International applications to US colleges drop 10% amid tighter visa rules

The Common App reported a 10% reduction in foreign student applications for the 2026 US college admission cycle, the largest fall since at least 2013. About 16,000 fewer international candidates applied, reflecting the impact of recent visa policy changes enacted by the Trump administration. Declines were seen across Asia, Africa and Europe, with European applications down 4% after countries such as France and Germany intensified recruitment efforts.

Less selective colleges experienced roughly a 20% drop, while the most competitive schools saw only a 1% decrease. Meanwhile, domestic applications grew 4%, largely due to a 9% surge from the southwest United States. The report also noted a resurgence in standardized test reporting, with SAT/ACT submissions up 11% and test-optional applications falling.