US Universities See 17% Drop in New Foreign Admissions, India Leads Again

New Delhi: A new report by IIE, an organization that monitors international education, has posed a new challenge to American colleges. According to the latest data, there has been a decline of about 17 percent in the admission of new foreign students this year. This decline has come at a time when America has long been considered the world's most popular education center.

Why has there been a decline in the number of new international student admissions?

The report shows that the total number of foreign students has decreased by only 1 percent, which means the impact on students already studying has been less. The real shock was felt by those students who were going to start studies in America for the first time. Delays in visa interviews, travel-related rules, and uncertainty of the process are considered to be the biggest reasons for this decline.

Have visa delays and uncertainty become the biggest hurdle for foreign students?

About 96% of US universities have acknowledged that the constant delays and changing guidelines in the visa process are affecting new students the most. Many students did not get interview slots on time; some were held back by the uncertainty of travel. This is the reason why America saw such a huge decline in new foreign admission numbers.

How is India emerging at the forefront of the growing crowd?

Interestingly, India has maintained its strong position amid this decline. The number of students coming to America from India has increased by about 10 percent this year also. India now remains the country sending the largest number of students to America. India's strong presence in technical and STEM courses, and job prospects after studies, are considered to be the main reasons for this growth.

Will new enrollment declines impact the economy of US universities?

Many universities remain financially dependent on international students, as they play an important role in both research and fees. The lack of new students is expected to put pressure on the financial plans of universities. This will also affect diversity, which is considered the biggest strength of American education.

Does the US need major changes to visa and travel procedures?

Experts believe that if America wants its education system to maintain its hold on the global level, then it will have to make the visa process faster, easier, and more reliable. It will be difficult to arrest the decline in new admissions without freeing students from the uncertainties associated with travel, safety, and regulations.