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US Colleges See 15% Drop in Indian Applicants
25 Aug
Summary
- Indian student applications to US colleges decreased by 15% in 2025-26.
- International applicants dropped 10% overall, the steepest decline recorded.
- New US visa rules cap student stays at four years.
Applications from Indian students seeking admission to US colleges have fallen by 15% in the 2025-26 academic year compared to the previous year. This marks a substantial decline, contributing to an overall 10% decrease in international undergraduate applicants, the steepest recorded. Stricter visa rules and policy uncertainties are cited as primary drivers for this trend.
These policy shifts include new government regulations implemented in July, eliminating the traditional "duration of status" for student visas and capping stays at four years, aligning with typical course durations. The US is also considering a substantial USD 100,000 fee for foreign students participating in Optional Practical Training programs post-graduation.
The impact extends to the US economy, as international students' contributions are projected to decrease from an estimated USD 41.77 billion in Fall 2025-26 to USD 38.37 billion in 2026-27. India remains the largest source of international students in the US, with over 3.63 lakh enrollments in the 2024-25 academic year.
