Indian Student Applications to US Colleges Fall 15% Amid Policy Changes

Applications from Indian students to US colleges and universities fell by 15 per cent for the 2025-26 admission cycle, according to data from the Common App, a nonprofit platform used by more than 1,100 institutions. The decline, reported on August 25, 2026, comes as the US government tightens immigration and visa policies, creating uncertainty for international students. The drop is part of a broader trend, with overall international undergraduate applications down 10 per cent through March 1, marking the steepest decline recorded by the Common App.

India is the largest source of international students in the US, with over 3.63 lakh (363,000) students enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year. The 15 per cent decline in Indian applications is particularly significant for American universities that rely heavily on overseas enrolments for both diversity and revenue. While overall undergraduate application volumes for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year have increased, the fall in international interest suggests a shift in student sentiment.

The decline in applications is linked to a series of policy changes and proposals from the US government. In July, the administration...