Indian Applications to US Colleges Decrease by 15%, Report Shows

International student applications from India to United States universities for undergraduate programmes have dipped by 15% for the 2025-26 academic cycle. This decline is among the most significant recorded by the non-profit organisation CommonApp, reflecting a broader trend of reduced interest in American higher education among international applicants.

The fall in applications follows a period of consistent growth from Indian students, signalling a reversal in a trend that has persisted for years. Furthermore, this decrease contributes to an overall reduction of about 10% in international applications for US undergraduate courses.

The decline has drawn attention, particularly as it aligns with recent reports indicating a decrease in interest among Indian students in studying abroad in the United States. A July report from the Institute for International Education (IIE), which collaborates closely with the US State Department, revealed that many US universities were anticipating lower enrolment numbers from Indian applicants for the upcoming academic year.

The IIE's Spring 2026 snapshot report noted that only 39% of institutions expressed stable or increased application figures from India. This is particularly significant, given that Indian students constituted nearly one-third (31%) of all international students enrolled in the United States in the 2024-25 academic year, according to the latest Open Doors report.

The tightening of student visa policies in the United States has been cited as a key factor contributing to this trend. Implemented during the Trump administration, these changes included the termination of the 'duration of status' visa provision, which allowed foreign students to remain in the US as long as they maintained their legal student status.

Under the new regulations, strict end dates are now set for student and exchange visitor visas. Moreover, students wishing to extend their stay beyond the permitted four years must submit additional documentation to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

In addition, the period allowed for foreign students to transfer schools, change their visa status, or leave the United States has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days.

Recent media reports have suggested that the US government is also contemplating imposing a fee exceeding $100,000 on foreign students who wish to utilise the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, which permits graduates to work in the United States following their studies. This potential fee could further deter prospective applicants from India, consequently impacting the overall number of international students seeking education in the US.

The changes in policies, coupled with the prominent drop in applications, have raised concerns among educational institutions regarding their ability to attract students from India, a key market for many US universities seeking international enrolment.