International student interest in US colleges is falling this year. New data from the Common App shows a 9% drop in foreign applications through November 1. The decline follows the White House push to limit international enrolment since President Donald Trump took office in January.
India drove the largest decline with a 14% fall. It marks its first drop since 2020. Applications from Africa fell 18%, while Asia saw a 9% decrease. China recorded a smaller 1% dip after a strong rise last year. Only Vietnam and Uzbekistan showed growth among the top ten source countries.
Last year, international applications rose early in the cycle but slipped by March. That season ended with strict federal actions on student visa holders and pressure on colleges to depend less on full-paying foreign students.
This year, the administration has revoked thousands of visas and increased visa interview restrictions. Officials also arrested students tied to pro-Palestinian protests and imposed tougher application rules. Several universities faced federal investigations over admissions practices and visa compliance.
Cornell University agreed to restore federal funding through a major settlement. Columbia University also accepted terms requiring reduced reliance on overseas enrolment. The data signals a shifting landscape for US higher education.
