A new Global Enrolment Benchmark Survey (GEBS) points to a significant downturn in international student numbers across North American universities. The latest findings show that interest tracked by Studyportals over the past year has translated into sharp enrolment drops on campuses in both the United States and Canada.
In the US, participating institutions reported a 6% decline in international undergraduates, effectively reversing the 6% increase recorded in the 2024 GEBS. The fall in master’s enrolments was even more pronounced. Across 201 American universities, international master’s numbers dropped 19%, marking the steepest decline in the survey and more than triple last year’s rate.
Canadian universities are experiencing an even sharper shift. Following a 27% fall in international undergraduates last year, this year’s survey shows an additional 36% decline, resulting in a cumulative drop of 53% since 2023. International graduate enrolments also continue to fall, with a 35% decline on top of last year’s 30% reduction.
Institutions across both countries report that increasingly restrictive immigration policies and visa-processing hurdles are major factors behind the downturn. The survey suggests that unless policy environments stabilise, North American universities may face continued enrolment pressures in the coming year.
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