Indian Applications to US Colleges Decline
The number of Indian students applying for undergraduate admission to colleges in the United States fell by 15% in 2025-26 compared with the previous year, according to a report by Common App, a non-profit organisation representing more than 1,100 institutions. India remains the largest source of international students in the US.
The decline comes even as the overall volume of undergraduate applications in the US increased. The report found that international applicants fell by 10% through March 1, marking the steepest decline recorded in Common App’s data.
Tighter US Immigration Rules Affect Student Choices
The drop in applications comes amid changes to US immigration and visa policies that have created greater uncertainty for international students.
Recent policy changes include tighter visa rules and changes to the duration of authorised stay for international students. These developments have added uncertainty around studying and working in the US after graduation.
For Indian students, concerns about obtaining visas, remaining in the country after graduation and accessing post-study work opportunities could influence decisions about applying to American universities.
International Applications See Broader Decline
The decline is not limited to Indian applicants. Common App data shows that international undergraduate applications declined by 10%, while applications from India fell by 15%.
Students from other regions also recorded significant declines, making the trend part of a broader slowdown in international demand for US undergraduate education.
At the same time, domestic US applications continued to grow, creating a clear contrast between domestic and international demand.
US Universities Face Potential Enrolment Impact
The decline in international applications could have consequences for American universities that rely heavily on overseas students for tuition revenue and campus diversity.
A separate assessment cited in recent reports has projected that international student enrolment in the US could decline by up to 1.1 lakh students in Fall 2026 if visa restrictions and policy uncertainty continue to affect demand.
Such a decline could also affect the economic contribution generated by international students across US universities and local communities.
Post-Study Work Options Remain a Concern
For many Indian students, the decision to study in the US is closely linked to opportunities available after graduation. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme has traditionally allowed eligible international graduates to gain work experience in the country.
However, uncertainty surrounding immigration policy and potential changes to post-study work arrangements could make students more cautious about choosing the US for undergraduate education.
India Remains a Major Source of US International Students
Despite the decline in applications, India continues to be a major contributor to the US international student population. More than 3.63 lakh Indian students were enrolled at American institutions during the 2024-25 academic year, according to figures cited in recent reports.
The latest application data therefore represents a notable shift in a relationship that has seen strong growth in recent years.
US Study Destination Faces Changing Demand
The 15% decline in Indian undergraduate applications highlights how immigration policies and visa uncertainty can influence international students’ decisions.
For US universities, the trend could mean greater competition for international applicants and a need to address concerns surrounding visas, affordability and post-study opportunities. For Indian students, the changing policy environment may lead to more cautious decisions about pursuing undergraduate education in the US.
The coming admission cycles will indicate whether the decline represents a temporary response to policy uncertainty or the beginning of a longer-term shift in Indian students’ preferences for overseas education.