US, UK see sharp fall in international student enrolments amid visa curbs: Survey

Universities in the United States and the United Kingdom are facing a decline in international undergraduate enrolments as students increasingly consider destinations in Asia and continental Europe, according to a global survey of higher education institutions.The US recorded a 13% fall in international undergraduate numbers, while the UK saw a 19% decline between October and August compared with the same period a year earlier.

The findings are based on a survey of 437 universities across 63 countries conducted by Studyportals, NAFSA and Oxford Test of English.Canada and Australia also reported weaker demand, while institutions across Asia and continental Europe recorded stronger growth in international student enrolments.International students are an important source of income for universities, as they generally pay higher tuition fees than domestic students.