, deferral rates dropped to 5% for master's and certificate and 4% for doctoral admissions.

• Regional Breakdown:

  • Asia accounted for 77% of total applications, with China (33%) and India (31%) being the top contributors.
  • India dominated master's and certificate applications, accounting for 40% of all international applications.
  • China had a higher proportion of doctoral applications, at 31%, compared to India's 15%.
  • Iran and South Korea had a higher share of doctoral applications, at 77% and 68% respectively.

• Field of Study Breakdown:

  • Master's and certificate applications were more prevalent than doctoral applications, with 66% of all applications.
  • Business (95%), Mathematics & Computer Sciences (90%), and Public Administration & Services (81%) had high concentrations of first-time international students in master's and certificate programs.
  • Physical & Earth Sciences (72%) and Biological & Agricultural Sciences (49%) had high concentrations of first-time doctoral students.

Main Points

• The rebound in international graduate applications and enrollment is evident, with the largest increases seen in India and Sub-Saharan Africa.
• India emerged as the fastest-growing region in both applications and enrollment, with a 36% increase in applications and a 430% increase in first-time enrollment.
• China experienced a decline in applications (-16%) and first-time enrollment (35%) compared to Fall 2020.
• The growth in first-time enrollment was more pronounced than application growth.
• Deferrals played a key role in the increased enrollment, particularly for India.
• Doctoral applications and enrollment were more stable compared to master's and certificate programs.
• The survey included responses from 361 institutions, representing 48.5% of U.S. graduate schools.

Key Information

• Total applications: 852,006
• Total offers of admission: 286,619
• Total first-time enrollment: 101,371
• Total international graduate enrollment: 268,527
• India's share of applications: 31%
• India's share of first-time enrollment: 430% increase
• China's share of applications: 33%
• China's share of first-time enrollment: 35% increase
• Deferral rates:
  • Master's and certificate: 5%
  • Doctoral: 6%
• Fields of Study:
  • Mathematics & Computer Sciences: 189% increase in first-time enrollment
  • Engineering: 129% increase in first-time enrollment
  • Social & Behavioral Sciences: 28% increase in first-time enrollment
• Regions of Origin:
  • Sub-Saharan Africa: 64% increase in applications
  • Middle East & North Africa: 35% increase in applications
  • Europe: 28% increase in applications
  • Latin America & Caribbean: 23% increase in applications

Conclusion

The Fall 2021 admission cycle shows a strong recovery in international graduate applications and enrollment, driven primarily by India's surge and rebound in enrollment. The decline in China's applications and moderate growth in other regions highlights the divergence in trends across different countries and fields of study. The role of deferrals in boosting enrollment, particularly in India, underscores the impact of pandemic-related delays on international student admissions.