# US international student enrollment trends

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-international-student-enrollment-trends
> Updated: 2026-11-01T02:57:30.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

United States universities reached a record high of approximately 1.18 million international students for the 2024/25 academic year, representing a 5% annual increase. These students account for roughly 6% of the total American higher education population.

India has emerged as the primary source of international students in the U.S., with enrollments rising by 9.5% to 363,019. This makes India the largest provider, accounting for nearly 31% of the total international student population. China follows as the second largest source with 265,919 students, despite a 4.1% decrease in enrollment. Combined, students from India and China represent over half of all international students in the United States.

However, recent data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) indicates a shift. As of October 2026, the number of active Indian students in the U.S. fell by approximately 13.5% over one year, dropping to 316,893 from 366,258 in October 2025. This decline was most pronounced at the master's level, which saw a 20% decrease, while doctoral enrollment increased from 28,609 to 41,729.

Overall international student numbers also decreased by about 7.1%. The decline in Indian enrollment coincides with increased U.S. scrutiny of student visas, proposed fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM extensions, and shifts in legal immigration pathways. The nonprofit network Indiaspora attributed the trend to “anti-Indian rhetoric during the election season.”

## Timeline

### 2026-11-01: US student visa data shows 13.5% decline in Indian students

US government data shows active Indian student enrollment fell 13.5% to 316,893 in October 2026, with the sharpest decline occurring in master's programs.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-student-visa-data-shows-135-decline-in-indian-students

### 2026-10-05: US universities reach record international student enrollment

US universities reached a record 1.18 million international students in 2024/25, led by India and China, while Moldovan student enrollment remains low at 154 individuals.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-universities-reach-record-international-student-enrollment

### 2026-10-03: India becomes top source of international students in the U.S

India has become the top source of international students in the U.S., with 363,019 enrollments in 2024/25, surpassing China as total international student numbers in the U.S. reach record levels.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-becomes-top-source-of-international-students-in-the-us

---
Cite as: US international student enrollment trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-international-student-enrollment-trends