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International Student Enrollment Drops Amid Visa Policy Changes

1/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

International student enrollment for 2025-2026 fell 1.4%, about 5,000 fewer students, the first decline in three years.
The drop was largest in graduate programs, down 6%, and universities such as DePaul faced declines tied to U.S. President Donald Trump’s visa policies and reduced international interest.
Harvard University reported a slight increase in foreign students.
Undergraduate enrollment grew 3.2%, but at a slower pace than in prior years.

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Story summary

International student enrollment for 2025-2026 fell 1.4%, about 5,000 fewer students, the first decline in three years.
The drop was largest in graduate programs, down 6%, and universities such as DePaul faced declines tied to U.S. President Donald Trump’s visa policies and reduced international interest.
Harvard University reported a slight increase in foreign students.
Undergraduate enrollment grew 3.2%, but at a slower pace than in prior years.