New enrolment of international students in the United States fell sharply this fall, according to Open Doors data from the Institute of International Education (IIE).
The number of first-time foreign college students dropped 17% this semester, following a 7% decline in the 2024–25 academic year. The earlier decline was partly due to fewer Chinese students arriving in the US amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Experts say the latest decrease reflects policy changes under the Trump administration, including stricter visa vetting and a temporary pause in visa interviews during the summer. These measures have left many prospective international students unable or reluctant to attend US colleges, while universities face financial pressures, as international students often pay full tuition.
Despite the drop, colleges are continuing efforts to attract foreign students. More than half of surveyed schools are allowing students to defer enrolment until next fall, while the majority remain committed to international recruitment.
Schools cited both academic and financial benefits of hosting international students: over 80% valued the cultural perspectives they bring to campus, while 60% highlighted their contributions to institutional revenue.
The Open Doors project, sponsored by the US Department of State and supported by IIE, has tracked international student trends since 1919.
