International student enrollment in the United States universities has reportedly declined by 17 per cent in 2025, marking the steepest decline on record and reflecting the escalation of visa restrictions under President Donald Trump.
A new report by the Institute of International Education, which analysed data from about 825 schools, showed that 57 per cent of participating institutions recorded drops in new international enrolment. The decline contrasts with the modest one per cent decrease recorded in the previous academic year.
The study, based on submissions from universities with high international student populations, aligns with separate Department of Homeland Security data indicating a downward trend in the number of student visa holders.
Analysts attribute the drop to stricter immigration policies, including funding cuts affecting research programmes and reduced admissions for foreign graduate students. The United States government has also revoked thousands of student visas over alleged “anti-American and antisemitic” views and expanded visa scrutiny to include social media screening.
In a recent move that may further deter prospective students, Mr Trump signed an executive order raising H-1B visa sponsorship fees from $5,000 to $100,000 annually for companies hiring foreign workers, complicating the pathway from student status to long-term employment in the United States.
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