MORE Zimbabwean students are seeking college opportunities in the United States amid reports that the number has increased by approximately 6% in 2024.
The US Department of State and Education celebrates the 25th annual International Education Week from November 18 to 22 this year.
The joint initiative highlights the US's commitment to international education, including student mobility, which is central to diplomacy, innovation, economic prosperity and national security
According to the 2024 Open Doors Report issued by the Institute of International Education, there was a 6,6% increase from the 2022-23 academic year with the 2023-24 academic year having 1 907 Zimbabwean higher education students in the United States.
In a statement yesterday, the United States embassy in Harare said the country remained one of the top three destination countries for Zimbabweans studying abroad, after South Africa and the United Kingdom.
“Of Zimbabweans studying in the United States, 49% are undergraduate students, 32% are graduate students, 18% are involved in optional practical training, and the remaining 1% are enrolled in non-degree programmes,” the department said.
The embassy said graduate students saw the greatest leap in enrolment, with a 15% increase from the previous year.
“The continued interest of Zimbabweans studying in the United States shows the propensity of Zimbabweans to explore higher education options and affirms the partnership between the people of Zimbabwe and the United States.
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“The availability of academic, athletic and creative scholarships continues to provide a pathway for many students.
“As we celebrate 25 years of EducationUSA, the US embassy’s advising programme continues to provide information and guidance to students interested in studying at a higher education institution in the United States,” the US embassy said.
There are four EducationUSA advisors in Harare, Gweru, Mutare and Bulawayo assisting students with identifying the best fit for their needs among the thousands of diverse options in the United States.
“EducationUSA annually provides Opportunity Funds to select high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds to alleviate the burden of application and travel-related costs,” the embassy said.
It further highlighted that it also manages an array of exchange programmes that enable Zimbabweans to travel to the United States for academic and professional exchanges.
“In the past year, more than 100 Zimbabweans have participated in a fully funded US academic or professional exchange programme offered by the embassy.
“These efforts exemplify the US government’s commitment to international student mobility and the academic and professional advancement of the Zimbabwean people,” the embassy said.
