Education

International Student Numbers Drop – And It’s Nothing To Do With Covid-19


The number of international students in the U.S. fell for the first time in 15 years – even before the impact of Covid-19.

The rapid growth in numbers seen since 2006 had slowed in recent years, but this is the first year numbers had fallen for a decade and a half, and only the fifth since figures were first published in 1948.

The drop predates the coronavirus pandemic and is likely largely the result of an increasingly hostile approach to immigration under the Trump administration, including travel bans and limits on student visas, plus the prospect of restrictions on skilled worker visas.

The number of international students at U.S. universities fell by about 20,000 to 1,075,000 in 2019/20, a drop of 1.8% on the previous year, according to figures published today.

Although the rate of growth had gradually fallen since its high point of 10% in 2014/15, this is the first time numbers have actually fallen since 2005/6 and is the third largest drop on record, according to today’s Open Doors data, published by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in partnership with the State Department.

Travel restrictions imposed to try to limit the spread of Covid-19, plus President Trump’s handling of the pandemic, are expected to rapidly accelerate this trend, raising concerns about the U.S.’s ability to attract the best talent from around the world.

A snapshot survey by the IIE earlier this semester showed a 16% decline in international students studying in the U.S. or at U.S. institutions online this year as a result of the pandemic.

International students represent around one in 20 enrolments at universities in the U.S., contribute around £45bn to the economy and support around 460,000 jobs.

Despite the fall, the number of new enrolments stabilized in 2019/20, showing just a 0.6% drop, compared with the 7% decline over the previous two years.

‘We are encouraged to see a fifth year of more than one million international students in the United States before the pandemic,’ said Marie Royce, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs.

‘International student mobility is as important today as ever, and we believe the United States is the best destination for students to study and earn their degrees.’

Around a third (35%) come from China, by far the largest source of international students, and half come from China and India (18%) combined. The next largest source is South Korea, with 5%,

But while the U.S. remains the most popular destination for international students, there are signs that its appeal is waning.

The U.K. is now the most favored nation for students from China, according to a survey this year, helped by lower fees, a faster route to graduation and a more relaxed visa regime.

More than half of international students in the U.S. pursue majors in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields, with one in 20 studying engineering.

The number of U.S. nationals studying abroad has risen for the tenth consecutive year, with 347,000 studying abroad in 2018/19, the latest year for which figures are available.

More than half head to Europe, with the U.K. the most popular destination, although Spain is rapidly closing the gap.

‘We’re proud to see Americans studying abroad in greater numbers than ever before,’ said Royce.

‘American students are powerful ambassadors for our nation and study abroad often provides the foundation for future careers as successful diplomats, innovators, educators, and entrepreneurs,’ said Royce.



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