The number of actual applications  from international students however has grown by just 1%, a significant cooldown from 9% growth in 2012 and 11% in 2011. The decline was led by a -3%  and -15% drop from two of the country’s largest source markets, China and South Korea.

Despite the disparity between admission growth and application slowdown, the figures show a fourth consecutive year of growth for US graduate programme admissions, leading institutions to remain positive about the US’s top position for graduate student recruitment.

Institutions credited growth to improved recruitment activities and using independent consultants who match students with appropriate institutions

“For now, the year-to-year decline in applications has not appeared to have a measurable impact on the overall number of international students who are offered admission to US graduate programmes,” said Debra W. Stewart, CGS President.

“This is a sign that US graduate programmes continue to see international applicants as competitive, high-caliber students.”

Over 290 institutions (including 79 of the top 100 institutions that award the largest number of degrees to international students) answered a CGS survey asking them to provide the number of admissions granted as of June 4th.

While figures are subject to revision following the final offering of admission count,  CGS says they accurately illustrate current trends in international  graduate student applications and offers of admission in the US.

China, India, South Korea, Taiwan and Canada represent the top five countries of origin for international graduate students in the US. Offers of admission to students from India jumped a mammoth 27% following 0% change last year and backing up a 22% increase in applications this year after 3% growth in 2012.

Meanwhile, admission offers to Chinese applicants grew just 5% after double-digit growth since 2009 and on top of a 3% drop in applications.

Admission offers to China grew just 5% after double digit growth since 2009 and on top of a 3% drop in applications

The largest declines in admissions were among students in South Korea, -10%,  and Taiwan -3% which mirror the fall in applications  from both countries by 15% and 13%, respectively.

Respondents were also asked to give reasons behind declines and increases in graduate programme applications. Institutions credited growth to improved recruitment activities targeted to specific countries and using independent consultants who  match students with appropriate institutions.

Competition, including with other institutions, online programmes and expanded graduate programmes in home countries as well as funding in the form of student financial aid and recruitment were the most common reasons given for declines.