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Indian student applications to U.S. colleges fall 15%
Applications from Indian students to U.S. colleges fell by 15 percent for the 2025-26 academic cycle, according to a report by Common App, a non-profit representing over 1,100 institutions. While overall undergraduate application volumes for the 2026-27 year have risen, international applications through March 1 saw a 10 percent decline, marking the steepest drop on record.
This trend is attributed to tightening U.S. immigration policies and visa uncertainty. Recent regulatory changes include the elimination of the traditional “duration of status” for student and visitor visas, replacing it with a four-year cap. Additionally, the U.S. government is considering a $100,000 fee for foreign students utilizing the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
Economic implications are significant; international students contributed an estimated $41.77 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2025-26 period, a figure projected to drop to $38.37 billion in 2026-27. Reports from NAFSA and JB International suggest that stricter rules could lead to as many as 110,000 fewer international student registrations in the upcoming fall semester.
Entities
Common App · Crimson Education · India · JB International · NAFSA · NAFSA: Association of International Educators · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The number of international students in the US is projected to drop from 11.69 lakh to 10.57 lakh for the 2025-26 session. www.hindimilap.com · sanmarg.in
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The US government notified new rules in July setting a maximum four-year duration for student and visitor visas. www.hindimilap.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] International students' contribution to the US local economy is projected to decrease from $41.77 billion to $38.37 billion in the 2026-27 session. www.hindimilap.com · samacharnama.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Total international undergraduate applications saw a 10% decline as of March 1. www.hindimilap.com · sanmarg.in · samacharnama.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Applications from Indian students for US colleges decreased by 15% for the 2025-26 session. www.hindimilap.com · sanmarg.in · samacharnama.com