Foreign PhD Enrollment in US Holds Steady Amid Trump-Era Immigration Restrictions

Foreign PhD enrollment in the United States remained steady in recent years, defying expectations that the country's increasingly restrictive immigration policies would deter international students. According to data released by the Council of Graduate Schools, the number of foreign students pursuing PhDs in the US remained largely unchanged between 2023 and 2025, with 77,000 international students enrolled in graduate programs last year. Despite the Trump administration's efforts to limit immigration and restrict access to higher education for foreign nationals, the US continued to attract top talent from around the world. "The US is still a magnet for top foreign students, and it's not just about the quality of education," said Dr. Maria Zuber, a physicist and president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "It's about the opportunities, the resources, and the freedom to pursue research without undue restrictions." The US has a long history of attracting foreign students, particularly in the sciences. In the early 20th century, many of the world's top researchers and scientists were based in Europe, and American research was seen as lagging behind. However, following World War II, the US invested heavily in science and technology, and the country's universities became a hub for international collaboration and innovation. While the US remains a popular destination for foreign students, there are concerns that the country's immigration policies may be starting to take a toll on its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive nation. "The US is still a global leader in science and technology, but it's not just about the numbers," said Dr. Zuber. "It's about the values and the culture that we promote. We need to be careful not to undermine our own strengths by becoming increasingly restrictive and isolationist." The data released by the Council of Graduate Schools also highlights the growing diversity of international students in the US. While China remains the largest source of foreign students, with 22,000 PhD students enrolled in US graduate programs, India and South Korea are also becoming increasingly important sources of talent. "The US is benefiting from a global brain drain, and it's not just about the numbers," said Dr. Zuber. "It's about the quality and diversity of the students we're attracting." As the US continues to navigate the complex and often contentious issue of immigration, policymakers will be closely watching the trends in foreign PhD enrollment. While the data suggests that the US remains a popular destination for international students, there are concerns that the country's policies may be starting to take a toll on its reputation and its ability to attract top talent.