The decline in new international student arrivals in the US by almost a fifth has been attributed to concerns surrounding visa applications and new travel restrictions, according to snapshot figures from over 800 institutions. Despite previous reports indicating stable arrival numbers, recent data from the Open Doors survey revealed a 1% decrease in total international student numbers for the 2025-26 academic year, with a significant drop in postgraduate enrolments.
The snapshot data highlighted a 17% decrease in new enrolments compared to the previous year, with visa application concerns cited by 96% of institutions reporting declining numbers, and 68% attributing the decline to travel restrictions. Conversely, 29% of institutions reported an increase in new international enrolment, with active recruitment initiatives and outreach efforts identified as key factors driving growth.
Former President Donald Trump’s policies, including travel bans and attempts to limit international student numbers, have been a point of concern within the higher education sector. Despite recent statements emphasizing the importance of international students to US colleges and universities, the data paints a contrasting picture of declining international student numbers.
The Open Doors survey also revealed that the US remains a top destination for international students globally, with over 1.2 million students in the 2024-2025 academic year. Jason Czyz, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education, emphasized the significant contributions of international students in driving innovation, advancing scholarship, and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
In response to declining demand from Chinese students, Trump promised to grant visas to 600,000 Chinese students, aiming to address the consecutive decline in Chinese student enrolments over the past five years. Despite this, India emerged as the leading source country for international students, with a record number of 363,019 students in the 2024-2025 academic year.
As the global landscape of international education evolves, the report also highlighted study abroad figures for US students, showing a 6% increase in students studying abroad in the 2023-2024 academic year. Italy, Spain, the UK, and France remained popular host destinations for US students, with nearly half of all students opting to study in these countries.
The data underscores the dynamic nature of international student mobility, with shifting trends in student recruitment, visa policies, and global geopolitical dynamics influencing the choices and opportunities available to students seeking international education experiences.
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