International Student Enrollment Drops Threaten US, UK, Canada, Netherlands Universities

Universities across the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Canada are facing significant declines in international student enrollment due to various government policies and global factors. In the U.S., a study predicts a 5 million drop in college enrollments by 2037 if current trends continue, exacerbated by visa revocations and federal funding cuts targeting institutions like Harvard and Columbia. The UK has seen a 50% reduction in net migration and an 86% drop in study-related dependants, impacting university finances and potentially threatening the country's economic growth due to tighter visa rules and proposed levies on international students. Similarly, the Netherlands reports a 5.2% decrease in new international bachelor’s degree students, driven by government efforts to reduce foreign student numbers, although master's enrollments have increased. Canadian institutions have experienced steep drops in international enrollments—up to 57% at some universities—due to caps on study permits and processing delays, resulting in budget shortfalls, hiring freezes, and recruitment strategy overhauls. Across these countries, the decline in international students threatens not only the financial sustainability of universities but also their research capacity, regional development, and broader economic prospects.