Universities in the United States registered solid enrollment of international students this fall, despite fears generated by the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. However, a new report reveals signs of instability, as the arrival of new international students declined considerably compared to the previous academic year. According to a survey by the Institute of International Education, campuses reported a 1% drop in total international enrollment. However, this figure is sustained by the high number of graduates who remain in the country on temporary work permits. New student intake fell by 17%. Some institutions have faced severe reductions that affected their tuition revenue, although the overall impact was less than anticipated by observers. Researchers attribute this outcome to the extensive efforts made by universities to help students resolve visa issues and complete paperwork during the summer. “I think universities did absolutely everything they could to get these students to the United States,” said Mirka Martel, head of research at the institute. Her comment reflects the magnitude of the work being done to stem the decline in international enrollment, Mirka Martel.

Universities face declines and migration pressures

At DePaul University in Chicago, the number of international graduate students fell by almost 62%, directly impacting the institutional budget. The university president attributed the drop to visa issues and less global interest in studying in the United States, calling the situation a “massive” disruption.

The survey indicated that almost 60% of universities saw a decrease in new international students this fall, while 30% reported increases. More than 800 institutions participated in the study, which offers a preliminary overview before the release of full data next year.The Trump administration has intensified its push to reduce international enrollment at U.S. institutions. The White House is pressuring universities to limit the number of international students and increase admissions of U.S. citizens. In June, the State Department tightened its review of applications after temporarily suspending all interviews. Visa processing remains delayed in key countries such as India, a major source of international students. Educational institutions have reported growing interest in studying in Europe and Asia, while the preference for the United States is weakening. Although overall numbers are holding steady, experts warn of risks to future sustainability. “There are warning signs for the next few years, and I’m really concerned about what this means for 2026 and 2027,” said Clay Harmon, executive director of AIRC, highlighting the potential impact on international recruitment systems. International students represent about 6% of total enrollment, but contribute a significant proportion of the university budget due to their high tuition fees and limited financial aid. On elite campuses, they often make up as much as a quarter of the student body. This fall, graduate programs saw the largest decline, falling 12%, partially offset by an increase in Optional Practical Training (OPT) participants. Undergraduate enrollment, in contrast, grew slightly, showing greater stability among younger students. Universities noted that visa issues and travel restrictions remain key factors behind the decline. Institutions such as Albany, Kent State, Illinois, and Michigan reported setbacks that led to further budget cuts, impacting operations and academic plans. Many institutions have offered greater flexibility to students who were unable to travel this fall. Three-quarters allow deferrals until spring, and more than half authorize deferrals until fall 2026, seeking to retain as many international students as possible. Meanwhile, countries like Germany and Canada have intensified their international recruitment, offering more favorable immigration policies. “They have friendlier messages, and students feel more welcome,” said Joann Ng Hartmann, highlighting the growing appeal of universities outside the United States.The White House is pressuring universities to limit the number of international students and increase admissions of U.S. citizens. In June, the State Department tightened its application review process after temporarily suspending all interviews. Visa processing remains delayed in key countries such as India, a major source of international students. Educational institutions have reported growing interest in studying in Europe and Asia, while the preference for the United States is weakening. Although overall numbers are holding steady, experts warn of risks to future sustainability. “There are warning signs for the next few years, and I’m really concerned about what this means for 2026 and 2027,” said Clay Harmon, executive director of AIRC, highlighting the potential impact on international recruitment systems. International students represent about 6% of total enrollment, but contribute a significant proportion of the university budget due to their high tuition fees and limited financial aid. On elite campuses, they often make up as much as a quarter of the student body. This fall, graduate programs saw the largest decline, falling 12%, partially offset by an increase in Optional Practical Training (OPT) participants. Undergraduate enrollment, in contrast, grew slightly, showing greater stability among younger students. Universities noted that visa issues and travel restrictions remain key factors behind the decline. Institutions such as Albany, Kent State, Illinois, and Michigan reported setbacks that led to further budget cuts, impacting operations and academic plans. Many institutions have offered greater flexibility to students who were unable to travel this fall. Three-quarters allow deferrals until spring, and more than half authorize deferrals until fall 2026, seeking to retain as many international students as possible. Meanwhile, countries like Germany and Canada have intensified their international recruitment, offering more