Archive · 25 Aug 2026
India Leads U.S. International Students Despite New Enrollment Drop
The United States had more international students in 2024-25 than the year before.
India sent more students than any other country, with 363,019 students.
However, fewer students were entering the United States for the first time.
Many international students were already in the country and using a work program called OPT.
Applications from India as international students fell in the latest Common App season.
At the same time, more students in the United States who said they had an Indian background applied to college.
A proposed H-1B fee could make it more expensive for employers to sponsor some international graduates.
The fee is not yet payable and could still face changes or legal challenges.
The United States hosted 1,177,766 international students in 2024-25, up 5% from the previous year.
First-time international enrolment fell 7% to 277,118, while India remained the largest source with 363,019 students.
International undergraduate enrolment rose 4%, but graduate enrolment declined 3% during the same period.
Students participating in Optional Practical Training increased 21% to 294,253.
Indian-background applicants in the domestic Common App pool reached 40,949 in 2025-26, even as applicants from India applying as international students fell 15%.
- Who
- International students, Indian students and Indian-background college applicants; U.S. universities and policymakers are also affected.
- What
- The total international student population in the United States grew, while first-time enrolment and applications from India declined.
- When
- The Open Doors figures cover the 2024-25 academic year; Common App data covers the 2025-26 application season.
- Where
- The United States, with India identified as the largest source of international students.
- Why
- The overall increase was supported partly by students already in the United States, including those participating in OPT, rather than by a larger influx of new students.
- Total international students
- 1,177,766 in 2024-25, up 5% year over year
- First-time international enrolment
- 277,118, down 7%
- Students from India
- 363,019, up 10%
- International OPT participation
- 294,253, up 21%
- Indian-background Common App applicants
- 40,949 in 2025-26, more than double the figure from a decade earlier
- International applicants on Common App
- Down 10% in 2025-26; applicants from Asia fell 11%
- Proposed H-1B fee
- $103,265 for petitions subject to the annual cap; the proposal is not currently payable