Applications from Indian students to colleges and universities in the United States have declined by 15 per cent, highlighting growing uncertainty among prospective students over US visa rules, post-study work opportunities and the rising cost of overseas education.

The figure, reported by undergraduate admissions platform Common App, places India among the major international applicant groups experiencing the sharpest decline. The data was also highlighted by an official account operated by the Trump White House.

The drop comes at a time when the US remains one of the most popular destinations for Indian students. However, changing immigration policies and uncertainty around employment after graduation are increasingly becoming part of the decision-making process for students and their families.

International applications also decline

The decline among Indian applicants is part of a broader reduction in applications from international students to US institutions. Overall international applications have fallen by about 10 per cent, according to the data cited in the report.

At the same time, applications from students within the US have continued to rise, widening the gap between domestic and international demand.

For Indian students, the changes are particularly significant because many applicants consider the ability to gain professional experience in the US after completing their degrees when calculating the cost and potential benefits of studying there.

Student visa rules create uncertainty

Changes to the US student visa framework have added to concerns among international applicants.

The Trump administration has moved to replace the previous “duration of status” arrangement with a proposed four-year limit for students holding F-1 and J-1 visas. Students who need additional time to complete their programmes could be required to apply for an extension through US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The proposed change could have greater implications for students enrolled in longer or more complicated academic programmes, where completing a degree within a fixed period may be difficult.

OPT remains a key concern

The future of Optional Practical Training (OPT) is another issue being closely watched by Indian applicants.

OPT allows eligible international students to work in the US after completing their studies. For many Indian students, the opportunity to gain US work experience is an important consideration when choosing an American university.

However, uncertainty over possible changes and additional costs associated with the programme has made it harder for students to estimate the overall financial return of a US degree.

For families already facing high tuition, accommodation and living expenses, uncertainty over post-study employment can significantly affect the attractiveness of studying in America.

Smaller universities see sharper fall

The decline in applications has also varied according to the type of institution.

Highly selective US universities with strong international reputations and established employment outcomes have seen comparatively limited changes. Their international applications declined by around 1 per cent, according to the data.

The situation has been different for universities with broader admission policies. Institutions with acceptance rates above 75 per cent recorded an approximately 21 per cent decline in applications.

The figures suggest that students who continue to consider the US may increasingly favour universities with stronger global reputations, career prospects and perceived value, even when those institutions are more expensive or competitive.

US universities could face financial impact

A sustained decline in international applications could also affect American higher education institutions and the economies surrounding them.

International students contribute through tuition payments as well as spending on accommodation, transportation, food and other services. According to an outlook cited in the report, reduced international enrolment could contribute to an estimated $3.4 billion decline in economic activity.

For Indian students, meanwhile, the changing US immigration environment could encourage greater consideration of alternative destinations such as the UK, Canada, Australia and other countries offering international education and post-study work opportunities.

The 15 per cent fall in Indian applications therefore signals more than a change in admissions numbers. It reflects the growing importance of visa certainty, affordability and post-study employment prospects in how Indian students evaluate higher education in the US.