US institutions bracing for a challenging enrolment outlook for 2025/26

By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | IIT Delhi Alumni | 17+ Years Experience | 50,000+ Students Placed
Published: January 3, 2025 | 12 min read | ✓ Verified Expert

Introduction

And so the situation of the international students’ enrollment you know, in the US is changing rapidly. In the year 2026-27, the number of foreign students entering You might’ve seen news about visa delays and new policies in the newspapers recently. The talk of a ‘cliff’ is also in the air. But does this really affect your dreams of studying in the US? How do international educators and organizations such as the Institute of International Education respond to these challenges?

It’s true that the United States has long been the favorite destination of foreign students, and Indians are one of the largest contingents of them. And now. With new data from the Institute of International Education, changes in government policy and the impact of the economy, the picture for 2025-26 is even more complicated. In this guide. We discuss the recent trends, the prospects of Indian students, and the best ways to navigate the changing landscape of the international student recruitment to the United States.

Gateway International has a good record of over 50,000 students from all over India. Oh, and another thing – with more than seventeen years of expertise and IIT graduates at the helm, we’re well equipped to help you understand what’s happening, what’s changing and how you can make the best decisions for your future. Let’s go! Let’s start!

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US International Student Enrolment Trends for 2025/26

And now let’s go to the numbers and projections for foreign students from the United States in the 2025-26 academic year. In the IIE and ICEF monitoring. The United States saw a great recovery of international students after the pandemic, with more than a million enrolled in 2023-24. However. The increase is slowing and many experts predict a 7 to 11 percent drop in the number of international students in the US by 2025. Some forecasts even predict that. Due to the clogged visa offices and other disruptions, there will be a drop in enrollments by 30 to 40 percent.

The US is still I mean, first among the choices, but its growth is slowing. In 2024 undergraduate undergraduate enrollments increased by 6%, but graduate enrollments remained the same. New international students even declined by 5 percent. Despite this, a record number of students participated in the OPT scheme, which shows that the career prospects of students still play an important part in their choice of the.

• In 2023-24 the United States received – I mean, nearly 1.6 million F-1 and M-1 students.
• India is the second biggest group of students, with some 300,000 in 2024.
• A third of the American schools expect a drop in international enrollments in the academic year 2025-26.
• A change in the visa system and international competition are two of the main factors that.

So even though the United States still remains the leading nation in the world, the situation is much more difficult for the year 2025-26 than it has been in.

Clearly, the story of international student recruitment in the United States in 2025-26 is one of both opportunity and challenge. Numbers are still enormous, but the headwinds are real.

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Key Factors Impacting US International Student Enrolment

Let’s be honest: the US international student enrollment is shaped by a complex mixture of policy, economics, I mean, and international competition. According to the latest International Institute of Education reports and the views of international educators, these are the main trends influencing.

• Visa Policy & Processing:A tightening of scrutiny, delays, and gaps in the appointment system are making it harder for students to obtain F-1 visas, especially those from India and China.
• Economic Factors:Higher tuition fees and the strengthening of the dollar have made studying in the United States more expensive, especially for students from Asia and Africa.
• Post-Pandemic Trends:Although there was a strong rebound after COVID-19, the growth has slowed down and new enrollments are down by five percent for fall 2024.
• Global Competition:Internationally, countries such as Canada, the UK and Australia are actively recruiting foreign students and offering more predictable employment after graduation.
• Career Pathways:Honestly, participation in OPT is at a high, which indicates that students are still interested in staying in the United States after graduation.

And indeed, these are all interconnected. When visa restrictions tighten, or the cost of studying goes up, students start looking for new countries. And with more and more options, US institutions have to work harder than ever to attract and retain the best people.

So if you’re planning to study in the United States in 2025-26, it’s important to know how these factors may affect your journey and how to prepare for them.

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Policy and Visa Challenges for 2025/26 Enrolment

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: policy and visa issues. Oh, and another thing – in the early part of 2025 the American government introduced measures which made the process of obtaining a visa more difficult for foreigners. Increased migration control. Stricter visa scrutiny, even a pause in the process of granting visas, have all added to the uncertainty of the future.

This is the part of the lesson which the Indian students should be especially prepared The F-1 visa process is now more complicated than ever before, with more documentation required, and social media checks, and sometimes longer waiting times before While many American institutions and – I mean, many international educators are urging the federal government to adopt clearer and more consistent policies, the odds are that the hurdles will persist in the 2025-26 cycle as well.

• In 2025, after declining in 2024, the quota of Indian students to receive visas began to rise again.
• The participation in OPT is at a record high, but the H-1B visa sponsorship remains a challenge for long-term employment.
• Policies may change suddenly, and it’s important to stay up to date.

The best way to navigate the many obstacles is to start early, keep your documents in order and take advantage of expert advice, something Gateway International has been doing for nearly two decades.

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How US Institutions and International Educators Are Responding

How do American institutions and international educators respond to this challenge? Well, then, it’s a great shift. Universities have been expanding their hybrid and on-line education to serve both local and international students.

