Fewer Indian students are heading to the United States in 2025, even as student visa numbers rise sharply in countries like Zimbabwe, Vietnam, and Pakistan.
Between October 2024 and March 2025, the United States issued nearly 89,000 F-1 student visas worldwide, marking a 15% decline compared to the same period in the previous year. This downward trend reflects a significant reshaping of international student inflows with a broader geographical spread, yet lower overall volumes.
Despite the overall reduction in F-1 student visas, specific regions have experienced sharp increases. Notably, there has been a surge in student visa issuance in countries such as Zimbabwe, Vietnam, and Pakistan, contrasting the decrease observed among Indian students.
The data released by the U.S. Department of State highlights this shift in trends, underscoring a diversifying pool of international applicants seeking educational opportunities in the United States.
The decline in the Indian student cohort seeking U.S. education is particularly noteworthy, given the traditionally high numbers of Indian students who pursue studies in American institutions. This change indicates evolving dynamics in global educational exchanges and the U.S. as an academic destination.
According to Business Today, these developments come amid broader global trends influencing international education and mobility, including geopolitical, economic, and policy factors that affect student decisions and institutional admissions.
Source: Original article