Market intelligence for international student recruitment from ICEF
24th Jan 2018

SEVIS numbers point to declining international enrolment in US higher education in 2017

In a further indication of a flattening enrolment in the US, a new report suggests that both international undergraduate and graduate numbers in US institutions declined between 2016 and 2017. The latest figures appear in the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Science and Engineering Indicators 2018, and they draw on current data from the US Immigration Department’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). In its regular SEVIS by the Numbers reports, ICE provides an interesting benchmark for foreign enrolment in the US. We’ve referenced this data in the past and the usual cautions apply when comparing SEVIS values against data from other sources, most notably the Institute for International Education’s annual Open Doors report. A key difference in this respect is that the SEVIS system is web-based and its reports are based on real-time data that provides a snapshot of active international students in America as of the report date. Further, the SEVIS data casts a wider net to provide a more comprehensive view of foreign enrolment in the US. Open Doors is based on a survey of 3,000 accredited higher education institutions and so the focus is on those enrolled in academic study at US colleges. In contrast, SEVIS data reflects all levels of education, including primary and secondary school enrolments. The most recent Open Doors report found only marginal growth in foreign enrolment in the US for 2016/17. And, as we reported at the time, nearly all of the growth for 2016/17 can be attributed to increased participation in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme (OPT allows international students to stay and work in America for up to 12 months following graduation, or up to 36 months in the case of STEM graduates). However you look at it, Open Doors shows clearly that year-over-year growth was notably slower in 2016/17. Further, the report finds that both international commencements in the US fell last year, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, for the first time in 12 years. The NSF analysis takes this a step further still by isolating F-1 visa holders (that is, those enrolled in higher education institutions for long-term degree study). It again finds that after years of steady growth, total foreign enrolment in US higher education dipped from 2016 to 2017. As the following table reflects, total international enrolment (that is, both undergraduate and graduate) fell by nearly 4% last year. Undergraduate numbers dipped by just over 2%, and graduate enrolment fell off more sharply with a nearly 5.5% decline. international-students-holding-f-1-visas-enrolled-in-us-higher-education-institutions-by-field-and-level-of-study-2015-2017 International students (holding F-1 visas) enrolled in US higher education institutions, by field and level of study, 2015–2017. Source: NSF As the table also reflects:

  • Foreign undergraduate enrolment in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math) was essentially flat between 2016 and 2017. The overall drop in international undergraduate numbers is attributed to declining enrolment in non-STEM fields.
  • The enrolment decline is more pronounced at the graduate level. In percentage terms, both STEM and non-STEM programmes saw roughly the same dip in 2017 (around 5–6%). With respect to absolute numbers, however, the drop was more pronounced in the STEM fields. This will be an interesting indicator to watch closely in 2018, given the heavy proportion of international graduate enrolment in STEM subjects.

Also of note: foreign enrolment in US graduate schools is highly concentrated in terms of sending markets, with nearly seven in ten students coming from either China or India. Along that line, the NSF analysis more or less tracks with the Open Doors findings in terms of broad year-over-year shifts in major sending markets. In short, the softening enrolment outlook for 2017 has much to do with slowing growth from the massive Chinese market paired with a dramatic decline in Saudi numbers (on the order of 15% or more). For additional background, please see:

Most Recent

  • US Office of Management and Budget grants budget reprieve to key exchange programmes Read More
  • Canada: How is study permit processing taking shape this year? Read More
  • UK study visa grants strengthening in first half of 2025 Read More

Most Popular

  • Which countries will contribute the most to global student mobility in 2030? Read More
  • Research shows link between study abroad and poverty alleviation  Read More
  • Beyond the Big Four: How demand for study abroad is shifting to destinations in Asia and Europe Read More

Because you found this article interesting

US Office of Management and Budget grants budget reprieve to key exchange programmes In a highly unusual intervention in an area of Congressional authority, the US Office of Management and Budget...
Read more
Canada: How is study permit processing taking shape this year? There are two important and recurring themes in our conversations with education agents over the last few months...
Read more
UK study visa grants strengthening in first half of 2025 A 21 August 2025 data release from the UK Home Office shows that student visa grants were up...
Read more
Asian destinations show their strength in latest ranking of student cities The QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings were released last month, and, for the first time ever, Seoul...
Read more
How does this current generation of students view the impact of AI? The following is a guest post contributed by Nannette Ripmeester, the Regional Director for Europe and North America...
Read more
Many foreign students want to stay in Germany but need more help with the transition to life after study Early findings from an extensive survey of international students in Germany finds that two-thirds would like to stay...
Read more
How post-study work rights can make or break the return on investment for study abroad The following is a guest post contributed by Tim O’Brien and Claire Clifford from INTO University Partnerships, where...
Read more
Australia prioritises amendments to ESOS Act in legislative agenda The Australian government has signalled that amendments to the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 are back...
Read more
What are you looking for?
Quick Links