Indian Student Enrollment in US Falls 13.5%
Active Indian students in the United States dropped to 316,893 in October 2026, marking a 13.5% decline from the prior year.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in College Applications
The number of active Indian students in the United States fell from 366,258 in October 2025 to 316,893 in October 2026, according to SEVIS data. Total international student enrollment declined about 7.1% to 1,192,572 over the same period, while India remained the largest source of international students in the country.
Why it matters
The drop reflects tighter US scrutiny of student visas, proposed fees on Optional Practical Training and STEM extensions, and a broader crackdown on legal immigration pathways. India's share of total international students fell from about 28.5% to 26.6%, shifting the composition of the US international student body.
SEVIS counts show Indian master's enrollment fell about 20%, from 292,929 to 234,034, while doctoral enrollment rose from 28,609 to 41,729 over the same year. The breakdown by degree level does not explain what share of the overall decline each shift accounts for.
The players
Indiaspora
Indiaspora is a nonprofit network of Indian American leaders focused on civic engagement, education, and philanthropy.
The details
Of the 316,893 Indian students recorded in October 2026, 195,341 were male and 121,552 were female. Chinese active students fell about 10.2% to 220,157 over the same period, and Indian bachelor's enrollment dipped from 38,522 to 36,011.
Timeline
October 2025: Baseline SEVIS count of 366,258 active Indian students.
October 2026: SEVIS snapshot recorded 316,893 active Indian students.
October 30, 2026: Indiaspora issued a statement linking the decline to anti-Indian rhetoric.
November 1, 2026: Yes Punjab News published the DHS data report.
Market Landscape
The decline in Indian students extends a multi-year trend in SEVIS active student counts, which track US international enrollment over time. The drop also reshapes competition for international students among major sending countries, with China and India both showing falling totals.
Prospective international students weighing US master's programs may face a more competitive and uncertain visa environment. Students already enrolled may encounter changing OPT and STEM extension rules that affect post-graduation plans.
The takeaway
Prospective applicants should track current visa policy and OPT rules before committing to a US program, since enrollment trends are shifting quickly.
Further reading
Explore related coverage in College Applications for context on how international students plan their US enrollment.
