The number of Zimbabwean students enrolled at United States colleges and universities has increased by 18.7% over the previous academic year, the US Embassy in Zimbabwe has announced.
This marks a significant surge in interest in US higher education among Zimbabwean students.
In a statement released on Monday, the Embassy attributed the increase to a combination of factors, including strong academic, athletic, and creative scholarships, comprehensive support from the EducationUSA program, and robust exchange programs that facilitate academic and professional exchange opportunities.
According to the 2023 Open Doors Report issued by the Institute of International Education, Zimbabwe now ranks as the second leading country in sub-Saharan Africa, per capita, and the sixth in the overall number of students in the United States, with 1,789 Zimbabwean students enrolled in US institutions for the 2022/23 academic year.
The growth in undergraduate enrollment is particularly noteworthy, with a 24.4% increase representing one of the largest increases among all sub-Saharan African nations. This suggests that US universities are becoming increasingly attractive to Zimbabwean students seeking undergraduate degrees.
The US Embassy highlighted its commitment to international student mobility and US-Zimbabwean university partnerships, emphasizing its efforts to provide information, guidance, and financial support to Zimbabwean students aspiring to study in the United States.
In addition to the EducationUSA program and various scholarship opportunities, the Embassy prioritizes visa appointments for student and exchange visitors, making it easier for eligible Zimbabweans to pursue academic and professional opportunities in the US.
