_1,907 Zimbabwean students enrolled in U.S. Colleges for 2023-24 academic year_
HARARE – The number of Zimbabwean students enrolled at colleges and universities in the United States increased by 6.6% from the previous 2022-2023 academic year, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report by the Institute of International Education.
For the 2023-24 academic year, a total of 1,907 Zimbabwean students are currently enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions.
The U.S. remains one of the top three destinations for Zimbabwean students studying abroad, following South Africa and the United Kingdom. Among Zimbabweans studying in the U.S., 49% are undergraduates, 32% are graduate students, 18% are involved in optional practical training (OPT), and the remaining 1% are enrolled in non-degree programs, the U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section said in a statement on Monday.
Graduate student enrollment saw the largest increase, rising by 15% compared to the previous year.
“This continued interest highlights Zimbabweans’ growing desire to pursue higher education opportunities abroad and reinforces the partnership between the people of Zimbabwe and the United States,” the Embassy’s statement added.
“The availability of academic, athletic, and creative scholarships continues to provide pathways for many students. As we celebrate 25 years of EducationUSA, the U.S. Embassy’s advising program remains dedicated to assisting students in navigating the vast range of higher education options in the United States. With four EducationUSA advisors based in Harare, Gweru, Mutare, and Bulawayo, students are guided to find the best fit for their needs. Additionally, EducationUSA provides Opportunity Funds annually to high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds to ease the burden of application and travel costs.”
The U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe also oversees several exchange programs, enabling Zimbabweans to travel to the U.S. for academic and professional exchanges.
“Over the past year, more than 100 Zimbabweans have participated in fully funded U.S. academic or professional exchange programs. These efforts exemplify the U.S. government’s commitment to international student mobility and the academic and professional advancement of the Zimbabwean people. For more information about U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe’s exchange programs, visit https://zw.usembassy.gov/education/,” the Embassy’s statement continued.
“The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education celebrate the 25th annual International Education Week from November 18-22, 2024. The joint initiative highlights the U.S. commitment to international education, including student mobility, which is central to
diplomacy, innovation, economic prosperity, and national security, as reiterated in the Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education1 by the U.S. Departments of State and Education.”
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