Applications from Indian students seeking undergraduate admission to universities in the United States fell by 15% during the 2025-26 academic year compared with the previous year, according to a report released by nonprofit Common App. The decline comes amid tighter US immigration policies, changes in visa regulations and growing concerns over the cost and long-term prospects of studying in the country.
The Common App End-of-Season report, released on August 20, was based on responses and application data involving 1,146 schools. Common App is a membership organisation representing more than 1,100 higher education institutions across the US and 18 other countries.
The report found that international applications have recorded their biggest decline in a decade. Applications from Asia, the largest source region for international applicants, fell by 11% compared with the same period in the 2024-25 academic year. Common App said the decline was largely driven by a 15% fall in applications from India.
India has traditionally remained one of the largest sources of international students for US institutions. According to the Institute of International Education, 3,63,019 Indian students were studying in the US during the 2024-25 academic year. India and China together accounted for around 53% of all international students in the country during that period.
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How Sharply Have US Student Visas for Indians Declined?
The decline in applications comes against the backdrop of a sharp reduction in student visas issued to Indians. Data cited from the Centre for Immigration Studies showed that US immigration authorities issued 22,149 student visas to Indian applicants in 2025, compared with 58,694 in 2024, representing a decline of more than 60%.
The Common App report also recorded a broader fall in applications from other regions. Applications from Africa declined by 17%, with Ghana recording a 34% drop, Ethiopia 29% and Nigeria 21%. Among the 10 countries that generally contribute the highest number of international applications to US institutions, Kenya was the only country to record an increase, with applications rising by 29%.
The changing US immigration environment has become a major factor influencing international students’ decisions. The administration has introduced tighter immigration measures and changes to visa rules, while a proposed four-year limit on students’ stay after completion of their academic programmes has added another layer of uncertainty for prospective applicants.
Are Visa Rules and Rising Costs Making the US Less Attractive?
The US is also considering a proposed $100,000 fee for foreign students seeking to use the Optional Practical Training programme to work in the country after graduation. Any such measure could significantly alter the financial calculations of international students who traditionally rely on post-study work opportunities to gain professional experience and recover part of their education costs.
The changing environment is also creating opportunities for other countries to attract students who may reconsider the US. European destinations, including France and Germany, have been increasing efforts to attract international students through education and employment opportunities.
The cost of overseas education is another concern for Indian families. Movements in the rupee-dollar exchange rate have increased the overall financial burden associated with tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses and other costs in the US. For students from middle-income households, currency fluctuations can substantially affect the total cost of an overseas degree.
Could Indian Students Start Choosing Other Study Destinations?
Experts believe the expansion of international branch campuses in India could further influence student choices. Students may increasingly opt to complete undergraduate education in India and consider studying in the US for postgraduate programmes later, when the immigration and economic environment becomes clearer.
The shift could therefore represent more than a temporary decline in applications. For US universities, fewer applicants from India and other major international markets could affect enrolment strategies, while Indian students may increasingly compare destinations on the basis of tuition costs, visa certainty, employment opportunities and long-term immigration prospects.
For Indian applicants, the latest figures underline the importance of carefully evaluating visa policies and post-study work rules before committing to an overseas programme. With immigration regulations continuing to evolve, students and families are likely to place greater emphasis on the overall financial and career value of a US education rather than admission prospects alone.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
