According to a survey by the American Council on Education (ACE), more than half of the colleges and universities in the US have reported a decrease in the number of applications of international students for the academic year 2026.
The reasons cited for this decline are delays and decline in visas, and growing uncertainty around US immigration policies are emerging as the biggest barriers with India and China among the hardest hit countries. These two are America’s largest sources of international students.
According to university officials, there are many factors that are making it harder to attract international students:
Institutions have reported that international recruitment has become challenging, with several recording lower application numbers and growing concern about future enrolment trends.
Indian students form one of the largest international student groups in the United States. Key factors influencing their decisions include:
As uncertainty grows around the US as a study destination, data suggests Indian students are increasingly exploring alternative countries, including:
The survey emphasised that federal policy decisions particularly those tied to immigration, research funding, and financial aid continue to have a direct and measurable impact on higher education institutions. University leaders have called for stable, predictable policies to help the US maintain its position as a top global destination for international students.
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