6 hours ago
Last Updated:August 06, 2025, 18:09 IST
US universities may face a 30-40% drop in foreign students enrollments due to strict immigration policies, costing the economy $7 billion and 60,000 jobs, as per NAFSA report,
File photo of Harvard University in the US (Image: Reuters)
Amid US President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies and a growing visa processing backlog, American universities are expected to see a sharp 30 to 40 per cent drop in enrollment of international students for the upcoming academic session starting this September, according to a report by NAFSA, an association of international educators.
NAFSA also predicts a 15 per cent decline in total foreign student enrollment for the 2025–26 academic year — a loss of around 150,000 students compared to the previous year. For a country long seen as a global leader in higher education, this marks a significant shift in how international students view studying in the US.
The projected drop could cost the US economy $7 billion and over 60,000 jobs, according to the report.
According to a NDTV report, NAFSA CEO Fanta Aw called it “one of the most significant drops in international enrolment in recent times,"
She added that, unlike during the COVID-19 pandemic, this outcome would be “self-inflicted."
“A major difference between now and then, however, is that these losses would be self-inflicted," she said.
A key reason for the decline in numbers is the severe visa backlog. US embassies suspended visa appointments during March and April — a critical time for students applying for the fall semester. Some embassies still haven’t resumed full scheduling.
What further worsened the situation is a recent directive by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, ordering consular officers to enforce stricter social media screenings of student visa applicants.
Despite the increased workload, no extra staff were assigned to help, and little information was given about the screening process that added to confusion.
Embassies in countries like India, China, Nigeria, Ghana, South Korea, and Japan reported the most disruptions — all top sources of international students.
Consequently, students are now exploring other destinations for higher education. The top five alternatives listed in the NAFSA report are the UK, Canada, Australia, China, and Germany.
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...
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New York, United States of America (USA)
First Published:August 06, 2025, 18:09 IST
News world US Universities May See Major Drop In Foreign Student Enrollments This Year. Here's Why
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