Recruitment strategies are also evolving on the international Universities outside China are also establishing a number of international alliances, in order to increase their internationalization. They’re using their own networks of alumnae. Increasing the articulation of agreements, and even launching joint degree programmes with overseas universities. And there’s a big policy advocacy movement. The schools are joining together to lobby for more transparent visa policies and to push for more stable laws on immigration.

• The course offerings for flexible, hybrid and virtual learning are on the increase.
• We put emphasis on career-readiness courses and short-term certificates.
• Global cooperation and targeted marketing have contributed to increasing the diversity of.
• The advocacy policy focuses on reducing visa uncertainty and delays.

What do you think? But institutions in the United States are quickly adjusting, but the impact is uneven. Top universities with a strong international reputation may be able to withstand the storm better than the lesser ones.

Akshit Virdi

“Hey, Hope you all are doing great, I am writing this review based on my application process. My name is Akshit Virdi, and I’m going to pursue Bachelor’s of engineering in Civil Engineering at University of Portsmouth. I’m extremely grateful to Gateway International and especially Prateek Panchal sir, he helped me a-lot and always support throughout my admissions and my application process. Prateek Panchal Sir built a trust as well that gateway international is not a fraud consultancy because I live in delhi and Gateway international is located in Udaipur, so it is hard to trust but there faculty is very genuine and supportive and I finally got my UK Visa with the help of:-1. Prateek Panchal – My Consultant, and whenever I call Prateek sir he picked my call even I call in late night so prateek sir is very genuine person and from the bottom of my heart, I really say Thankyou so much sir because you are a real person and I never forget you sir Thankyou once again.2. Neelam Jain – She is very kind and with the help of their perfect guidance, I cracked my CAS interview, without her I cannot cracked this interview, Thank you so much Neelam Ma’am I appreciate your efforts deeply and will always be grateful.3. Nikhilesh Soni – He helped me out in my CAS process and eVISA. Thank you Nikhilesh sir for my CAS process and appreciate your support.4. Deepti Singh Chittora – She helped me for my UKVI Visa process and Deepti Ma’am is so experienced and I got my Uk Visa in just 4 days so, thank you so much deepti mam. Overall, my experience with Gateway International is too good and they supported me at every step. Moreover, they didn’t charge me anything for my whole process, which made the entire process even more majestic. I highly recommend all my friends and colleagues to get their Visa from Gateway International. Best regardsAkshit Virdi”

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Prospects for Indian Students: Study in USA 2025/26

Let’s face it: the prospects for Indian students in the United States for 2025-16 are still bright, but they’ve new challenges. The United States of America is the favourite destination of Indian students. Wait, here’s a thought: especially those who want to pursue studies in the In 2024, Indian enrolments in the United States exceeded 330,000. Actually, you know what? Their annual increase is forecast to be at least 20 per cent. The demand for American diplomas and American skilled workers is high.

But here’s the catch: financial cost, difficulties with visas and uncertainty about employment after graduation are real barriers. Oh, and another thing – the tuition, which varies from $20,000 to $40,000 a year, not including living expenses, is quite high, and although there are scholarships and assistantships, competition is very keen. Actually, you know what? The number of visas issued has increased. But the longer waiting periods and increased scrutiny have made it necessary to be well prepared.

• About 70 per cent of Indian students in the US go for STEM degrees.
• Priority visa slots and seasonal drives are reducing waiting times for Indians.
• Indian student organizations and diversity programs offer strong support to the student body.
• OPT extensions for graduates in the STEM fields provide up to three years of post-study work.

So if you’re thinking of going to the United States in 2026, then put your energy into building a good application, researching scholarships, and preparing thoroughly for the visa process.

Rahul Jain

“Thank you Gateway International for your distinguished and outstanding service! I wanted to express my deepest gratitude towards prominent service and support I have received from Gateway International. I have received exceptional support throughout my entire journey of getting Visa. This roller coaster journey would not had been easier without my counselor Richa Ma’am. She guided and helped me through all the challenges, ups and downs during my entire journey of application process, documentation, bank formalities till visa process, she looked out on all the information and details closely so that there is no margin for error is left, So Special Thanks to you Richa ma’am for your immense support! I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Arpita ma’am. Your correct and accurate guidance helped me through my CAS process flawlessly. Thank you again for your remarkable support in getting my CAS and related process. Thank you Sonali Ma’am for helping me in my accommodation process. Finally I would like to say thanks to Deepti ma’am for getting my VISA process done way too smoothly. Thank you for guiding and supporting me through entire VISA process. Thank You Gateway International Team & Staff! It is truly astonishing to know that all the Hard work and Effort you put behind every student for achieving their dream and this entire process is free of charge with no hidden charges as well that really gives student a breath of relief and sense of happiness.”

Cost, Scholarships, and Funding for US Study

The cost of education in the US is a serious concern for most Indian families. The cost of a US college can range from $ 20,000 to $ 50,000 per year, and living costs are an additional $ 12,000 to $ 20,000 per But here’s the good news: there are a lot of scholarships, assistantships and financial aid available, especially for high-achieving students and those in the sciences.

