In 2023, the US experienced consistent rise in African student populations from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Uganda. According to the US Department of State’s Monthly Data, the US issued approximately 446,000 F-1 student visas in 2023, representing an 8.5% increase from 411,000 visas given in 2022. This was the greatest number of student visas given in one year since 2016.
An F-1 student visa is for students who want to study at a college or university or at an English language institute in the United States.
ApplyBoard reviewed data on US student visa approvals, showing significant rise in African countries. The data shows that Nigeria has the greatest African student population in the US. In 2023, the United States issued approximately 7,500 F1 student visas to Nigerians.
In 2023, Kenyan students received 1,745 F-1 student visas, representing a 58% increase from 2022. The overall number of Kenyan students in the United States increased by 13% from 2021.
Ghana saw a 52% rise in F-1 student visas given between 2022 and 2023, with over 5,000 study permits issued last year, making it the third fastest-growing student population for F-1 visas. The overall number of Ghanaian students in the United States increased by 195% from 2021.
Uganda received over 1,000 F-1 student visas for the first time ever. In 2023, Uganda had the fifth fastest-growing* student population for F-1 US student visas issued (* among nations with 1,000 or more F-1 student visas). A total of 1,121 F-1 student visas were given to Ugandan students in 2023, a 30% increase from 2022. The overall number of Ugandan students in the United States increased by 156.5% from 2021.
