The number of international students starting studies in the US has fallen sharply amid tighter immigration policies and growing uncertainty around student visas.
New data shows that the number of new international students enrolled in US colleges in autumn 2025 fell by 17 per cent compared with the previous year, per CNBC report.
The decline could deepen in the coming academic year, with international applications also recording a significant drop.
According to data from the US Department of State and the Institute of International Education, the fall in new international enrolment came amid changes to immigration policies, visa restrictions and uncertainty surrounding the future of international students in the country.
The Common App also reported a 10 per cent decline in international applicants for the 2026-27 academic year, describing it as the steepest fall recorded in its data.
