International interest in pursuing higher education overseas, particularly the United States, has now begun to experience a marked slowdown, with new data revealing a significant decline in the applicants for the 2025–26 admissions cycle.
According to a report released by the Common App, the nation’s largest college application platform with over 1100 member institutions, international applications have dropped 9% year-over-year as of November 1.
This early decline aligns with the Trump administration’s intensified push to curb foreign student enrolment since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025. The trend suggests that tighter visa policies, federal investigations, and stricter compliance rules are reshaping the flow of international students into U.S. universities.
India and China Lead Declines in International Applications
India, the largest source of international students in the United States, saw a dramatic 14% fall, marking its first decline since 2020. The downturn extended across multiple regions, with Africa experiencing an 18% drop and Asia recording a 9% decrease in applications.
- China, the second-largest contributor of international students, reported a modest 1% decline, halting the strong growth reported the previous year.
- Amongst the top ten countries that traditionally send the most students to U.S. institutions, applications fell in all except the smaller countries of Vietnam and Uzbekistan.
Federal Crackdowns Drive Shift in International Enrolment
Last year’s admissions cycle initially showed strong growth in overseas interest, but numbers slipped by March due to mounting federal enforcement actions targeting student visa holders.
- This year, the White House has intensified those measures, revoking thousands of visas, tightening visa interview requirements, and imposing stricter documentation rules.
- Several students involved in pro-Palestinian protests were reportedly detained, further adding to concerns within international communities.
- The administration has also launched federal investigations into U.S. universities with large international student populations.
- These probes examine admissions practices, campus reports of antisemitism, and compliance with visa regulations, putting elite institutions under heightened scrutiny.
Universities Sign Federal Settlements Under Enforcement Pressure
The crackdown has already led to major settlements. Cornell University recently reached an agreement with the federal government to restore $250 million in funding. In July, Columbia University signed a deal requiring it to reduce reliance on international enrolment and assist immigration authorities in identifying visa violations.
Adding to the policy shifts, the Trump administration is pressuring universities to restore SAT and ACT requirements — standards many institutions dropped during the Covid-19 pandemic. Officials argue that test reinstatement enhances oversight and ensures consistent evaluation of international applicants.
A Changing Landscape for U.S. Higher Education
With early data showing a clear downturn and federal pressure continuing to mount, U.S. colleges are preparing for another challenging admissions cycle. The sustained drop in international student applications underscores the significant impact of evolving immigration policies on the future of American higher education.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
