Shifting Tides in Study Abroad as US Visa Uncertainty Grows

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A wave of controversial decisions by the United States’ Trump administration has sent shockwaves across the globe, leaving international students who had intended to further their studies in the US among those caught in the crossfire.

On June 4, 2025, US President Donald Trump issued a proclamation suspending the entry of Harvard University students through the Student Exchange Visa Program (SEVP), citing national security risks. One key claim was that the People’s Republic of China attempted to exploit the student visa program to gather intelligence from elite US universities. This decision was blocked by a federal judge two days later.

Before this proclamation, nearly 1,800 visas had been revoked as of April 24, 2025, according to Inside Higher Ed. The administration subsequently restored all terminated SEVIS statuses. On May 27, 2025, appointments for student and exchange visa applications were temporarily suspended, resuming only later on June 19, 2025, four weeks after the suspension was announced.

Although many of these controversial decisions have been blocked or reversed, the recent spate of events casts doubt on the Trump administration’s reliability and undermines global confidence in US educational institutions.

As immigration and visa policies continue to tighten in the name of national security, there is much uncertainty for international students who plan to further their studies in the US. Visa issuance is expected to become even more stringent as the US implements enhanced media vetting in its application process. This would likely make it increasingly difficult for students to gain admission to US universities, especially for students from Middle Eastern countries and China. According to the Financial Times, there has been an observable dip in the number of Chinese students attending US universities in recent years due to growing conflict between the two superpowers, despite the number of international students hitting an all-time high of 1.1 million students in 2024.

With no signs of the Trump administration backing down, international students should brace themselves for the long haul and begin planning for contingencies should the situation escalate. The tightening of visa policies is also likely to influence global study trends, with a growing number of students expected to turn to trusted institutions in countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia. However, it is essential for students who want to consider these other countries as options to understand that the type of preparation required for other universities may differ from that of US universities. 

For Singaporeans, Australia remains one of the most popular backup options due to its grade-focused admissions and proximity to Singapore. Polytechnic students also benefit from generous credit exemptions, enabling them to complete their degrees in just two or even 1.5 years. In contrast, Canadian university applications place greater emphasis on extracurricular achievements rather than academic grades alone, which may suit some students more than others. UK universities such as the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics and Political Science are also highly sought after. With a strong focus on academic ability, top UK universities generally look for near-perfect academic records, in addition to top admission test scores. Trained by our rigorous education system, many Singaporean students could stand out amongst their peers from other countries in the admissions tests, which is a critical aspect of the admission criteria to top UK universities. 

These are some of the many alternatives available to international students should they choose to pursue their studies outside of the US. Still, many Ivy League hopefuls continue to place their hopes in US universities, given their strong international reputation, world-class research facilities and strong research funding.

Students uncertain about their study destination should first ascertain their long-term goals and identify which education system best aligns with their aspirations. For instance, while US universities continue to lead in IT and engineering disciplines, UK universities are rapidly gaining ground in these areas and are also renowned for their strong business programs. In terms of education style, UK universities offer more in-depth and discipline-specific modules, while the US offers more room for students to explore, especially at liberal arts colleges. Additionally, while the UK requires students to commit to a major from the start of their degree, US universities often allow students to declare their major about a year into their studies, giving students much more flexibility in terms of choices.

With a clear academic and career goal in mind, students must also consider geopolitical factors that may impact their education or job prospects. Given the volatility of the current Trump administration and global uncertainty stemming from rising geopolitical tensions, students must understand how such situations may impact them. For example, Chinese students may find it more difficult to apply to a US university or secure employment within the US, given the current administration’s agenda. However, Singaporean students may not encounter the same level of administrative scrutiny, due to Singapore’s strong relations with the US.

For those still unsure of their path, educational consultancies can provide valuable guidance. These agencies assist with university applications and offer a range of services at different price points, though many come with a steep price tag. However, Sedifly, for instance, provides flexible support packages tailored to individual needs and budgets, which would be suitable for most students. With an educational consultancy like Sedifly, students can better identify the right university that best helps to achieve their aspirations.

While the outlook for international students in the US may seem uncertain, thorough research, planning and professional support are definite ways to secure a certain educational pathway in this shifting academic landscape.