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The number of Indian students seeking admission in the United States (US) institutions has witnessed a 15 per cent decline in 2025-26 over the previous
year, as per a report by a non-profit organisation amid the tightening of immigration policies. A report released by the Common App that represents over 1,100 institutions found that the overall application volume for undergraduate admission in the upcoming 2026-27 academic year has increased, while the number of international applicants through March 1 fell 10 per cent, making it the steepest decline on record. India, which remains the largest source of international students in the US, has recorded a 15 per cent decline in the number of applicants, according to the PTI report.
International Student Enrolment Expected to Fall Further
An earlier report by NAFSA and research firm JB International suggested a further decline in international student enrolments in US colleges and universities in Fall 2026. The report estimated that stricter visa regulations and policy uncertainty could result in up to 1.1 lakh fewer international student registrations.
According to the report, international student enrolment stood at an estimated 11.69 lakh in Fall 2025-26. The figure is projected to fall to around 10.57 lakh in 2026-27.
India is the largest source of international students in the US, with over 3.63 lakh Indian students enrolled in different courses in the 2024-25 academic year.
The decline in international student numbers could also have an economic impact on the US. International students contributed an estimated USD 41.77 billion to local economies during Fall 2025-26. This contribution is projected to decrease to USD 38.37 billion in 2026-27 if enrolment continues to decline.
In July, the US government announced the new rules eliminating traditional "duration of status" for student and visitor visas. A four-year limit was introduced, which is the usual duration of an academic course.
The US is also considering a USD 100,000 fee on foreign students who wish to use the Optional Practical Training program to work in the United States after their graduation.
(With Inputs from PTI)
