The recent decline in Indian applications to US colleges has drawn attention, reflecting rising concerns over immigration policies and visa uncertainties. A report from Common App, a non-profit organisation that represents over 1,100 institutions, indicates that the number of Indian applicants fell by 15% for the academic year 2025-26 compared to the previous year. Despite this drop, India continues to be the largest source of international students in the United States.

The Common App report reveals that international applications for undergraduate admissions in the 2026-27 academic year have decreased by 10% as of March 1. This reduction represents the steepest decline recorded by the organisation. Notably, applicants from Asia saw an 11% decline, while those from Africa encountered a sharper 17% decrease. Applications from Ghana were particularly affected, plummeting by 34%.

In stark contrast, there was a 5% increase in applicants from the Americas when looked at in relation to the previous academic year. Overall, the report further highlights shifting trends in US college admissions, with applicants from below-median-income ZIP codes growing by 8%, outpacing a mere 2% growth among above-median-income applicants.

Challenges for US Colleges

A separate document from NAFSA: Association of International Educators and JB International indicates that international student enrolment for Fall 2026 is expected to decline further. The report identifies several contributing factors, including decreased application volumes, ongoing visa appointment delays, and increasingly stringent immigration policies.

Estimates from the report suggest that the US economy could potentially incur losses up to $3.4 billion in direct contributions from international students during Fall 2026. Additionally, approximately 40,000 jobs may be jeopardised, representing a 9% reduction from the previous year’s baseline. A significant portion of these anticipated losses is expected to arise from decreased enrolment at graduate-level institutions, particularly those with sizeable international student populations.

Furthermore, international applications to US doctoral programmes for the upcoming fall are reportedly down by 21%. This fall contributes to a broader 17% drop in international admissions, alongside a 15% reduction in overall admissions for doctoral programmes due to uncertainties regarding federal research funding.

Concerns Regarding Proposed H-1B Fees

Students from India who aim to secure employment in the United States after their studies face new challenges due to proposed changes to the H-1B visa system. According to the immigration law firm Fragomen, the US Department of Homeland Security has initiated proposals for new fees aimed at both the H-1B and F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) programmes.

Previously, former President Trump’s administration introduced a one-time payment requirement of $100,000 for certain new H-1B petitions, although this measure is not currently enforceable. The latest proposal from the DHS would introduce a fee of $103,265 for each cap-subject H-1B petition, including those eligible for the exemption for US master’s degree holders. This proposal remains open for public consultation and has not yet been finalised.

The anticipated changes could substantially increase the costs associated with hiring foreign workers, thereby heightening concerns for Indian students juggling uncertainties surrounding visas, employment opportunities, and immigration policies in the United States.

Indian Students Exploring European Opportunities

In light of these challenges, Indian students are increasingly considering universities in Europe as viable alternatives to the United States. Countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain are becoming popular options due to their lower tuition fees, expanding English-language programmes, and clearer pathways for post-study work.

The India-EU mobility framework is contributing to this shift by facilitating easier movement and better recognition of Indian qualifications. However, potential obstacles in Europe include language barriers, housing shortages, and heightened competition for jobs.

Despite these challenges, the emphasis on affordability and more predictable policies is driving European universities to position themselves as strong contenders against traditional educational destinations such as the US, UK, and Canada.

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