2026 Status of International Graduate Students in the United States

Recent data from the Council of Graduate Schools’ (CGS) annual Status of International Graduate Applications Survey show declines in applications from prospective international students for Fall 2026 compared with Fall 2025 for both doctoral and master’s programs. This reduction in applications was accompanied by fewer offers of admission to prospective international students at both the doctoral and master’s levels. These declines put U.S. innovation at risk and threaten the health of the U.S. economy and workforce.

This decline in applications and admissions aligns with findings reported by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Together, these findings should raise concerns about the state of international graduate education in the U.S. In this context, international talent is essential for the U.S. to maintain its leadership in global education, scientific and technological advancement, and innovation.