According to Bloomberg, a report released by the Common App, America's leading university application platform, on August 20 showed that the number of applications from international students for fall enrollment decreased by about 10%, marking the largest decline in at least a decade.
The report indicates that due to the continuous tightening of immigration policies by the Trump administration, the number of overseas students applying to American universities in 2026 will be nearly 16,000 less than in 2025.
According to reports, the decline in the number of applicants is the most significant sign yet, indicating that the international enrollment at American universities this fall may significantly reduce. This will further exacerbate the financial pressures already faced by many American universities—they are struggling with a shrinking number of eligible college students and questions from society about the value of higher education.
The Common App report also shows that applications from students from Asia and Africa have seen a double-digit decline; the number of European students applying to American institutions has also decreased by 4%, reversing the trend of continuous growth over the years.
At this time, countries like France and Germany are making greater efforts to attract students who are disappointed with the prospects of studying in the United States.
