Common App data reveals 9% decline in international student applications — visa pressure and policy scrutiny cited as key factors
More international students are applying to U.S. colleges — but the numbers are falling. According to data from the Common App, applications through Nov 1, 2025, dropped 9% compared to the same time last year.
The sharpest fall came from India, the largest source of foreign students for U.S. colleges — Indian applications fell by 14%, marking their first decline since 2020.
Applications from Africa also dropped around 18%, while other parts of Asia saw a 9% decline.
Experts are pointing to intensified visa screening, stricter application requirements, and federal scrutiny of universities as major reasons behind these drops.
Why this matters:
- Indian students contribute significantly to U.S. universities’ revenues.
- A continued decline could hit smaller colleges especially hard, many of which rely heavily on international tuition.
- Policy observers say the trend may reflect broader geopolitical shifts and changing dynamics in U.S. immigration and higher education.
