Indian student enrollment in US down 10%: What's the reason?
What's the story
Indian student enrollment in United States master's and doctoral programs fell by 9.5% in the 2024-25 academic year, according to the Open Doors report 2025. The number of Indian graduate students dropped from 196,567 to 177,892 during this period. This decline is attributed to stricter visa checks, social media scrutiny, and temporary consulate closures by the US.
Visa challenges
Visa scrutiny and consulate closures impact enrollment
The decline in Indian student enrollment is mainly due to fewer students transitioning from bachelor's to master's programs or enrolling directly in doctoral studies. Piyush Kumar, Regional Director for South Asia at IDP Education, highlighted that the drop was also due to temporary closures of US visa consulates in India during May and June this year.
Total increase
Overall Indian student numbers in US rise
Despite the decline in graduate enrollments, the total number of Indian students in the US increased by 9% due to a spike in optional practical training (OPT) participation. Ankit Mehra of GyanDhan said this growth is mainly due to OPT and not an increase in university enrollments. The total number of Indian students stood at 363,019 for the academic year 2024-25.
Changing preferences
Indian students reconsider study abroad destinations
Experts say that Indian students are now more selective about their study abroad destinations. Akshay Chaturvedi of Leverage Edu noted that students are considering options like Germany and Italy for affordability, the UK's post-study work clarity, Ireland's work routes, and emerging Asian and Middle Eastern hubs with shorter industry-aligned programs. Adarsh Khandelwal of Collegify called the dip a short-term correction after two years of high post-pandemic growth.
Enrollment forecast
Future outlook for Indian student enrollments in US
Looking ahead, study abroad consultants expect Indian student enrollments in Fall 2026 to remain flat or see muted growth. Chaturvedi emphasized that graduate numbers are sensitive to visa certainty and long-term pathways. There is a growing willingness among Gen-Z students to consider cost-effective destinations with better long-term prospects.