A significant decline in new international student enrolments at U.S. colleges this autumn has been driven largely by a sharp drop in students from India, according to a report released on Monday by the Institute of International Education (IIE). As India remains the largest source of foreign students in the United States, its downturn has contributed substantially to the overall 17% decrease in new international enrolments.
The IIE report notes that 96% of institutions experiencing declines attributed the drop to concerns surrounding the U.S. visa application process, while 68% cited travel restrictions as key factors. Stricter student visa policies and enhanced scrutiny under the Trump administration have played a central role, affecting both processing timelines and approval rates.
New measures — including attempts to limit international student numbers, increased vetting, and mandatory social media disclosures for visa applicants — have further complicated entry for prospective students. Lengthy processing delays, earlier pauses in visa issuance, and occasional revocations have added uncertainty to the admissions landscape.
Despite these challenges, international students remain vital to the U.S. higher education system and economy, contributing an estimated $55 billion in 2024, as reported by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. With most international students paying full tuition and receiving little to no financial aid, their presence provides essential revenue for universities already coping with falling domestic enrolment.
The report shows that while 29% of institutions recorded an increase in international intake and 14% saw stable numbers, a majority — 57% — reported declines in new international student enrolments this fall.
Recent Random Post:
