IIE Spring Snapshot
Once again, IIE has released a snapshot of current trends in international and study abroad education. The report was compiled from surveys from 585 institutions, and as we probably all expected, the data is both concerning and hopeful.
The report paints a picture of a sector that remains committed to internationalization but is operating in an environment of heightened uncertainty. Institutions continue to invest in recruitment and student support, yet many expect enrollment challenges driven largely by immigration and visa policies rather than a lack of global demand for U.S. higher education. At the same time, colleges and universities are diversifying recruitment strategies and strengthening outreach to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging global market.
Key Takeaways:
Institutions are increasingly concerned about enrollment declines. More colleges anticipate a decline in international student enrollment for the 2026–27 academic year than in recent years, with concerns spanning undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree students.
Applications are softening. Thirty-five percent of institutions reported a decline in international student applications, while fewer institutions reported increases compared with previous years.
Visa-related issues remain the top concern. Institutions cited visa delays and denials (87%), potential difficulties at U.S. ports of entry (69%), and uncertainty surrounding visa status (68%) as the biggest threats to enrollment.
Decline of Ph.D. Admissions Could Imperil a ‘Generation of New Talent’
This article will come as no surprise to those working in international education. The shifting policies of the current administration continue to have a significant impact across nearly every aspect of our field. In the area of research, the administration attempted to rescind funding that Congress and the courts restored last year, but that has not ended efforts to reduce support. Several federal agencies have also canceled grant programs, citing misalignment with administration priorities.
The U.S. has long been a global leader in research, driving innovation in science, technology, medicine, and countless other fields. Policies that make it more difficult to fund research, or that discourage the world’s brightest students and scholars from studying, discovering, and innovating in the U.S., ultimately weaken our nation’s competitiveness and leadership.
“It’s a loss for the nation,” she said. “When you shrink the pipeline of basic discovery research, you choke off the flow of future solutions, innovations and cures — and you shrink the supply of future scientists.”
ACE Releases New Guidance to Help Campuses Protect Civic Engagement During the 2026 Election Cycle
As colleges and universities prepare for the upcoming fall semester and the 2026 midterm elections, ACE has released an updated issue brief: Voting and College Political Campaign Related-Activities in America’s 250th Year.