Why Are Indian Students Avoiding Harvard? Here’s the Reason Behind the Decline

Harvard University has long been considered one of the best destinations for higher education in the U.S. Ranked among the top five globally by QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education, Harvard attracts students from across the world. However, recent data shows that Indian students are increasingly steering clear of the Ivy League institution.

According to the Harvard Fact Book for Fall 2025, the number of Indian students enrolling at Harvard dropped to 545, down from 788 in the previous academic year—a 31% decline. While the total number of international students at Harvard continues to rise, Indian admissions have decreased notably after remaining relatively stable in the 2023 and 2024 fall sessions.

Why Are Indian Students Hesitant?
Data from Harvard’s Office of Institutional Research and Analytics suggests that changes in U.S. immigration policies are a major factor. During the previous administration under Donald Trump, stricter immigration rules and pauses in university funding created hurdles for foreign students. Additionally, visa approvals have become tougher, and processing times have increased, discouraging Indian students from applying to institutions where immigration challenges are significant.

Despite this decline at Harvard, Indian students still form the largest population among international students in the U.S., with over 331,000 currently pursuing degrees across the country.