• Many US universities offer merit-based scholarships that pay between 10% and 100% of the tuition.
• Graduate assistantships are available and provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for research and teaching responsibilities.
• External scholarships, such as the Fulbright-Nehru, Tata, and Inlaks, are highly competitive but prestigious.
• The Indian banks and platforms like EduGap offer education loans.Gateway EduConnect.

Start your scholarship search early and don’t hesitate to you know, apply for several scholarships. Many universities also provide need-based financial aid to international students. Check with the financial aid office for more information.

For those who are worried about funding, please remember that Gateway International has exclusive university relations and can offer you access to scholarships that aren’t publicised. Our staff has been assisting students like you to gain financial aid and scholarships for your journey to the US.

2025/26 Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Then, let’s look at the application process – I mean, for US schools in the year 2025. The system is rigid, but if you’ve the right strategy you can greatly increase your chances of success.

1. Shortlist Universities:Programs, rankings and qualifications. Consider the location, cost, and future prospects.
2. Prepare Documents:Transcripts of previous studies, standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL), a statement of purpose (SOP), and letters of recommendation.
3. Apply Online:Use platforms such as Common App or the individual university portals. Attention to the deadlines. Most are between November and January.
4. Interviews and Additional Materials:Some programs may require interviews, portfolios, or writing samples.
5. Financial Documentation:Preparation of statements of resources and affidavits for the visa procedure.
6. Visa Application:Once you receive your I-20, you pay the SEVIS fee and schedule an F-1 visa interview at the Embassy of the United States.
7. Pre-Departure:Book your flights, arrange your accommodation, and attend the pre-departure briefing.

Pro tip: start early! Many American universities have a rolling admissions policy or early decision. The free service of Gateway International is the SOP Builder.

Standardized Tests and Admission Requirements

Let’s be honest, standardized tests are a big part of the American admissions process, especially in highly selective schools. For the year 2025-26:

• SAT/ACT:Most undergraduates need to take it, but some universities have dropped it.
• GRE/GMAT:Graduate level programs, especially in the the natural sciences, business, and social sciences.
• IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo:International students are required to provide proof of English proficiency. IELTS 6.0-7.0, TOEFL 80-100, Duolingo 105+) are the minimum scores for institutions.
• Subject Tests:Some departments may require the SAT subject tests or AP exam.

You’ll find out what the universities require from you by checking their official websites. The policies of the universities are constantly changing, If you need help preparing for the test, Gateway International University offers expert advice and counseling on the test.

Rishita Dodiya

“Exceptional Support for Study Abroad! My name is Rishita Dodiya and I have got admission in Nottingham Trent University. And also I have got a scholarship of 25% on my overall tuition fees. From the first consultation to securing my student visa, Gateway International provided personalized and transparent guidance. Their team especially Richa Ma’am, Arpita ma’am, Deepti ma’am and Nilu ma’am helped me shortlist universities, apply for scholarships, and navigate the visa process smoothly. My visa was approved within a week after the appointment, thanks to their meticulous documentation support. I confirm that Gateway International did not charge any fees for their assistance.”

Post-Study Work, OPT, and Career Prospects

Let’s be honest: one of the main reasons why Indian students choose to study in the United States is the opportunity to work in the United Kingdom after The OPT program (Optional Practical Training) allows F-1 students to work in their field for up to 12 months. Some graduates of the STEM (Science. Technology, Engineering, and Math) program may be eligible for an extension of up to 24 months for.

• In 2024-25, the number of those participating in the OPT program reached 271,916, which.
• However, the H-1B visa remains a – hmm, how do I put this – challenge, and large technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon continue to recruit international students.
• Career services, internships and networks of former students are – well, actually, crucial in landing a job in the United States.

Pro tip: build your professional network early, attend career fairs and use the university’s career services. Gateway International, in partnership with industry mentors and a global network of former students, will also connect you to the best opportunities.

Student Support, Campus Life, and Cultural Adaptation

Look, what’s it really like to be a foreign student in the United States? Really, it’s a combination of excitement, challenge, and growth. Universities in the United States offer a great variety of services, from international student offices, to the Indian student associations, to psychological services, to the organization of cultural events.

• Orientation programs are designed to help you adjust to campus life and American culture.
• Indian associations also organize festivals, get-togethers, support groups.
• Universities provide counselling, academic support and career guidance.
• On-campus residence and meal plans make settling in easier, especially in the first year.

The thing is that it takes time to adapt to a new culture, but with the right support, you’ll thrive. Gateway International’s pre-departure sessions and its worldwide network of former students can help you prepare for your journey to the United States.

Conclusion

So what’s the final word about international student enrollment for the coming school year, 2025-26? There’s no doubt that the outlook for the coming year is more difficult than in previous years, as a result of policy changes, visa delays and general economic problems. Look, but the US is still the destination for ambitious Indian students, especially in the areas of business and research.

If you’re planning to study in the USA, it’s necessary to take a few steps in advance. Come to think of it, research your options, prepare your documents and Gateway’s 17 years of experience, IIT Delhi leadership and exclusive university partnerships will be there at every step to help you. For an Indian student, the prospects are good if he’s ready to change and take advantage of opportunities.

Remember, the world of US international students is in motion, but with careful preparation you can realize your American dream in 2025-26 and beyond.