UK and US lose international students as visa rules tighten, survey finds

International students are turning away from the United Kingdom and the United States in favour of universities in Asia and continental Europe, according to a global survey of 437 universities in 63 countries released on 12 November 2026. Tighter visa rules and government policies were identified as the biggest barriers to recruitment.

Key facts

• UK international undergraduate numbers fell 19% and US numbers 13% in the October–August period compared with the same period a year earlier.
• Canada and Australia also recorded weaker demand, while universities in Asia and Europe reported stronger international enrolment growth.
• More than a third of US institutions expect enrolments to decline further in the coming years.
• The survey was conducted by Studyportals, NAFSA and the Oxford Test of English.

What did the survey find?

The United Kingdom and the United States recorded the steepest drops in international undergraduate numbers, down 19% and 13% respectively over the October–August period against the same period a year earlier. Universities in Asia and Europe reported stronger international enrolment growth over the same period.

US institutions were the most pessimistic about the outlook, with more than a third expecting enrolments to decline further in the coming years. International students typically pay far higher fees than domestic students and are a major source of revenue for universities.

The survey was carried out by Studyportals, a Netherlands-based student recruitment platform; NAFSA, a US-based nonprofit that advocates for international education; and the Oxford Test of English, which is run by Oxford University Press.

Why are students changing their plans?

Visa restrictions and government policies were the biggest barriers to recruitment, the survey found. Processing delays, tougher screening and changes to post-study work rules prompted students to defer or abandon plans to enrol.

In the United States, President Donald Trump tightened scrutiny of international students, expanding social media checks, revoking thousands of visas and introducing tougher rules on how long students can stay in the country. The survey was conducted before the 3 November midterm elections, in which Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress, although the president retains executive authority over visa rules.

What is changing in the UK?

Britain has tightened its student visa rules as successive governments seek to reduce immigration. Most international students are restricted from bringing dependants, and the government is planning to shorten the period graduates can remain in the country to work or seek employment. No date for that change was given.

Dr Fanta Aw, executive director and CEO of NAFSA, said national policies matter to students deciding where to study, conduct research or start a career.

What this means for travellers

Students planning to study in the UK or the US should factor in visa processing times, screening requirements and current restrictions on dependants before committing to a course. Those considering post-study work should note that the UK government plans to shorten the graduate stay period, though no start date has been announced.

No further policy announcements or dates were given in the survey findings.