New Delhi- New international student enrolments in the colleges and universities in the United States have decreased by 17 pc in the fall of 2025, the latest Open Doors report has indicated amid ongoing visa uncertainties.

Despite the overall drop this fall, India retained its position as the top source of international students for the second consecutive year in the academic year 2024-25, surpassing China.

Open Doors is the most comprehensive information resource on international students and scholars in the United States and on US students studying abroad for academic credit. The Open Doors project is sponsored by the US Department of State with funding provided by the US government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

“Over 825 US higher education institutions participated in the fall 2025 snapshot, providing an initial look into international student numbers as of the 2025-26 academic year. These institutions report a 1 pc decline in international student totals in fall 2025. Undergraduate enrolments are up by 2 percent, while graduate enrolments have decreased by 12 percent,” the report said.

“New enrolments, international students studying at their US college or university for the first time in fall 2025, decreased by 17 pc. Many institutions are continuing to focus on international student recruitment, citing the value of international students' perspectives on campus (81 pc) and their financial contributions (60 pc),” it added.

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