There are more than 9,000 Active M-1 students currently in the United States, according to recent data from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Who are these M-1 students and what do they study?

M-1 students are not enrolled in the traditional, academic programs like F-1 students. Instead, M-1 students come to the United States to enroll in vocational or nonacademic programs. This means M-1 students come to learn a technical skill such as cosmetology or aviation.

Nearly 70 percent of M-1 students in the United States are enrolled in a flight or aviation program. In fact, the top ten most popular programs among M-1 students that are Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified are schools engaged in flight training. Other popular programs of study for M-1 students include visual and performing arts, theology and religious vocations, as well as leisure and recreational activities. 

Are you an M-1 student studying in the United States? Share what you study on social media using the hashtag #StudyintheStates.