A sharp 17% drop in new international student enrolments for the 2025–26 cycle has raised concerns among US colleges, even as Indian students continued to drive record growth across key academic and work-based categories. The latest Open Doors data shows that total international student numbers in the US rose 5% to 1,177,766 in 2024–25, highlighting a widening gap between overall growth and the weakening new-student pipeline.
India further strengthened its position as the largest source of international students. With 363,019 students in 2024–25—a 10% year-on-year increase—India now represents nearly one-third of all foreign students in the US. Undergraduate enrolments rose to 40,135, graduate numbers reached 177,892, and participation in Optional Practical Training (OPT) surged to 143,740, marking a remarkable 47.3% annual jump.
This rise contrasts sharply with broader trends: new international student enrolments fell 7.2%, dropping from 298,705 to 277,118. Institutions predominantly attributed the decline to visa-related challenges, with 96% citing delays, denials, and uncertainty. Travel restrictions were highlighted by 68% of institutions as a contributing factor.
Despite the slowdown in new enrolments, overall numbers continue to climb, rising from 1,126,690 in 2023–24 to 1,177,766 in 2024–25. Over the past four years, the US has added more than 230,000 international students, reversing pandemic-era declines. International students now make up 6.1% of the total US higher education population.
State-level data points to broad stability, with 45 states recording growth. Texas (+8.4%), Illinois (+7%), and Missouri (+11.3%) saw especially strong gains. California, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, and Illinois remain the top host states—and key destinations for Indian students.
While India posted strong double-digit growth, Chinese enrolments fell 4.1% to 265,919, marking the third consecutive year of decline. Other emerging markets, including Nepal (+48.7%), Vietnam (+15.9%), and Bangladesh (+17.9%), recorded substantial increases, signalling shifting global mobility patterns.
STEM fields continue to dominate international interest, with enrolments in math and computer science growing 8.7%, engineering 3.3%, and health professions 10.4%. Together, STEM disciplines represent nearly 44% of all international student enrolments.
OPT has become a cornerstone of US competitiveness. The Fall 2025 Snapshot report noted that institutions increasingly depend on OPT to attract and retain global talent. Nearly 77% of schools cited OPT as essential for students seeking practical experience, 70% highlighted its importance for US industry, and more than 80% warned that students may look to other countries if access to OPT diminishes. Overall participation in OPT rose to 294,253 in 2024–25, a 21.2% increase, making it the single largest category of international student presence.
Despite evolving policies, the IIE reiterated that the US remains the world’s leading destination for international education. “International students come to every state. And 45 states experienced increases in their international student totals in 2024–25,” said Mirka Martel, head of research at IIE.
Ravi’s Arrest Sparks Outrage: Public Questions Film Industry’s Role in High Ticket Prices
It is known that iBomma operator Emandi Ravi has been arrested and is currently being interrogated. Hyderabad City Commissioner C. V. Sajjanar held a press conference alongside prominent film personalities such as Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Dil Raju, and Suresh Babu. They addressed concerns around online piracy, the impact on the industry, and the warnings that must be conveyed to the public.
Surprisingly, a massive wave of public support has emerged for Ravi on social media. Images and comments have portrayed him as a hero, including a viral picture of a policeman unable to beat him because he is “addicted to films on his piracy site.” Many users expressed frustration over high theatre prices and the escalating cost of moviegoing. They argued that families are burdened by expensive tickets and overpriced snacks, making legal entertainment unaffordable for many.
At the same press meet, director S. S. Rajamouli reportedly stated that Ravi is not doing any “sanga seva.” This comment sparked strong reactions online, with many questioning whether Rajamouli himself does any service for the public. Several pointed out that he is widely criticized as one of the key figures responsible for extreme ticket hikes and the commercialization of cinema that has placed a heavy financial burden on viewers. People argued that nearly 70% of a film’s budget now goes toward the remuneration of big stars and directors, including Rajamouli himself. Many commented that if he truly wishes to perform “sanga seva,” he should start by reducing his and his heroes’ remuneration, create quality films within reasonable budgets, and ensure ticket prices are affordable for the common public. In their view, asking why Ravi is not doing sanga seva is ironic when the industry itself has not demonstrated such service.
Meanwhile, online reactions continued. Some users insisted that Ravi is doing more for the poor than the film industry ever has, claiming he provides access to entertainment for those who cannot spend ₹300–₹500 per ticket. Many contrasted this with OTT platforms available to the wealthy while the poor rely on sites like iBomma. Others reminisced about scenes from movies like Tagore, stating that society is supporting Ravi because they see him as someone fighting for the common man. Comments described him as a real hero compared to actors who earn crores yet contribute little to public welfare. Many lamented that good people never get good days, arguing that Ravi, who helped the common man, is arrested while those involved in larger scams or political injustices continue to thrive.
Authorities, however, warned against the romanticization of piracy. Police officials highlighted that piracy websites not only cause massive financial losses to the film sector but also pose severe cyber risks, as user data is often sold on the dark web. They reiterated that although families turn to piracy due to the high costs and pressures of theatre visits, piracy cannot be justified. It harms creators, weakens the entertainment ecosystem, and endangers user privacy.
Ultimately, the press conference revealed a deep disconnect between public sentiment and industry expectations. While the film industry accuses piracy of causing losses, the public counters that unaffordable ticket prices, inflated budgets, and disproportionate remunerations are what push people toward platforms like iBomma in the first place. The debate continues to grow, fueled by frustration, economic reality, and the widening gap between common audiences and the industry that claims to serve them.