America could be losing its appeal as the most popular study abroad destination. The latest data shows that the number of overseas students in the United States has decreased over the past year.
This indicates that even before the Trump administration’s recent crackdown on overseas students began, the United States was losing popularity as a study abroad destination.
The Association of American Universities report states that Boston College Professor Chris R. Glass recently conducted an analysis of data from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and found that the total number of international students in the United States decreased by 11.33% between March 2024 and March 2025.
AAU examined SEVIS data and discovered a 4.5% decrease in international student enrollment in doctoral programs between March 2024 and March 2025.
Glass’ data reveals a considerable overall drop in Indian students (almost 28% from March 2024 to March 2025).
However, when looking only at PhD programs, the reduction in Indian students (-4.2%) is consistent with the overall dip in international doctoral students (-4.5%).
According to SEVIS data, the highest drops in PhD students are among those from Bangladesh, Iran, and Nigeria, who send many fewer doctoral students to the United States than China and India.
Another report, released in November 2024,’The Fall 2024 International Student Enrollment Snapshot’ reported a 3% rise in international student enrollment across U.S. institutions as of the start of the 2024/25 academic year.
In recent weeks, hundreds of foreign students or graduates have had their visas canceled by the Trump administration. Several foreign students across different US universities who are studying in the United States saw the revocation of their F-1 visas and the removal of their status from the SEVIS system.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security that keeps track of international nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors in the United States.
The SEVIS database, operated by the Department of Homeland Security, provides timely information about international students studying in the United States. Unlike other sources, SEVIS data is updated monthly, allowing for near-real-time insights into foreign student patterns.
The Trump administration has implemented cuts to federal funding for research are hurting admissions for PhD students. These actions keep many worried that the United States is becoming less desirable as a destination for international students from around the globe.
According to the Open Doors 2024 Report on International Educational Exchange, in 2023-2024, the overall number of overseas students at US colleges and universities reached an all-time high of more than 1.1 million (1,126,690), up 7% from the previous academic year. India sent 331,602 international students to pursue higher education in the United States in 2023-2024, reflecting a 23% increase from the prior year.
It remains to be seen how the US’s future as a popular study abroad destination will be shaped by the crackdown on overseas students and the likely end of the OPT program.