US New International Student Enrollment Falls 17%

New international student enrollment at U.S. colleges and universities fell 17 percent this fall, marking the sharpest decline in over a decade outside the pandemic era, according to a report released Monday by the Institute of International Education. The drop, based on data from 825 institutions, reflects heightened scrutiny of student visas under the Trump administration's immigration policies.

The report, part of the IIE's annual snapshot on international education, surveyed higher education associations and found that 57 percent of responding institutions reported decreases in new enrollments, while 29 percent saw increases and 14 percent remained stable. Among those citing declines, 96 percent pointed to concerns over the visa application process, including delays and denials, and 68 percent mentioned travel restrictions. Institutions also highlighted a temporary pause in visa issuance earlier this year and extended wait times as key barriers.

These challenges stem from several administration measures aimed at tightening legal immigration. Since March, the State Department has revoked more than 6,000 student visas, officials said. Consular officers now require applicants...