The United States’ standing as a top destination for international students is diminishing, as new, restrictive policies are causing widespread anxiety and making academic pursuits in the U.S. more challenging. One of the most immediate impacts is the difficulty in securing an F-1 student visa, which is required for international students seeking to enroll full-time in U.S. government-certified academic institutions. U.S. State Department data, analyzed by the Cato Institute, shows the rejection rate for student visa applicants reached 41% in the 2023–2024 fiscal year, up from 36% previously. These policies, which include halting new student visa interviews and blocking foreign enrollment at universities like Harvard, have left international students feeling targeted.
Although Africa represents the fastest-growing pool of youth and global talent, tens of thousands of qualified students from the continent are routinely denied U.S. study visas at disproportionately higher rates than students from other regions. Data collected through public records requests by education advocates showed that Ethiopia had a rate of 78%, Nigeria had a rate of 75%, Kenya had a rate of 74%, the Democratic Republic of the Congo had a rate of 69%, Ghana had a rate of 63%, Zimbabwe had a rate of 47%, and South Africa had a rate of 17% in the 2023 fiscal year. Even when accepted into top-tier programs with full scholarships, African applicants reportedly encounter more scrutiny due to assumptions that they may overstay their visas.
Aisha Abdullahi Mahmud, a lecturer in Plant Science and Biotechnology at the Federal University of Dutsinma in Katsina State, northwestern Nigeria, is directly affected by these changes. In 2024, she secured two PhD opportunities with professors at the University of Georgia and the University of Cincinnati. Both American universities had agreed to host her in their labs. However, just as she was deciding between the offers, she received emails from the professors informing her that they could no longer host students in their labs due to funding restrictions imposed by the Trump administration.
“When I received the emails, I was honestly heartbroken,” Aisha recounted. “It felt like the ground was pulled from under me. After months of preparation, interviews, and anticipation, being told that I could no longer be hosted was discouraging. I had already begun to envision my journey in their labs, planning my research path, thinking about the move, and mentally committing to the next chapter of my academic life.”
Before these setbacks, Aisha’s ambition to study in the U.S. was strong, having been captivated by its cutting-edge research environment, access to advanced facilities, and the prospect of being mentored by world-renowned scientists.
Aisha’s experience mirrors a broader pattern affecting African students and researchers across the continent. For instance, a Togolese student, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed her apprehension to Global Voices about obtaining a visa for her upcoming fall courses in the U.S. She viewed the Trump administration’s abrupt policy shift towards international students, who seek quality education for career success, as unjustified.
Another Beninese student, whose name was withheld, also told Global Voices that these measures are harming America’s reputation, prompting her and others to consider studying in places like Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, France, and China. For Fatou Wurie, a doctoral candidate from Sierra Leone at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, achieving her academic aspirations was a collaborative effort of her family and community, who raised $200,000 to fund her studies. Wurie also took out loans and worked throughout her degree to cover expenses for visas, accommodation, and healthcare. Speaking to BBC Afrique, a report also noted by Global Voices, Wurie highlighted that beyond the financial burden, the emotional toll of navigating the U.S. immigration system and the constant need to remain compliant with U.S. laws profoundly impacts the mental well-being of Africans like her.
In addition to visa denials and funding restrictions, international students are also worried about what happens after graduation. Key programs, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which enable students to gain work experience in their fields, are under threat. These policy shifts have significant implications for U.S. higher education and its economy. According to NAFSA, international students contributed $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 378,175 jobs during the 2023-2024 academic year. This revenue is generated from international students paying full tuition, which helps keep tuition lower for domestic students. Many U.S. universities, particularly those in STEM fields, rely heavily on international graduate students, who constitute a majority of their postgraduate programs and make significant contributions to vital research.
Harvard University, for example, stated in a court filing that restrictions on international students created “profound fear, concern, and confusion.” Some universities also reported declines in postgraduate international enrollment, where most international students are concentrated. Experts, such as Gerardo Blanco of Boston College, warn that the U.S. risks losing a generation of global talent in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Given these challenges, academics like Aisha believe that countries across Europe and Asia are offering viable alternatives. For instance, Diaspora Africa learned that in Europe, many countries provide government-backed PhD fellowships or fully funded project positions, including initiatives such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) or the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programs. Asia also provides government scholarships such as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program and the Chinese Government Scholarship.
“Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway have long histories of supporting international researchers through well-funded, transparent systems. Their education models are designed to efficiently integrate global talent with streamlined visa processes, structured integration programs, and clear research career paths,” explained Aisha.
Today, Aisha is calling on U.S. policymakers to carefully consider the long-term impact of their decisions on global STEM talent. “If the U.S. wants to remain a global leader in STEM, it must treat international researchers not as outsiders, but as essential partners in innovation,” Aisha remarked. “Policies should be built around accessibility, stability, and inclusion.” For her fellow African students and researchers facing similar challenges, Aisha advises them not to let one closed door define their journey. She noted that their value isn’t tied to a single system or country and that opportunities extend far beyond the U.S. “Explore Europe, Asia, and other regions actively investing in international talent. Countries like Germany, Norway, China, Japan, the Netherlands, and South Korea, for example, offer world-class research opportunities, full scholarships, and supportive environments for young scientists.” she said.
Writer: Yahuza Bawage
Editor: Beatrice Nwoko
Image: Olakunle Aro
Editorial Oversight: Amaka Obioji