Japan records 16 per cent surge in US study-abroad students: Open Doors Report
The latest Open Doors report shows Japan recording a 15.9 per cent rise in US study-abroad students, making it the fastest-growing destination. Europe remains the top choice, led by Italy, Spain and the UK.
New Delhi: Japan has emerged as one of the fastest-growing choices for American students recording a 15.9 per cent rise in study abroad participation, as per the latest Open Doors 2025 report. This increase shows that more US students are choosing Japan’s universities, culture, and learning experiences than before.
While Japan is gaining popularity, Europe continues to dominate overall, with countries like Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom drawing the highest number of American students.
Open Doors Report 2025: Top destinations for US students
The 2025 Open Doors report (covering the 2023–24 academic year) lists the leading study-abroad destinations for American students-
| Rank | Destination | Total Students | Total Percentage | Change Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Italy | 45,067 | 15.10% | 7.70% |
| 2 | Spain | 36,826 | 12.40% | 12.80% |
| 3 | United Kingdom | 36,450 | 12.20% | 4.10% |
| 4 | France | 16,740 | 5.60% | -2.10% |
| 5 | Japan | 11,217 | 3.80% | 15.90% |
| 6 | Ireland | 10,218 | 3.40% | 4.50% |
| 7 | Germany | 9,682 | 3.20% | 3.80% |
| 8 | Greece | 6,782 | 2.30% | 12.90% |
| 9 | Australia | 6,509 | 2.20% | 6.10% |
| 10 | Costa Rica | 6,070 | 2.00% | -7.40% |
Rising number of students in Japan for higher education
Japan’s rise from 9,678 US students in 2022- 23 to 11,217 in 2023–24 marks the strongest growth among the top 10 destinations. According to experts, interest in language programmes, business courses, technology and STEM fields is driving more American students toward Japan.
European countries continue to lead
Italy remains the top choice with more than 45,000 US students, followed by Spain and the UK. Greece saw a notable 12.9 per cent rise, while France experienced a bit decline. Ireland, Germany and Australia reported steady increases, showing consistent interest in traditional study-abroad destinations. The data suggests that while Europe remains dominant, American students are now exploring a wider mix of countries.