Indian student arrivals fall nearly 50%: Why are they turning away from US universities?

New immigration data signals a worrying and drastic shift, indicating that the enrolment of Indian students in United States universities is set to plummet. India, traditionally the largest source country for international students in the US, is seeing a significant drop in arrivals, according to a new Forbes news report. The figures suggest that US universities could face a sharp decline in international students during the 2025-26 academic year.

The decline is substantial, approaching 50% for the crucial arrival months of July and August. The numbers are tracked because new students typically arrive during this period, usually within 30 days before their programmes begin.

The number of students from India arriving on visas dropped by 44.5 per cent in August 2025 compared to the same month the previous year. Specifically, arrivals fell from 74,825 to 41,540 in August. The drop was similarly sharp in July, falling by 46.4 per cent. This significant decline in new admissions has worried educators across the US.

Why is this decline happening?

This sharp downturn is largely being attributed to uncertain and stricter immigration policies enacted by the Donald Trump-led US administration. Educators suggest these new rules are making it difficult to attract talented international students.

One major factor is the uncertainty surrounding work opportunities after graduation. US officials have proposed rules that would change the ability of international students to work under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) scheme. This programme is hugely important to students; a survey of graduate students showed that 54 per cent would not have enrolled in a US university if OPT were unavailable.

Furthermore, attempts to gain long-term work visas, like the H-1B, are also becoming complicated. Changes have been proposed to favour only senior staff, potentially making it harder for recent graduates to qualify. The administration also proposed imposing an extremely high fee—$100,000—on new H-1B visa entries.

Earlier actions, such as the suspension of student visa interviews and the increased scrutiny of applicants’ social media accounts, added further stress to the process. Universities are concerned that if policies continue to discourage enrollment, they will lose a vital source of talent and funding. If the US wants to continue attracting students, leaders need to promote policies that actively welcome, rather than deter, talented individuals, according to experts.