Post by : Rameen Ariff

US colleges and universities are witnessing a decline in international applications this year, with Indian students fueling a notable drop. According to the latest Common App data, applications from India have fallen by 14%, marking the first decline since 2020. Overall, international applications to US colleges have decreased by 9% compared to the previous year.

China, the second largest source of international students, saw a minor 1% drop, slowing the surge in applications recorded last year. Other regions such as Africa and Asia experienced declines of 18% and 9%, respectively. Only Vietnam and Uzbekistan saw increases among the top ten countries sending students to the US.

Impact of Federal Policies on International Enrollment

The decline in applications comes amid a series of federal measures aimed at reducing foreign enrollment. Since the beginning of the Trump administration, thousands of student visas have been revoked, visa interviews restricted, and stricter application requirements imposed. Universities with large international student populations have also faced federal scrutiny over compliance with visa regulations, reports of antisemitism, and admissions practices.

Earlier this year, settlements with prominent universities such as Cornell and Columbia required these institutions to reduce financial reliance on international students and commit significant investments in research and compliance programs. These measures appear to have influenced application trends, particularly among Indian students, who historically form the largest group of international applicants.

Shifts in Admissions Trends

The Common App data also highlights other early shifts in US college admissions. Standardized test submissions increased by 11% compared to last year, reflecting federal encouragement for schools to reinstate testing requirements that were relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experts note that these early declines in applications may reshape the international student landscape in the US, affecting tuition revenues and campus diversity. While the application cycle continues until March 2026, these preliminary trends indicate that federal policies and administrative pressures are having a tangible impact on prospective international students.

As universities adapt to stricter regulations and rising compliance expectations, the coming months will reveal whether the dip in Indian and other international applications persists or rebounds. For Indian students seeking education abroad, understanding visa rules, application timelines, and federal guidelines will be critical in navigating this evolving landscape.

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