INTO University Partnerships has announced a remarkable surge in interest among international students in its US institutional partners. According to data released by the organization on May 30, 2023, INTO’s partners have experienced an extraordinary 136% growth in applications for upcoming intakes this year, with an unprecedented 36,000 applications already received. This surge surpasses the national average of 16% reported by Common App in March 2023.
Applications for pathway programs and INTO Center supported programs have risen by 52% compared to the same period last year, indicating a strong recovery from the impact of the pandemic.
However, the most remarkable growth has been observed in applications from students eligible for direct admission to programs with partner universities. Surpassing all expectations, these figures currently stand at nearly 29,000 applications, reflecting a doubling in numbers from the same period last year.
Despite changing demographics in the world’s fastest-growing regions, INTO’s partners have witnessed a resurgence of interest in studying in the United States from every corner of the globe, including China, even after two years of pandemic-imposed travel restrictions.
Sharon Sundue, INTO’s Executive Vice President for North America, expressed her delight, stating, “We are thrilled to see such strong application figures for our partners after what has been a challenging period for US higher education. Our partners have provided truly transformative experiences for international students, offering unwavering support that is evident in student satisfaction levels exceeding 94%. The exceptional results we have achieved are a testament to the outstanding reputation of our partners, their commitment to innovation, and our collaborative efforts in key student markets.”
In response to the increasing demand, new program innovations have been introduced to meet students’ needs, demonstrating that they value additional support. This trend is particularly evident in the partnership with The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), which has witnessed a significant 131% increase in student applications while maintaining an impressive 99% international student satisfaction level with the learning experience. The university has proactively redesigned its undergraduate and graduate programs to ensure that international students receive the necessary support to maximize their talents. This commitment has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from students. In a recent student survey, one student expressed, “I am thoroughly enjoying my time at UAB. I have been exposed to numerous new things, and I am content with the course structure.”
David Hofmann, Executive Director of INTO UAB, highlighted the importance of pathway programs in meeting the needs of students requiring additional support, be it academic, English language, or cultural assimilation, as they transition to a US college environment. While some students may possess stronger English language skills, the need for sensitive and supportive programming remains as crucial as ever. UAB remains committed to this focus, and they are delighted to see many international students choosing to pursue their studies at their institution.
