The number of Indian students seeking admission to undergraduate programmes in the United States declined by 15 per cent during the 2025-26 admission cycle, according to a new report, highlighting the growing impact of immigration-related uncertainty on the country’s appeal as a destination for higher education.
The report by the Common App, a non-profit organisation that facilitates college applications, found that applications from India fell even as the overall volume of undergraduate applications to US institutions increased for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year. The data covers more than 1,100 colleges and universities and points to a broader decline in international student interest in American undergraduate education.
According to the report, the number of international applicants through March 1 declined by 10 per cent for the 2026-27 academic year. This was described as the steepest decline recorded in the Common App’s data. India, which has emerged as the largest source of international students in the US, recorded an even sharper fall of 15 per cent in applications.
The decline comes at a time when prospective international students are facing increased uncertainty over US immigration and visa policies. Changes and tighter scrutiny surrounding immigration procedures have raised concerns among students and families about the process of entering the country, completing their studies and remaining in the US after graduation.
India has been one of the most important contributors to the US international student population. More than 3.63 lakh Indian students were enrolled in various programmes in the US during the 2024-25 academic year, making the country the largest source of international students for American higher education. The latest figures therefore assume significance for universities that have traditionally relied heavily on Indian applicants.
The fall in applications is also significant because the US remains one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students seeking higher education abroad, particularly in areas such as engineering, computer science, business and other specialised disciplines. However, the latest figures suggest that concerns over immigration rules and the overall policy environment may be prompting some students to reconsider their options.
The impact is not limited to universities. International students make a substantial contribution to the American economy through tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, food and other expenses. The report estimated that international students contributed around USD 41.77 billion to the US economy during the 2025-26 academic year. That contribution is projected to decline to about USD 38.37 billion in 2026-27 if the reduction in international student numbers and applications continues.
The latest Common App figures are part of a wider pattern of weakening interest among international students amid uncertainty surrounding US visa policies. Earlier data and reports have also pointed to declines in student arrivals and applications from several countries, with India witnessing a particularly notable reduction.
Experts and education-sector observers have linked the trend to a combination of visa-related difficulties, tighter immigration policies and uncertainty over the future prospects available to international graduates. For Indian students, the question is not only about gaining admission to an American university but also about the ability to obtain a visa, travel on time and navigate the immigration system after completing their education.
The latest decline could also encourage students to look more closely at alternative destinations such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, Ireland and Singapore. As universities across these countries seek to attract international students, uncertainty surrounding the US could influence decisions about where Indian students choose to pursue their undergraduate education.
Despite the decline, the US continues to host a large Indian student population and remains a major centre for higher education and research. However, the Common App findings indicate that maintaining its position as a preferred destination may increasingly depend on how the country addresses concerns surrounding immigration, visas and the broader experience of international students.
