US universities report falling international applications amid visa uncertainty

More than half of U.S. colleges and universities surveyed by the American Council on Education reported declines in international student applications for the 2026 academic year, with visa delays and policy uncertainty among the concerns cited by university leaders.

The survey comes as institutions contend with changes to immigration policy, visa processing uncertainty and geopolitical tensions affecting international recruitment.

India and China, two major sources of international students for U.S. higher education, were among the countries specifically mentioned in reporting on the survey.

International student enrolment is significant for many U.S. universities because it contributes to campus diversity, research activity and institutional finances. Universities are consequently monitoring federal immigration developments closely as they plan future recruitment.

The survey measures institutional reports rather than the experience of every international student, and application trends can vary by university, programme and country.

Source: American Council on Education survey, reported September 18, 2026.