UT Ranks Third in Nation, Earns Seal of Excellence for Global Engagement

The University of Texas at Austin ranks third nationally among universities in the U.S. for study abroad participation, according to the Open Doors 2024 Report on International Educational Exchange, with a total of 3,431 Longhorns studying around the world during the 2022-2023 academic year.  

UT Austin also ranked in the top 30 nationwide among institutions hosting international scholars, with 1,030 visiting scholars researching, studying and teaching on the Forty Acres during the 2023-2024 academic year.  

After reporting its global engagement activities every year since Open Doors’ inception in 1949, the University also received the Open Doors 75 Seal of Excellence, marking the 75-year milestone.  

“As we celebrate International Education Week, we are thrilled to be recognized as the leading producer of education abroad students in Texas and third nationally in the 2024 Open Doors report,” said Sonia Feigenbaum, senior vice provost for global engagement and chief international officer. “The Seal of Excellence distinction represents our 75-year partnership with Open Doors and underscores our unwavering commitment to providing access to international learning opportunities.”  

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in partnership with the Institute of International Education release the report annually during International Education Week (IEW), which this year is celebrated November 18-22. Participating in the annual IEW initiative, UT Austin showcases globally focused events held across campus throughout the week, promoting and celebrating the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.  

The Open Doors report revealed in mid-November that the total number of international students at U.S. colleges and universities in 2023-2024 reached an all-time high of more than 1.1 million, a 7 percent increase from the previous academic year. Additionally, more than a half-million international graduate students pursued study in the U.S., an 8 percent increase and another all-time high.  

These record highs coincided with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Open Doors Report, which has served as the comprehensive information resource on international students and scholars in the United States and on U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit.  

The Open Doors project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education. For more data, infographics and resources, visit opendoorsdata.org.  

Longhorns can enhance their studies and careers in multiple ways with international exchange and collaboration. Texas Global’s Education Abroad and International Student and Scholar Services and other units are available to connect faculty, staff and students with global engagement opportunities.