Columbia University is witnessing a decline in international student applications for the next admissions cycle, Acting University President Claire Shipman confirmed, citing growing global uncertainty and stricter US visa policies under President Donald Trump’s administration, according to a report by Columbia Spectator. The downturn raises concern for one of America’s most globally diverse campuses, where international students contribute significantly to both enrolment and financial stability.
Admissions dip due to policy shifts
At the October 24 University Senate plenary, Shipman said an “early look” at application data showed a decline in international submissions. “Some families and international students might think coming here is, given what they watched in the last six months, might feel risky for them, and that will be an important risk for us to keep in mind,” she said to Columbia Spectator.
International students made up 39% of Columbia’s student body in 2024 and contributed roughly 13% of the University’s operating budget through tuition fees, according to the University’s 2025 financial report and data from Politico.
The drop in applications coincides with several federal measures that have affected foreign students across US campuses. In March, Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained two Columbia students, Palestinian activists Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi, citing national security concerns. Although both were released on bail, the incident created unease among the international community.
Around the same time, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the cancellation of more than 300 student visas, including four belonging to Columbia students.
Visa processing also slowed earlier this year. The US Department of State temporarily paused visa appointments for international and exchange students in May as it introduced stricter screening procedures, including deeper social media checks. Appointments resumed in June, but uncertainty persisted. A further executive order issued on June 4 imposed full or partial entry bans on nationals from 19 countries, including those holding F or J visas used by students and exchange visitors.
Research funding cuts add to concerns
In addition to immigration challenges, Columbia faces possible cuts in federal research funding. The Presidential Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request seeks to reduce allocations to the National Science Foundation by $4.7 billion and the National Institutes of Health by nearly $18 billion. Both agencies are key sources of research grants for the University. Although Shipman noted that “almost 99%” of federal grants from the previous year were reinstated, she said uncertainty over future funding keeps the University “in a cautious position.”
To cushion the impact, Columbia has launched several support measures. The International Student Hardship Fund has distributed nearly $500,000 since April to help students manage unexpected visa and travel costs. The University has also directed funds from its endowment to a Research Stabilization Fund to offset disruptions in federal support.
Admissions dip due to policy shifts
At the October 24 University Senate plenary, Shipman said an “early look” at application data showed a decline in international submissions. “Some families and international students might think coming here is, given what they watched in the last six months, might feel risky for them, and that will be an important risk for us to keep in mind,” she said to Columbia Spectator.
International students made up 39% of Columbia’s student body in 2024 and contributed roughly 13% of the University’s operating budget through tuition fees, according to the University’s 2025 financial report and data from Politico.
The drop in applications coincides with several federal measures that have affected foreign students across US campuses. In March, Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained two Columbia students, Palestinian activists Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi, citing national security concerns. Although both were released on bail, the incident created unease among the international community.
Around the same time, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the cancellation of more than 300 student visas, including four belonging to Columbia students.
Visa processing also slowed earlier this year. The US Department of State temporarily paused visa appointments for international and exchange students in May as it introduced stricter screening procedures, including deeper social media checks. Appointments resumed in June, but uncertainty persisted. A further executive order issued on June 4 imposed full or partial entry bans on nationals from 19 countries, including those holding F or J visas used by students and exchange visitors.
Research funding cuts add to concerns
In addition to immigration challenges, Columbia faces possible cuts in federal research funding. The Presidential Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request seeks to reduce allocations to the National Science Foundation by $4.7 billion and the National Institutes of Health by nearly $18 billion. Both agencies are key sources of research grants for the University. Although Shipman noted that “almost 99%” of federal grants from the previous year were reinstated, she said uncertainty over future funding keeps the University “in a cautious position.”
To cushion the impact, Columbia has launched several support measures. The International Student Hardship Fund has distributed nearly $500,000 since April to help students manage unexpected visa and travel costs. The University has also directed funds from its endowment to a Research Stabilization Fund to offset disruptions in federal support.
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