More than half of US colleges and universities reported a decline in international student applications for the 2026 academic year, as visa denials, processing delays and uncertainty over post-study work options continue to weigh on demand, according to The PIE News, citing findings from the Institute of International Education's (IIE) 2026 Spring Snapshot.
The survey of 585 US institutions found that 59% recorded an overall decline in international applications for the upcoming academic year, while 63% expect overall international student enrolment to fall further next year. Nearly one in four institutions said they anticipate a substantial decline.
