In recent years, the landscape of U.S. higher education has undergone significant shifts, particularly affecting international students. Policies introduced during President Donald Trump's administration have introduced new challenges in areas such as visa regulations, university admissions, and tuition costs. Understanding these changes is crucial for prospective students and their families to make informed decisions about studying in the United States.
The Trump administration implemented stricter visa policies, leading to increased scrutiny of international students. Notably, the Department of Homeland Security has revoked the legal status of numerous international students, sometimes without clear explanations or due process. This has resulted in a climate of uncertainty, with students facing potential deportation and universities grappling with the implications for their international communities. The reintroduction of enhanced vetting measures, such as more frequent reviews of student visa holders, checks on social media activity, and tighter scrutiny of Optional Practical Training (OPT) programmes - has raised concerns among families and educators globally. Students from certain regions have also reported longer processing times for visa approvals and more frequent rejections under Section 214(b), which requires applicants to prove they will return home after studying.
Recent data from the Institute of International Education (IIE) shows that international student enrollment in the U.S. dropped by more than 130,000 between 2024 and 2025, marking one of the sharpest year-on-year declines since records began. Analysts have attributed this partly to changing visa attitudes and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Economic policies, including the imposition of tariffs on imports, have indirectly impacted the cost of education. Tariffs have led to increased prices for goods and services, contributing to higher operational costs for universities. Consequently, institutions have raised tuition fees, further burdening students financially. For example, some universities have reported tuition increases exceeding 5% for the 2025-26 academic year.
For international students, tuition fees vary significantly based on the type of institution:
These figures do not include additional costs such as housing, meals, books, and personal expenses, which can add $10,000 to $20,000 annually.
Recent trends indicate a decline in international student enrollment. Between March 2024 and March 2025, there was an 11.33% decrease in active international students, equating to over 130,000 fewer students. This decline represents a potential revenue loss of up to $4 billion for U.S. institutions in a single year, assuming average tuition and living expenses of around $30,000 per student.
In response to these challenges, some universities are enhancing financial aid offerings to attract and retain international students. For instance, Harvard University has announced that starting in September, students from households earning below $200,000 annually will receive free tuition, with additional support covering accommodation, food, health insurance, and travel expenses for those earning less than $100,000.
The administration's stance on university governance has led to tensions between federal authorities and academic institutions. Harvard University, for instance, faced threats of losing its tax-exempt status and the ability to enroll international students due to disagreements over campus policies. Such actions have raised concerns about academic freedom and the stability of university operations. Federal funding is essential to many U.S. universities, particularly for research, financial aid, and public service programs. Institutions often rely on federal grants to support ground-breaking scientific research, which in turn attracts top faculty and graduate students from around the world. Loss of this funding can jeopardize entire departments, reduce opportunities for student scholarships, and weaken the institution’s global reputation. For students, especially international ones, a reduction in federal support could mean fewer financial aid options, reduced access to high-quality facilities, and the potential loss of specific academic or extracurricular programs. It also creates uncertainty for parents looking to invest in a stable and well-supported learning environment.
In response to these challenges, many students are exploring alternatives to U.S. universities. Canadian institutions, for example, have reported a significant increase in applications from international students, including those from the U.S., seeking a more stable and welcoming educational environment. For instance, the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver experienced a 27% year-over-year increase in graduate applications from U.S. citizens as of March 2025. Similarly, the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo have noted heightened interest from U.S. students, with increased web traffic and campus visits.
This trend is attributed to factors such as the revocation of foreign student visas and increased surveillance of international students' social media by U.S. authorities. Additionally, the freezing of federal funding to certain universities has raised concerns about academic freedom and stability. However, it's important to note that Canada has implemented a national cap on international student admissions, requiring institutions to limit intake based on available resources. This means that while interest is growing, competition for spots may also increase.
Canada boasts several world-renowned universities that are popular among international students:
At HRB Education, we are committed to guiding students through the complexities of university applications. Our services include:
While we do not offer visa services, our expertise ensures that students are well-prepared for the application process, maximising their chances of acceptance into their desired institutions.
For more information on how HRB Education can support your academic journey, please contact us at thomas@hrbeducation.co.uk or +44 7757 961 893
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