15% drop in Indian undergrad applicants to US: report
A Common App report shows Indian applicants for US undergraduate programs fell 15% in 2025-26, while overall international applications through March 1 declined 10%. The data covers over 1,100 institutions and comes amid stricter visa rules and new policy proposals.
Key takeaways
- Indian undergraduate admissions to US colleges dropped by 15% in 2025-26 compared to the prior year.
- International applications through March 1 for the 2026-27 cycle declined by 10%—the steepest on record.
- The decline occurs amid visa policy tightening and discussions of new post-graduation work-fee proposals.
What Happened
The Hindu reports that Indian students applying for undergraduate admission to US colleges declined by 15% in 2025-26 compared with the previous year, according to a Common App report representing more than 1,100 institutions. While overall undergraduate application volume for the 2026-27 cycle rose, international applications through March 1 fell by 10%, the steepest decline on record.
India remains the largest source of international students in the United States, with more than 3.63 lakh students enrolled across courses in the 2024-25 academic year. The same report estimated international students contributed $41.77 billion to the local economy in Fall 2025-26, with a projection of $38.37 billion for 2026-27.
Earlier analyses cautioned that stricter visa rules and policy uncertainty could lead to up to 1.1 lakh fewer international student registrations in Fall 2026. Data from NAFSA and JB International place Fall 2025-26 international registrations at about 11.69 lakh, falling to 10.57 lakh in 2025-26. In July, US authorities announced changes ending the traditional “duration of status” for student and visitor visas, capping stays at four years—the typical duration of many degree programs. There is also discussion of a potential $100,000 fee for foreign students using the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program after graduation, which allows work in the US for 12 to 24 months and can lead to H-1B sponsorship by employers.
Both the Hindu and corroborating coverage note that the Common App findings span admissions cycles and that the immigration policy environment during this period was a central factor in shifting applicant behavior.
Why It Matters
The shifting mobility patterns for Indian students intersect with broader US policy debates on visa regimes, international education funding, and the demand for skilled foreign workers. If demand weakens further, US colleges could face revenue fluctuations tied to international enrollments, while other source countries and education systems may adjust recruitment strategies in response to policy changes and cost considerations surrounding OPT and H-1B pathways.
Background
India has been the largest source of international students in the United States for several years. Reports from Common App, NAFSA, and related research outline declines in international registrations in recent cycles and connect some of the movement to policy shifts, including changes to visa duration rules and potential new fees for work authorization programs post-graduation.
Key Facts
- Indian applicants for US undergraduate admission declined 15% in 2025-26 vs. 2024-25.
- Common App report covers more than 1,100 institutions.
- International undergraduate applications through March 1 declined 10% in the 2026-27 cycle (steepest on record).
- India is the largest source of international students in the US, with 3.63+ lakh enrolled in 2024-25.
- International students contributed $41.77 billion to the US economy in Fall 2025-26; projected $38.37 billion in 2026-27.
- NAFSA/JB International estimate Fall 2025-26 international registrations at 11.69 lakh, down to 10.57 lakh.
- US government announced removal of duration-of-status for student/visitor visas; stays capped at four years.
- Possible $100,000 OPT-related fee under consideration; OPT permits 12–24 months of work and potential H-1B transition.
What Happens Next
Policy discussions and potential adjustments to visa rules and work-authorisation fees will influence future international student flows. Institutions and policymakers may monitor enrollment trends closely and adjust recruitment, funding, and support services for international students as new rules emerge or are clarified.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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