Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 03:44 am
INTO University Partnerships has recently announced a remarkable surge in interest from international students among its institutional partners in the United States. As per the data released by the organization on May 30, 2023, INTO’s partners have experienced a staggering 136% growth in applications for upcoming intakes this year, with an unprecedented 36,000 applications already received. This increase far exceeds 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 witnessed in applications from students who are 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 the changing demographics in the world’s fastest-growing regions, INTO’s partners have experienced a resurgence of interest in studying in the United States from students across the globe, including China, after two years of travel restrictions due to the pandemic.
Sharon Sundue, INTO’s Executive Vice President for North America, expressed her delight, saying, “We are thrilled to see such strong application figures for our partners after what has been a challenging period for higher education in the United States. Our partners have provided truly life-changing experiences for international students, offering unwavering support that is evident in student satisfaction levels exceeding 94%. The outstanding reputation of our partners, combined with their commitment to innovation and our collaborative efforts in key student markets, has resulted in these exceptional outcomes.”
Innovative programs introduced to meet student demand highlight the value of additional support
The distribution of student demand further emphasizes that while many students are directly eligible for admission, they are increasingly drawn to programs that provide specialized support. A notable example is the partnership at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), which has witnessed a significant 131% increase in student applications while maintaining an impressive 99% satisfaction level among international students regarding the learning experience. The university has proactively redesigned its undergraduate and graduate programs to ensure that international students receive the necessary support to unleash their full potential. This commitment is reflected in the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from students. In a recent student survey, one student expressed, “I am thoroughly enjoying my time at UAB. I am learning so many new things here, and I am satisfied with the course structure.”
David Hofmann, Executive Director of INTO UAB, stated, “Pathway programs were initially designed to cater to the needs of a specific group of students who require additional support, including academic assistance, English language training, and cultural integration, as they transition to a US college environment. While many students may arrive with strong English language skills, the need for sensitive and supportive programming remains as important as ever. It remains a central focus of our work at UAB, and we are delighted to see that this is reflected in the increasing number of international students choosing to continue their studies with us.”
