New international student enrollments at colleges and universities in the United States are projected to decrease by 17% in Fall 2025. This decline occurs despite India retaining its position as the top source country for international students for the second consecutive year during the 2024-25 academic year, surpassing China.
These findings come from the latest Open Doors report . The report is an annual publication providing comprehensive data on international students and scholars in the U.S., as well as U.S. students studying abroad. The U.S. Department of State sponsors the Open Doors project, with the Institute of International Education (IIE) managing its implementation. Over 825 US higher education institutions contributed data for this Fall 2025 snapshot, offering an initial look into international student numbers for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year.
Overall Enrollment Shifts
The report indicates a 1% overall decline in international student totals for Fall 2025 across participating institutions. This slight overall decrease masks differing trends within student levels. Undergraduate enrollments saw a 2% increase. In contrast, graduate enrollments experienced a 12% decrease.
The most significant shift is in new enrollments. International students attending a U.S. college or university for the first time in Fall 2025 decreased by 17%. Despite these drops, many institutions continue to focus on international student recruitment. They cite the value of international students’ diverse perspectives (81%) and their financial contributions (60%) to campus communities.
Key Reasons for Decline
Colleges and universities identify multiple factors contributing to the decline in new enrollments for Fall 2025. A substantial 96% of institutions reported concerns related to visa applications as a primary issue. Additionally, 68% highlighted ongoing travel restrictions as a significant barrier for prospective international students.
For India, the leading country sending international students to the U.S., most institutions reported declines in new enrollments. Only 39% of reporting institutions noted stable or increased new enrollment numbers specifically from India.
India’s Leading Role
Despite the projected decrease in new enrollments, India continues to be the largest source of international students in the U.S. The country sent 363,019 students in the 2024-25 academic year. This figure represents a 10% increase from the previous academic year. China followed as the second-largest sender with 265,919 students, showing a 4% decline.
The national decrease in new international student enrollment is largely influenced by declines from India. Conversely, new international student enrollment from China and South Korea showed stability or growth. Reports indicate 56% of institutions saw stable or increased new enrollment from China. Similarly, 60% saw stable or increased numbers from South Korea.
International Student Totals (2024-25 Academic Year)
| Country | Number of Students | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| India | 363,019 | +10% |
| China | 265,919 | -4% |
Twelve of the top 25 countries sending international students to the U.S. reached their highest totals to date. These nations include Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Ghana, India, Italy, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Spain, and Vietnam.
Visa Processing Challenges
The report also highlights notable shifts in visa issuance patterns. The number of F visas issued to Indian students decreased significantly by 33.2% in fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023. F visas are non-immigrant visas required for full-time students pursuing academic studies in the U.S.
This substantial drop in F visa issuance for Indian students contributes to overall visa uncertainties. Stricter visa rules and social media screening policies implemented under previous U.S. administrations have created ongoing challenges for prospective international students seeking to study in the country.