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The report said applications from international students for undergraduate admission in the 2026-27 academic year had fallen 10% through March 1.
The decline was recorded in a report by Common App, a non-profit organisation representing more than 1,100 institutions. (AI photo)
The number of Indian students applying to US colleges fell 15% in the 2025-26 academic year compared with the previous year, as tighter immigration policies and uncertainty over visa rules weigh on demand from international students.
The decline was recorded in a report by Common App, a non-profit organisation representing more than 1,100 institutions. India remains the largest source of international students in the US.
The report said applications from international students for undergraduate admission in the 2026-27 academic year had fallen 10% through March 1, marking the steepest decline recorded by the organisation.
Visa Uncertainty Weighs On International Demand
The decline in Indian applications comes as the US tightens rules affecting international students. A separate report by NAFSA and research firm JB International has estimated that international student enrolment could fall by up to 1.1 lakh in the 2026-27 academic year.
The report estimated that about 11.69 lakh international students enrolled in US colleges and universities in 2025-26, with that figure projected to fall to 10.57 lakh this year.
India accounted for more than 3.63 lakh international students in the US during the 2024-25 academic year, making it the country’s biggest source of overseas students.
The decline could also have an economic impact. International students contributed an estimated $41.77 billion to the US economy in 2025-26, according to the report, with that contribution projected to fall to $38.37 billion in 2026-27.
The US government in July announced changes to student and visitor visas, ending the traditional “duration of status” system and setting a maximum stay of four years.
Washington is also considering a $100,000 fee for foreign graduates seeking to use the Optional Practical Training programme, which allows eligible international students to work in the US after completing their studies.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18Yes, stricter US visa rules and policy uncertainty are expected to lead to a decline in international student enrolment in American colleges and universities, with a projected fall of up to 1.1 lakh registrations in Fall 2026. This decline could result in a loss of USD 3.4 billion in local spending and affect an estimated 39,000 jobs.
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United States of America (USA)
August 25, 2026, 05:04 IST
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