US Defies Expectations: International PhD Enrollment Remains Steady

Foreign PhD enrollment in the US remained steady in recent years, defying expectations that the polarizing policies of the previous administration would deter international students from pursuing higher education in the country. According to data released by the Council of Graduate Schools, the number of foreign students enrolled in PhD programs in the US remained relatively unchanged from 2020 to 2025, with a slight increase of 0.5% in the latter year. The data suggests that despite the controversy surrounding the previous administration's policies on immigration and international students, the US continues to be a magnet for top foreign talent. "The US is still a global leader in higher education, and our PhD programs are among the best in the world," said Dr. Karen Holbrook, a former president of Ohio State University and a leading expert on international education. "We have a long history of attracting the best and brightest from around the world, and that's not going to change anytime soon." The steady enrollment numbers are a testament to the enduring appeal of US higher education, particularly in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The US is home to many of the world's top universities, including Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, which continue to attract top foreign students. "The US has a unique combination of academic excellence, research opportunities, and cultural diversity that makes it an attractive destination for international students," said Dr. Holbrook. However, the data also highlights the growing risks to the US's foreign talent pipeline. The previous administration's policies, including the travel ban and changes to the visa process, created uncertainty and anxiety among international students and scholars. While the current administration has taken steps to reverse some of these policies, the damage may already be done. "The US has a reputation for being a welcoming and inclusive country, but the previous administration's policies undermined that reputation and created a sense of uncertainty among international students," said Dr. Holbrook. The steady enrollment numbers are also a reminder of the importance of international education to the US economy and society. Foreign students contribute significantly to the US economy, both through their tuition fees and their participation in the workforce. According to a report by the National Science Foundation, foreign-born researchers and scientists have played a crucial role in many of the US's most significant scientific breakthroughs, including the development of the internet and the discovery of the Higgs boson. As the US looks to the future, it will be important to continue to attract and retain top foreign talent. The current administration has taken steps to promote international education, including the launch of the "International Education Strategy" aimed at increasing the number of international students in the US. However, much work remains to be done to address the lingering concerns and uncertainties among international students and scholars. In the meantime, the steady enrollment numbers are a welcome sign that the US remains a global leader in higher education, and that its PhD programs continue to attract the best and brightest from around the world.