favorable immigration policies. “They have friendlier messages, and students feel more welcome,” said Joann Ng Hartmann, highlighting the growing appeal of universities outside the United States.The White House is pressuring universities to limit the number of international students and increase admissions of U.S. citizens. In June, the State Department tightened its application review process after temporarily suspending all interviews. Visa processing remains delayed in key countries such as India, a major source of international students. Educational institutions have reported growing interest in studying in Europe and Asia, while the preference for the United States is weakening. Although overall numbers are holding steady, experts warn of risks to future sustainability. “There are warning signs for the next few years, and I’m really concerned about what this means for 2026 and 2027,” said Clay Harmon, executive director of AIRC, highlighting the potential impact on international recruitment systems. International students represent about 6% of total enrollment, but contribute a significant proportion of the university budget due to their high tuition fees and limited financial aid. On elite campuses, they often make up as much as a quarter of the student body. This fall, graduate programs saw the largest decline, falling 12%, partially offset by an increase in Optional Practical Training (OPT) participants. Undergraduate enrollment, in contrast, grew slightly, showing greater stability among younger students. Universities noted that visa issues and travel restrictions remain key factors behind the decline. Institutions such as Albany, Kent State, Illinois, and Michigan reported setbacks that led to further budget cuts, impacting operations and academic plans. Many institutions have offered greater flexibility to students who were unable to travel this fall. Three-quarters allow deferrals until spring, and more than half authorize deferrals until fall 2026, seeking to retain as many international students as possible. Meanwhile, countries like Germany and Canada have intensified their international recruitment, offering more favorable immigration policies. “They have friendlier messages, and students feel more welcome,” said Joann Ng Hartmann, highlighting the growing appeal of universities outside the United States.Educational institutions have registered a growing interest in studying in Europe and Asia, while the preference for the United States is weakening. Although overall numbers remain stable, experts warn of risks to future sustainability. “There are warning signs for the coming years, and I am really concerned about what this means for 2026 and 2027,” said Clay Harmon, executive director of AIRC, highlighting the potential impact on international recruitment systems. International students represent about 6% of total enrollment, but contribute a significant proportion of the university budget due to their high tuition fees and limited financial aid. On elite campuses, they often make up as much as a quarter of the student body. This fall, graduate programs saw the largest decline, falling 12%, partially offset by an increase in Optional Practical Training (OPT) participants. Undergraduate enrollment figures, in contrast, grew slightly, showing greater stability among younger students. Universities noted that visa issues and travel restrictions remain key factors behind the decline. Institutions such as Albany, Kent State, Illinois, and Michigan reported setbacks that led to further budget cuts, impacting operations and academic plans. Many institutions have offered greater flexibility to students who were unable to travel this fall. Three-quarters are allowing deferrals until spring, and more than half are authorizing deferrals until fall 2026, seeking to retain as many international students as possible. Meanwhile, countries such as Germany and Canada have intensified their international recruitment, offering more favorable immigration policies. “They have friendlier messages, and students feel more welcome,” said Joann Ng Hartmann, highlighting the growing appeal of universities outside the United States.Educational institutions have registered a growing interest in studying in Europe and Asia, while the preference for the United States is weakening. Although overall numbers remain stable, experts warn of risks to future sustainability. “There are warning signs for the coming years, and I am really concerned about what this means for 2026 and 2027,” said Clay Harmon, executive director of AIRC, highlighting the potential impact on international recruitment systems. International students represent about 6% of total enrollment, but contribute a significant proportion of the university budget due to their high tuition fees and limited financial aid. On elite campuses, they often make up as much as a quarter of the student body. This fall, graduate programs saw the largest decline, falling 12%, partially offset by an increase in Optional Practical Training (OPT) participants. Undergraduate enrollment figures, in contrast, grew slightly, showing greater stability among younger students. Universities noted that visa issues and travel restrictions remain key factors behind the decline. Institutions such as Albany, Kent State, Illinois, and Michigan reported setbacks that led to further budget cuts, impacting operations and academic plans. Many institutions have offered greater flexibility to students who were unable to travel this fall. Three-quarters are allowing deferrals until spring, and more than half are authorizing deferrals until fall 2026, seeking to retain as many international students as possible. Meanwhile, countries such as Germany and Canada have intensified their international recruitment, offering more favorable immigration policies. “They have friendlier messages, and students feel more welcome,” said Joann Ng Hartmann, highlighting the growing appeal of universities outside the United States.They typically make up as much as a quarter of the student body.