Indian Students in the US Face Enrollment Decline

The number of Indian students studying in the United States has seen a significant drop, with active records falling by 13.5% in just one year. This decline, from over 366,000 students in October 2025 to nearly 317,000 in October 2026, is particularly sharp in master’s programs, which experienced a 20% decrease. While India remains the largest source of international students, this trend suggests a growing challenge for U.S. institutions relying on international enrollment.

Graduate Enrollment Sees a Split

The overall decrease in Indian student numbers masks a more complex picture within graduate studies. While master’s enrollment saw a steep decline of about 20%, from over 292,000 students to just over 234,000, doctoral program enrollment actually increased. The number of students pursuing doctoral degrees rose by more than 13,000, indicating a shift in focus within higher education. Bachelor’s degree enrollment also saw a slight decrease.

Study Level	October 2025	October 2026
Master’s	292,929	234,034
Doctoral	28,609	41,729
Bachelor’s	38,522	36,011

This data, based on Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records, shows that the losses were not uniform across all academic levels.

Decline Outpaces Overall International Student Drop

The drop in Indian student numbers is more pronounced than the general decline in international student enrollment. Across all countries, active student records fell by about 7.1%, from over 1.28 million to just under 1.19 million. In contrast, India’s cohort shrank by 13.5%. China, the second-largest source country, saw a decrease of about 10.2%. This suggests that factors affecting Indian students may be more specific or intense.

Data from the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors report for 2024-25 showed a different trend, with a 9.5% increase in Indian students compared to the previous year. However, this total included students in Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to work in the U.S. after graduation. When looking only at academic enrollment, the picture is less positive, with a 6.3% decrease in undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree students combined.

Visa Issues and Campus Surveys Signal a Weaker Pipeline

Concerns about visa processing and denials appear to be a major factor influencing enrollment decisions. State Department data revealed a 34% decrease in F-1 visa issuances from 2024 to 2025. For Indian applicants, the drop was even more significant, with a 60% decrease from 2024 and a 76% decrease from 2023. A visa interview freeze in June 2025 is also cited as a cause for delays throughout the summer.

Campus surveys reinforce these concerns. A report from the Institute of International Education found that 59% of U.S. institutions surveyed expected fewer international applications for the 2026-27 academic year. Among institutions anticipating a decline, 92% pointed to visa denials and delays as a primary reason. Other factors include U.S. travel restrictions and students choosing other destinations.

Uncertainty Around Work Visas Impacts Decisions

The path to employment after graduation is a significant consideration for many Indian students and their families. Uncertainty surrounding Optional Practical Training (OPT) and H-1B work visas is weighing heavily on these decisions. Some reports suggest that families are hesitant to invest substantial amounts of money, often up to $70,000, when the outcome of visa applications is uncertain.

Concerns about potential changes to OPT, such as a rumored fee increase, and the ending of duration of status (D/S) protections add to this uncertainty. These factors can make the overall calculation of pursuing education in the U.S. less appealing when compared to other countries. The potential economic impact of declining international student enrollment is estimated to be billions of dollars, affecting jobs and U.S. competitiveness.

Revocation Notices Add to Student Anxiety

An additional source of anxiety for students has been the revocation of student visas. Data showed that around 8,000 student visas were revoked through December 2025. In some cases, these revocations were linked to past criminal charges, even if those charges had been dismissed or resolved. Increased scrutiny and limited appointment slots for visa applications have made prospective students more wary of the process. This sharp drop in student numbers is a concern for many in the international education sector.

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