Now Reading: Indian student applications to US colleges fall 15% over visa curbs
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Indian student applications to US colleges fall 15% over visa curbs
Indian student applications to US colleges fall 15% over visa curbs
Indian undergraduate applications to US colleges dropped 15% in 2025-26, the steepest decline on record, the Common App report shows. Overall international applications fell 10% by March 1. India remains the top…
Indian undergraduate applications to US colleges dropped 15% in 2025-26, the steepest decline on record, the Common App report shows. Overall international applications fell 10% by March 1. India remains the top source country, with over 3.63 lakh students enrolled in 2024-25.
The US government in July replaced the traditional 'duration of status' rule with a four-year cap on student visas. It is also considering a USD 100,000 fee for foreign students using the Optional Practical Training program to work after graduation.
NAFSA and JB International estimate international student registrations will fall to 10.57 lakh in Fall 2026-27 from 11.69 lakh, cutting their economic contribution from USD 41.77 billion to USD 38.37 billion.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Both outlets report the identical figures from the Common App and NAFSA reports, attributing the 15% drop in Indian undergraduate applications directly to US immigration tightening. Neither adds independent sourcing or commentary, so the coverage is uniform straight reporting. The core implication is economic: the projected USD 3.4 billion loss from international student spending signals that visa restrictions are already reshaping one of India's largest overseas education flows. The USCIS decision on the proposed USD 100,000 OPT fee remains the next concrete policy point to track.
Coverage: 2 sources, 2 neutral
Sources (2): hindustantimes.com (neutral report), telanganatoday.com (neutral report)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
