For the fifth year in a row, Arizona State University (ASU) has been named the top public university in the United States for hosting international students, according to the Institute of International Education’s 2025 Open Doors report. ASU has achieved this distinction eight times over the past decade, ranking ahead of other large public institutions such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University, and the University of California, Berkeley.
During the 2024-25 academic year, ASU hosted 20,368 international students from 165 countries pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. This figure includes F-1 visa holders participating in Optional Practical Training and STEM-OPT programs. The number represents a 10% increase compared to the previous academic year.
“We are especially proud of our international student community who have shown resilience and remained focused on their academic goals,” said Nancy Gonzales, executive vice president and university provost. “ASU remains deeply committed to supporting every international student and delivering an outstanding education that will help prepare them to make a positive global impact.”
Students say that ASU’s campus offers a diverse and inclusive environment. Myra Singh, an economics student from India, said: “I love the vibrant mix of cultures and perspectives at ASU — it truly feels like the whole world in one campus. Every day is a chance to meet people from different backgrounds, share stories and learn from each other’s experiences. The people here are incredibly welcoming.”
Christole Chikwekwete, studying global management at Thunderbird School of Global Management from Zimbabwe, shared similar sentiments: “What I like best is the people. Every classroom feels like a mini U.N., and you can learn as much from a conversation with a classmate as you do from a professor. The culture is unapologetically innovative.”
Even before arriving on campus, many students feel welcomed into ASU’s community. Sri Hari Priya Panchumarthi, an information technology student from India said: “ASU’s culture of inclusion, curiosity and forward thinking is everything I was looking for. The Sun Devil spirit is so real, and I already feel like a proud part of the ASU family, even before arriving.”
For many students coming from abroad, ASU offers opportunities beyond academics. Maria Ramalho from Brazil described her experience: “Choosing ASU felt like stepping into a world of possibilities,” she said. “There are countless opportunities to succeed, and with effort, I’ve been able to tap into these resources and enhance my academic and personal growth.”
Yongqi Lao, pursuing doctoral studies in music performance from China added: “The campus resources at ASU are abundant, offering a wide range of support in areas like career development, counseling and physical health programs. This was something I didn’t expect before coming to ASU.”
Central to these support efforts is the International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC), which assists with immigration processes required for study in the U.S., but also helps international students adjust socially through workshops and events such as game nights or Thanksgiving celebrations.
“When international students choose ASU, they place an extraordinary amount of trust in us — leaving behind their home country to pursue their education here,” said Moninder “Holly” Singh, assistant vice president and executive director of ISSC. “It’s our responsibility to honor that trust by providing comprehensive, student-centered support that empowers them to thrive academically, socially and personally.”
International students also participate in globally focused clubs or events including International Night—a celebration recognizing cultural diversity on campus—and have access to university-wide resources such as free tutoring or career services.
ASU has welcomed international students since 1949 when only 14 were enrolled; now more have joined over just the last ten years than in all previous decades combined.
Sruthi Kasturi from India noted: “What I love most about ASU is the inclusive and collaborative culture,” she said. “The diverse perspectives of students and faculty inspire innovation and learning.” Maria Ramalho added: “ASU’s reputation as a global university with a strong support system for international students made it feel like the right place to grow both personally and academically,” she says.
According to a City of Phoenix press release, Arizona State University also collaborates with local partners on projects such as installing smart traffic cameras developed by Argos Vision—a tech startup affiliated with ASU—aimed at improving road safety through advanced data analysis during a one-year pilot program.
Additionally, Arizona State University has been ranked No. 1 in innovation by U.S News & World Report for eight consecutive years based on nominations by higher education leaders for advancements across several disciplines including business engineering.
