Big blow for Indian students dreaming of studying in the US. The Trump administration has introduced a new rule that could significantly increase the difficulty for Indian students in gaining admission to top U.S. universities. A recent memo titled “A Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” directs American colleges to cap international undergraduate students at 15% of total enrollment. Even more worrying, no more than 5% of students can come from any single country, including India.
What’s in the New Rule?
The 10-point memo sent to nine major US universities, including MIT, Brown, UPenn, and USC, outlines strict conditions for those seeking “preferential access” to federal funds. Some major points include:
- 15% total cap on international undergraduate students
- 5% limit per country, impacting Indian and Chinese students the most
- Mandatory standardised tests like the SAT for all applicants
- Tuition freeze for 5 years and reduction in administrative costs
- Universities must share admissions data by nationality, race, and gender
- Screening foreign students for alignment with “American and Western values”
Why It Matters for Indian Students
Indian students form one of the largest groups in the US, contributing nearly 35% of total foreign enrollments. This new rule could mean:
- Tougher competition for limited seats
- Higher costs, as many affordable campuses may fill up quickly
- Extra scrutiny during visa processing
- Possible concerns about privacy and ideological screening
Universities Affected
The memo was reportedly sent to:
- University of Arizona
- Brown, Dartmouth
- MIT
- UPenn
- USC
- University of Texas
- University of Virginia
- Vanderbilt University
Final Take
If implemented widely, this move could significantly reshape the international education landscape in the US, prompting more Indian students to explore study options in Canada, the UK, Australia, or Europe.
Want to Know How This Affects Your US Plans?
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Source: Financial Express