More than 1,900 Zimbabweans studying at US colleges and universities

By Staff Reporter & Agencies 

HARARE: The number of Zimbabwean students enrolled at United States colleges and universities continues to increase, the US embassy in Harare has revealed.

According to the 2024 Open Doors Report issued by the Institute of International Education, there was a 6.6% increase from the previous 2022-2023 academic year.

For the 2023-24 academic year, there are a reported 1,907 Zimbabwean higher education students in the United States.

The United States remains in 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 (OPT), and the remaining 1% are enrolled in non-degree programs.

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,” the US embassy said in a statement.

“The availability of academic, athletic, and creative scholarships continues to provide a pathway for many students.”

The statement added; “As we celebrate 25 years of EducationUSA, the U.S. Embassy’s advising programme continues to provide information and guidance to students interested in studying at a higher education institution in the United States.

“Four EducationUSA advisors in Harare, Gweru, Mutare, and Bulawayo assist 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.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy also manages 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 U.S. academic or professional exchange program offered by the Embassy.

“These efforts exemplify the U.S. government’s commitment to international student mobility and the academic and professional advancement of the Zimbabwean people.”