US Colleges Brace for Drop in International Enrolment Amid Policy Uncertainty
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US universities are preparing for a potential decline in international student enrolments for the upcoming academic year, according to the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) 2025 Spring Snapshot.
The report, based on survey responses from mid-May to early June, paints a mixed picture. While 32% of institutions reported an increase in international applications, an equal number saw flat growth, and 35% experienced declines—marking a shift from 2024, when 53% of colleges saw growth.
The uncertainty is attributed in part to the turbulent start of Donald Trump’s second term, which has introduced new immigration hurdles. A near month-long suspension of visa interviews, stricter social media screening, and a 22% year-on-year drop in student visa issuances in May 2025 have compounded recruitment challenges.
Concerns around US immigration policies and global competition are growing. Institutions flagged application barriers (87%), students opting for other countries (71%), port-of-entry issues (69%), and visa status uncertainty (68%) as the primary factors behind anticipated declines.
Graduate enrolments appear especially vulnerable, with half of institutions forecasting a drop. Undergraduate enrolments, meanwhile, are expected to hold steady or increase at 60% of universities.
The report also highlighted the impact of Trump’s controversial mass SEVIS status revocation earlier this year, which led to 176 international students voluntarily leaving the US. While this only represented 0.1% of the total international student body, it signalled a growing atmosphere of instability.
Despite these headwinds, nearly 90% of institutions surveyed said international student recruitment remains a top priority. Universities are also expanding support systems, with 95% offering advising sessions, visa guidance, and mental health resources.
Study abroad programmes for US students continue to rebound, with strong demand for destinations like the UK, Italy, Spain, Japan, and South Korea. China, once a dominant study abroad hub, has seen waning interest.
As the US grapples with enrolment challenges and shifting policy landscapes, the need for clarity and sustained global engagement has never been more pressing.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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