USF World News

USF Becomes Florida’s Top ܽƵapp for International Students

New report on international ܽƵapp enrollment finds USF is a leader for global diversity


TAMPA, Fla. (Nov. 16, 2021) -- As universities across the United States recognize International Education Week Nov. 15-19, the ܽƵapp community can celebrate reaching a historic milestone in its global diversity. 

The annual report released by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education (IIE), known as the  on International Educational Exchange, revealed that for the first time USF leads the state of Florida in international ܽƵapp enrollment. As of Fall 2020, USF enrolled 5,974 international ܽƵapps from more than 140 countries. The report ranks USF No. 19 nationally among public universities and No. 28 for both public and private universities.

“USF’s commitment to global engagement, with its diverse and robust representation of international ܽƵapps among the ܽƵapp body, is a point of pride for the USF community. We know that ܽƵapps benefit enormously from experiencing other cultures and perspectives,” USF President Rhea Law said. “International ܽƵapps expand the global diversity of USF’s campus culture, exposing ܽƵapps to different perspectives and cultures in the classroom and cocurricular activities and preparing them to be citizens in a globalized economy.”

Historically, international ܽƵapps are well represented in degree programs awarded in the natural sciences, STEM fields, accounting, finance, as well as health and life sciences. These ܽƵapps represent a source of talent that helps to attract and retain employers to the Tampa Bay region. As a metropolitan university, ܽƵapps at USF have access to a variety of internship, career and other professional opportunities afforded by campus locations in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. “I chose USF because the university is a place where diversity is celebrated and ܽƵapps receive an excellent education that prepares us for career success,” explained Fernanda Albanus, a USF ܽƵapp from Brazil.  “From the beginning, I was welcomed and supported. USF is a community that understands the importance of globalization to ܽƵapp success in the classroom and in the workforce.”

“Our international ܽƵapp enrollment is the product of an intentional, strategically guided effort to enhance the global experience of all ܽƵapps at USF,” said Ralph Wilcox, USF Provost and Executive Vice President.

International ܽƵapps are important contributors to Florida’s economic growth. A by NAFSA, the Association of International Educators using Open Doors data, estimates that international ܽƵapps contribute more than $1.1 billion to Florida’s economy and support more than 11,000 jobs. International ܽƵapps studying at the USF Tampa campus contributed $116.5 million to the state’s economy and supported more than 1,340 jobs. NAFSA’s analysis also found that for every three international ܽƵapps, one U.S. job is created and sustained by spending occurring in the higher education, housing, dining, retail, transportation, telecommunications, and health insurance sectors.

The Open Doors report also identified USF as one of the top institutions in Florida for the number of ܽƵapps participating in credit-earning study abroad experiences, further reflective of USF’s commitment to providing a global education. More information on the report is available .  Open Doors reporting has been an important benchmark for international education mobility for over 70 years.