US colleges see international application slump as visa delays raise concerns for Indian, Chinese students

More than half of US colleges and universities have reported a decline in international student applications for the 2026 academic year, with visa delays, denials and uncertainty over immigration policies emerging as major concerns, according to a new survey by the American Council on Education (ACE).

The findings point to growing challenges for US institutions that rely on international students to strengthen campus diversity, support enrolment and contribute significantly to institutional revenues.

The ACE’s Pulse Point Survey, conducted among college and university presidents in Fall 2026, found that university leaders are increasingly concerned about the impact of changing federal immigration policies on international enrolment.

The concerns are particularly significant for students from major source countries such as India and China, as geopolitical tensions, visa processing delays and policy uncertainty make the US study-abroad route more difficult to navigate.

Several institutions reported lower application numbers and growing uncertainty over future international enrolments. For universities, the issue goes beyond recruitment, with prolonged uncertainty potentially affecting academic planning, finances and the composition of student communities.

The survey also highlighted broader financial pressures facing US colleges. A majority of university presidents cited concerns about long-term institutional sustainability, demographic changes that could reduce the number of domestic students, rising operating costs and increasing competition for enrolments.

The findings come as international student mobility to the US undergoes a period of uncertainty. Preliminary surveys have already pointed to declines in new international enrolments, with visa-related concerns cited by a large majority of institutions reporting lower application numbers.

ACE said federal policy decisions involving immigration, research funding and financial aid continue to have a direct impact on higher education institutions. University leaders have stressed the importance of stable and predictable policies to maintain the US as a preferred destination for international students.

Beyond international recruitment, the survey found that campus leaders are placing greater emphasis on student mental health, workforce preparation and the adoption of technology, including artificial intelligence, in teaching and administration.

At the same time, concerns over funding, regulatory uncertainty and the long-term financial model of higher education continue to weigh on institutions.

For Indian students, who make up one of the largest international student communities in the US, the findings add to an already uncertain study-abroad environment. Visa delays, rising costs and questions surrounding post-study work opportunities have increasingly become factors in students' destination decisions.

As uncertainty persists, some Indian students are also looking more closely at alternatives including Canada, Australia, Germany and emerging study destinations across Europe.