Well before the disruptions from the coronavirus, many U.S. colleges were beginning to see a decline in Chinese student interest. In the 2018-2019 school year, 48% of colleges reported declines in new international students from China, according to the Institute of International Education. Political tensions, tuition costs as well as tighter visa rules have affected demand, with Australia and Canada remaining competitive choices.
China remains the largest international market for U.S. higher education, accounting for a third of 1.1 million international college students in 2018-2019. The overall growth of international enrollment has plateaued in recent years. For 2020-2021, with consulate closures, visa uncertainties, travel restrictions and other impacts of the pandemic, the National Foundation for American Policy projects a decline of between 63% and 98% from 2018-2019.