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The number of international students enrolling in US colleges has fallen to its lowest level in more than a decade, according to a new report released Monday.
International student enrollment at US colleges for the fall 2025 semester has been cut by 17%, NBCNews.com reported.
That number represents “a significant decrease in the epidemic even in the last 11 years,” the report said, citing data from the Institute of International Education (IIE).
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According to a new report, the number of international students enrolling in US schools saw a sharp decline for the Fall 2025 semester. (Washington Post/Getty)
The drop marks a deeper drop than last year, which saw only a 7% drop in international student enrollment.
About half of the 825 American institutions surveyed by Iie reported declines in international student enrollment.
Fanta AW, CEO of international education non-profit Afsa: The Association of Foreign Teachers, told NBC that “The US is no longer the top destination for students to come.”
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People hold signs among Harvard students during the Rally in support of international students on the Harvard University Campus in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 27, 2025. (Rick Friedman/AFP via Getty Images)
The expert pointed to new challenges for prospective students to obtain student visas.
The Trump administration suspended planning for new visa negotiations in May, which NBC reported has created “long application backlogs” of foreign students who want to study in the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a rule in August limiting the length of time student visa holders can stay to four years.
A DHS press release said the proposal seeks to reduce “visa abuse” and increase the application’s ability to “effectively
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A new report revealed that the number of international students enrolling in US colleges has declined by the fall of 2025 semester. (Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The organization said foreign students have ‘used their generosity to our advantage’ and become “permanent students” by staying enrolled in the US so they can stay in the US
Aw said these and other visa challenges have made the US “very competitive” compared to other nations when international students pursue higher education.
According to NAFSA, the 17% drop in enrollment represents a loss of $1 billion to the US economy, as international students contributed $43 billion last year.
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The White House and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
