India’s 36.8% drop in US postgraduate interest signals broader trend across top nations. (AI Image)

Interest in postgraduate programs in the United States has taken a sharp downturn in early 2025, with overall interest plummeting by 40%. According to new research from StudyPortals, the decline has been particularly pronounced among international students, with India recording a significant 36.8% drop in postgraduate interest. This marks a major shift in student behavior, as students seek more stable and welcoming environments amid tightening policies in the US.
The data, covering the period from January to March 2025, paints a worrying picture for the US education sector. While interest in the UK has surged, the US faces a decline from several major source countries. The study also highlighted that international students are increasingly looking at alternative destinations for their postgraduate education, with the UK emerging as a strong competitor to the US.
Sharp decline from key countries
Among the countries experiencing the most dramatic drops in postgraduate interest in the US, India stands out. Interest from Indian students fell by 36.8%, as revealed by the StudyPortals data. In addition, other nations such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Iran also saw steep declines. Bangladesh experienced a 54.1% drop, while interest from Iran plummeted by 61.2%. Pakistan and Nigeria saw drops of 36.3% and 38.7%, respectively.
This significant decline is attributed to several factors, including political instability, restrictive visa policies, and a general sense of uncertainty in the US. As noted by Cara Skikne, head of communications at StudyPortals, “Students are not just choosing programs; they’re choosing futures in places they perceive as stable, welcoming, and full of opportunity,” as quoted by The Pie News.
UK’s rise as a top choice
The growing interest in the UK, particularly in light of these declines in the US, is also a key trend. StudyPortals reported that interest in UK postgraduate programs has risen by nearly 20% over the past six months, with some fields, such as business and management and computer science, seeing increases of up to 25%. “Almost 7% of all sessions looking at US bachelor’s and master’s degrees are now also looking at options in the UK,” Skikne explained, as quoted by The Pie News.
The British Council also corroborated these findings, noting that the UK is now viewed as the “most welcoming” major Anglophone destination. Despite some challenges, including the UK’s policies on dependents, the Labour administration’s stance on international students has bolstered the UK’s appeal, as it has maintained the Graduate Route and continues to focus on welcoming international talent.
The future of US higher education
The study highlights a shift in global student preferences, with the US losing some of its former dominance in the postgraduate space. As the Trump administration continues its second term, changes to immigration policies and the threat of a travel ban have sent shockwaves through campuses. With uncertainty hanging over the US, international students are increasingly looking to more stable options like the UK.
As reported by The Pie News, these findings underscore the need for the US to rethink its approach to attracting international students. In the face of policy changes, the US may need to act quickly to retain its position as a top destination for postgraduate education.