- Indian applications to US colleges fell 15% for the 2025-26 academic year, despite having 3.63 lakh Indian students enrolled in US institutions during 2024-25.
- International applications through March 1 for the 2026-27 academic year declined 10%, marking the steepest fall recorded so far.
- Projected international enrolment is expected to drop to 10.57 lakh in Fall 2026, down from 11.69 lakh in Fall 2025-26.
- In 2024-25, over 3.63 lakh Indian students were enrolled in US institutions, making India the largest source of international students in the US.
- The US administration plans to replace the traditional "duration of status" system with a four-year limit for student and visitor visas, and is considering a USD 100,000 fee for foreign students using the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme.
- OPT allows international students to work for up to 12 months (or 24 months in certain cases) and can lead to employer-sponsored H-1B visas.
- The administration has proposed an additional USD 103,265 charge for H-1B applications under the annual quota, including master's degree exemptions.
Applications from Indian students to US colleges fell 15% for the 2025-26 academic year, driven by tightening visa policies and uncertainty surrounding immigration rules. This decline is part of a broader trend, as international applications dropped 10% through March 1, marking the steepest fall recorded, according to a report by the Common App.3
Indian students represent the largest source of international students in the US, with more than 3.63 lakh enrolled in various courses during the 2024-25 academic year. However, the current decline comes amid growing concerns over US immigration policies, which have led to a projected USD 38.37 billion contribution to the US economy from international students in 2026-27, down from USD 41.77 billion in 2025-26.126
A separate report by NAFSA: Association of International Educators estimates that stricter visa policies could result in up to 1.1 lakh fewer international student enrolments at US colleges in Fall 2026. The report indicates that international student enrolment was 11.69 lakh in Fall 2025-26, compared to a projected 10.57 lakh this year.45
Recent policy changes include a proposed four-year limit on student and visitor visas and a potential USD 100,000 fee for foreign students using the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows them to work in the US post-graduation. These changes have raised concerns among prospective students about the viability of pursuing education in the US.78
“The decline follows stricter visa policies, including a proposed four-year limit on student visas and a $100,000 fee for OPT. A NAFSA report projects up to 1.1 lakh fewer international enrolments in Fall 2026, with economic contribution falling from $41.77 billion to $38.37 billion.”
Deccan Herald
