Archive · 18 Sep 2026
US Universities Report International Application Declines Amid Visa Uncertainty
A survey asked leaders at US colleges and universities about applications from students in other countries.
More than half said they received fewer international applications for the 2026 school year.
Many schools are worried that students may have trouble getting visas.
Some visas are delayed or denied.
Schools are also unsure how changing immigration rules will affect students.
International students help make campuses more diverse.
They also provide important revenue for universities.
The survey shows that colleges are concerned about a possible slowdown in international enrollment.
More than half of surveyed US colleges and universities reported fewer international student applications for the 2026 academic year.
Visa delays and denials were identified as major concerns affecting international enrollment.
Institutions also cited uncertainty surrounding changing US immigration policies.
The findings came from the American Council on Education’s Pulse Point Survey of college and university presidents.
Universities are concerned about potential effects on campus diversity and revenue.
- Who
- More than half of surveyed US colleges and universities, according to the American Council on Education.
- What
- Reported declines in international student applications and concerns about visa and immigration-policy uncertainty.
- When
- The survey was conducted in Fall 2026 and examined applications for the 2026 academic year.
- Where
- United States colleges and universities.
- Why
- Visa delays, visa denials, and uncertainty over changing federal immigration rules are raising concerns about international enrollment.
- Survey organization
- American Council on Education (ACE)
- Survey name
- Pulse Point Survey
- Respondents
- College and university presidents
- Reported trend
- More than half of institutions reported declining international applications
- Application period
- 2026 academic year
- Main concerns
- Visa delays, visa denials, and immigration-policy uncertainty
- Potential effects
- International enrollment, campus diversity, and university revenue