London, Aug 6 (AP) In China, the delays for US visa interview appointments are so extensive that some students have chosen to abandon their plans. Universities in Hong Kong are receiving inquiries for transfers from foreign students in the US, and there has been a notable increase in international applications to British undergraduate programs.
The administration of President Donald Trump has been urging US colleges to lessen their reliance on international enrolments while simultaneously intensifying scrutiny of foreign students as part of its immigration crackdown.
The US government has attempted to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Earlier this year, it unexpectedly revoked the legal status of thousands of international students, including some who have had only minimal encounters with law enforcement, such as a traffic ticket. Following a reversal, the government paused new student visa appointments and initiated a process to screen applicants' social media accounts.
While the US remains the preferred choice for many international students, other institutions are seizing opportunities amidst the turmoil, and applicants are now considering destinations they might have previously overlooked. This shift could significantly impact both US universities and the nation's economy.
NAFSA, an agency advocating for international education, predicts that new international enrolment in the US may fall by 30 to 40 percent this fall, based on visa and enrolment data analysis.
This potential decline could result in a loss of USD 7 billion in spending for the US economy. Since many international students pay full tuition fees, their absence would also negatively affect college budgets.
Britain stands to gain as the US takes a 'massive hit' As the second most favored destination for international students, Britain is well-poised to benefit.
Despite the UK's new Labour government committing to reducing migration and imposing time limits on post-study work visas, the country is still seen as the most inviting among the traditional “big four” English-speaking higher education destinations — the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, according to admissions consultants.
Official figures indicate a 2.2 percent rise in international applications for undergraduate study in the UK this fall after a previous year's decline. Applications from China set a record, increasing by 10 percent from the previous year. Applications from the US reached nearly 8,000 students, marking a 14 percent increase and a 20-year peak.
There is a projected 10 percent increase in international student acceptances for graduate programs in the UK, notably in business and management courses, according to UniQuest data, an organization that assists many British universities with admissions.
The full extent of the impact won't be known until fall, according to Mike Henniger, CEO of Illume Student Advisory Services, a consultancy working with colleges in the US, Canada, and Europe. “But the American brand has taken a massive hit, and the UK is the one that is benefiting,” he stated.
Staying in Asia is becoming more popular There has been a rapid increase in demand from Chinese students for university spots in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, according to Will Kwong, managing director of AAS Education, a Hong Kong-based consultancy. Many Western universities have offshore campuses in these locations, offering more affordable options compared to the US or UK.
“Choosing to study in Asia has been a trend since the easing of COVID-19,” Kwong observed. “But this trend has been amplified by the US administration change.” Some Asian families have conveyed that due to political turbulence and visa challenges, the US is no longer their first choice. Many are still waiting for US visa interviews and may miss the start of the fall term, Kwong noted.
Alisa, a Chinese college student focusing on data science, plans to attend a fall exchange program at the University of California, Berkeley, and hopes to pursue a master's degree in the US.
Yet, she is exploring other options “just in case the extreme scenario plays out,” Alisa mentioned, speaking on partial anonymity due to fear of repercussions.
Hong Kong has declared its readiness to welcome students denied US entry, as stated by the city's leader, John Lee. The previous year, the Chinese territory enabled international students to work part-time.
Hong Kong University reported over 500 inquiries from students in the US and is handling approximately 200 transfer applications. At the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, international undergraduate applications surged by 40 percent from the previous year, according to Alison Lloyd, the associate provost on institutional data and research.
Upheaval could be a boon for countries with satellite campuses Countries such as the United Arab Emirates have made substantial investments to attract international students by establishing branch campuses of foreign universities. This strategy may appeal to students concerned about US access denial.
Dubai, aspiring to become an educational hub, hosts numerous international institution satellite campuses. It reported a one-third growth in international student numbers from 2024 to 2025.
Lisa Johnson, principal of Dubai's private American Academy for Girls, noted that her predominantly Emirati student population is increasingly looking away from the US for higher education.
“Every student wants and dreams to go to Harvard,” Johnson said. “But with more college options in the UAE, more students are choosing to stay.” Kazakhstan shares similar ambitions, according to Daniel Palm, an advisor for US universities setting up overseas campuses. Illinois Tech and the University of Arizona offer degree programs there, largely attracting students from China and Russia.
“Suddenly, US colleges are exploring how to ensure diversity and access,” Palm stated, “because there are students eager to study in the US but unable to do so." (AP) GSP
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