A report released last week by the Institute of International Education (IIE) indicated that approximately 1,18 million international students arrived in the US during the 2024-2025 academic year. This figure includes those staying under the optional practical training (OPT) program. While bachelor's degree enrollment increased by 2%, master's and higher degree enrollment decreased by 12% compared to the same period. The non-degree group, which includes short-term exchanges and certificate programs, saw the sharpest decline at 17%.

According to NAFSA, international students contribute USD 42,9 billion and over 350,000 jobs to the economy. On average, the spending of every three international students arriving in the US helps create or sustain one job in sectors such as education, housing, food, shopping, travel, phone services, or health insurance.

The IIE also reported that over 50% of international students self-finance their studies. The two groups experiencing the most significant declines, master's and non-degree students, are typically high-spenders. They often generate significant revenue from tuition fees, living expenses, and accompanying dependents.

Furthermore, with a 14% increase in students staying under the optional practical training (OPT) program, spending on tuition, on-campus housing, and dining has also decreased.

Consequently, NAFSA estimates that this year's reduction in international student numbers will result in a loss of approximately USD 1,1 billion in revenue and about 23,000 jobs for the US.

The campus of the University of Southern California, US. Photo: University of Southern California Fanpage

California and New York are the two states hardest hit, losing USD 162 million and USD 152 million respectively. These states also hosted the largest numbers of international students, with over 100,000 each in the last academic year.

According to Fanta Aw, chief executive officer of NAFSA, the US is no longer a preferred destination for international students due to difficulties in obtaining visas. NAFSA recommends that the administration improve this situation and urged the protection of the OPT program against proposals for its elimination by several policymakers.

Since the beginning of this year, the US administration has taken several measures to tighten visa and immigration regulations. These include abruptly canceling student visas, temporarily suspending US study visa interviews worldwide, and reviewing applicants' social media profiles.

In october, the International Trade Administration, part of the US Department of Commerce, reported that international student enrollment in the US this fall decreased by nearly 20% compared to the same period—a record low. Among these, the group from Asia saw a 24% reduction. NAFSA had previously estimated that the US economy could suffer a USD 7 billion loss and 60,000 job cuts.

Khanh Linh