Foreign student enrolment at US universities fell by 1.4% this fall — the first decline in three years — after the Trump administration tightened immigration policies and intensified scrutiny of several elite institutions.
Data released by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center on Thursday showed that the number of international students nationwide dropped by nearly 5,000, even as total student enrolment grew by 1%. The overall decline was largely driven by graduate programmes, where enrolment fell 6% — or almost 10,000 students — after surging more than 50% between 2020 and 2024.
The downturn marks another setback for US colleges and universities as President Donald Trump moves to reshape higher education. Under last year’s tax-and-spending law, the wealthiest institutions are facing a higher endowment tax, while several top universities have also been hit by federal funding freezes.
International students have traditionally been highly valued by universities because many pay full tuition. According to the Institute of International Education, personal and family funds were the primary source of financing for 51% of international students in 2024–25.
However, the Trump administration has introduced travel bans, slowed visa processing, and issued warnings of deportation for some campus activists. Earlier this week, the US Department of State’s official X account said it had revoked 8,000 student visas as part of its effort to “keep America safe.”
