A significant decrease in the number of international students is expected in US universities in the 2026-2027 academic year.
AzEdu.az reports that, according to a forecast prepared by NAFSA and JB International, the number of foreign students in US higher education institutions may decrease by up to 111,000. This means an approximately 9.5 percent decrease in the number of international students.
Among the main reasons for the forecast are a decrease in student applications, delays in visa interviews, tightening of visa procedures, and uncertainty related to changes in US immigration policy.
According to the study, 63 percent of US higher education institutions participating in the survey expect a decrease in the number of international students in the 2026-2027 academic year.
The decrease in the number of international students may also affect the US economy. According to NAFSA's calculations, this decrease could lead to a loss of up to $3.4 billion in the country's economy and a reduction of approximately 40,000 jobs.
The decrease appears more serious, especially at the master's and doctoral levels. Applications from foreign students to doctoral programs in US universities decreased by 21 percent, and admission rates decreased by 17 percent.
It was stated that this trend may also affect the scientific research activities of universities and future staffing.
Fidan Shahkaramova
