NAFSA: Association of International Educators shares its predictions for international student enrolment at US colleges this fall (autumn).

NASFA has shared that, “Preliminary projections based on SEVIS and State Department data show potential shifts in international student enrollment and their contributions to the U.S. economy for Fall 2025.” 1 In fact, NASFA is predicting a large decline in enrolment of around 30-40 percent (equivalent to about 150,000 students), leading to an overall drop of 15% for international students in US colleges. This is a potential loss of $7 billion in revenue for colleges, not to mention a substantial impact on the number of higher education jobs (predicted decline of 60,000). 2

What does NASFA say is causing the decline?

  • Visa bans – restrictions are in place on 19 countries (from June 4th 2025) * and there are rumours another 36 countries may be added to the list.
  • Downward visa trends – 12 percent fewer were issued between January and April 2025 and 22 percent fewer in May 2025 compared to statistics from the previous year. June’s data has yet to be published but NASFA thinks it could be a decrease of 80 to 90 percent.
  • Visa interview suspensions – student visa interviews were paused between 27th May and 18th June 2025 – these have resumed but with the caveat of additional protocols such as social media vetting.
  • Limited appointment availability – NASFA shared that there are reports of ‘limited/no appointments for international students in India, China, Nigeria, and Japan.’ Notably, India and China are usually the top two countries for international student enrolment in the USA. 1

*Countries impacted by the restrictions (some of which are banned and some partially suspended) include: Afghanistan, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Myanmar, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. 3

Read more about the NASFA report.

References

  1. https://www.nafsa.org/sites/default/files/media/document/Fall%202025%20International%20Student%20Enrollment%20Outlook%20and%20Economic%20Impact.pdf
  2. https://www.highereddive.com/news/international-student-decline-fall-2025-projection/756500/
  3. https://www.cfr.org/article/guide-countries-trumps-2025-travel-ban-list
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  • Kat Cauchi

    Kat is the former editor of R.I.S.E. Magazine. She is the chair of the BESA Women’s Educational Suppliers Network, a Global Equality Collective member, InnovateHer ambassador and TechUpWomen Mentor. She is a also a 2023 #TechWomen100 award winner and 2022 Nexus Education award winner.

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