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US universities report 20% plunge in enrolment of foreign students: 'It will be worse'
A NAFSA-led coalition published a report showing a 20% drop in new foreign undergraduate enrollments this spring and a 24% drop in graduate programs, based on responses from 149 US colleges. The survey also notes that 62% of schools reported declines in both undergraduate and graduate enrollment, influenced by restrictive policies and visa-process crackdowns. Analysts warn the fall cohort could deteriorate further if visa and policy environments do not improve.
Why It Matters
International students are a major revenue source for US universities; a continued decline could strain budgets and programs amid demographic shortfalls. Policy actions affecting visas and enforcement are directly shaping higher education access and talent pipelines.
Timeline
6 Events
May 12, 2026: News article published summarizing findings
May 12, 2026
The article reporting the findings was published.
May 11, 2026: NAFSA-led study publishes findings
May 11, 2026
A report by NAFSA and partner organizations based on responses from 149 US colleges shows an average 20% drop in new foreign undergraduate enrollments and a 24% drop in graduate enrollments; 62% of surveyed schools reported lower enrollment in both undergraduate and graduate programs compared with spring 2025.
November 2025: Fall 2025 international enrolment falls 1.4%
November 2025
The report notes that overall international enrolment in the US fell by 1.4% in fall 2025 from a year earlier.
June 2025: New visa-review policies rolled out
June 2025
Strict new student visa review policies were rolled out, as referenced in the report.
May 2025: State Department pauses student visa interviews during processing
May 2025
The State Department paused student visa interviews during the peak processing period to implement strict new review policies in June.
March 2025: ICE begins targeting foreign students
March 2025
ICE agents began targeting foreign students, marking a turning point in enforcement actions affecting international student enrollment.