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ToggleU.S. Sees Sharp 11% Drop in International Student Enrollments — Nigerian, Indian, Bangladeshi Doctoral Students Most Affected
The United States has recorded a significant 11.3% drop in international student enrollments between March 2024 and March 2025, according to newly released data from SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
The decline marks one of the most notable year-on-year drops in over a decade and is raising concern among universities, immigration observers, and education consultants globally.
Most Affected Nationalities:
The dip is particularly pronounced among doctoral-level students from:
Nigeria
India
Bangladesh
Analysts point to a combination of factors contributing to the decline, including:
Tougher visa policies and processing delays
Increased scrutiny of applicants’ backgrounds and social media
Rising tuition and living costs
Attractive alternatives like Canada, the UK, and Germany offering easier post-study work options
“This is more than just a visa issue—many students are simply choosing other countries that offer clearer paths to residency or better affordability,” said an education advisor based in Abuja.
Why This Matters:
The U.S. has long been a top destination for postgraduate and doctoral students from Africa and Asia, especially in STEM fields. A drop of this magnitude signals a potential shift in global academic migration patterns, with implications for research funding, academic diversity, and innovation pipelines.
Universities across the U.S. have begun to feel the impact, with some graduate programs seeing reduced cohorts and scholarship reallocations.
Quick Snapshot:
11.3% decline in total international student enrollment (Mar 2024 – Mar 2025)
Decline most notable at the PhD/Doctoral level
Affected regions: Africa and South Asia
⚠️ Future uncertainty around U.S. visa policies and funding
