According to the latest Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) data, international student enrollment in the United States surged by 9.7% from August to September 2025. The total number of active students rose from 1,185,458 to 1,300,491.
India remained the top country of origin, with 383,871 active students in September 2025, a 3.6% increase from 370,378 in August. China, the second-largest contributor, saw a robust 12.8% rise, growing from 218,598 to 246,573 students. South Korea, ranking third, reported an 11.8% increase, with student numbers climbing from 40,213 to 44,962. Canada exhibited the strongest growth among major countries, with an 18.7% surge from 31,824 to 37,779 students.
Other notable countries included Brazil, with an 8.8% increase (from 33,793 to 36,783 students), and Vietnam, which grew 15.3% (from 29,017 to 33,464). Nepal also showed significant growth, rising 15.9% from 30,019 to 34,807 students. Nigeria and Saudi Arabia recorded more modest gains, with Nigeria up 5.1% to 24,310 students and Saudi Arabia up 6.2% to 12,144.
Australia saw a 19.8% increase, from 4,369 to 5,236 students, while Germany jumped 32.5%, from 7,317 to 9,699. The United Kingdom reported a strong 21.4% rise, reaching 13,431 students from 11,060.
The SEVIS data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reveals a dramatic surge in the number of Nepali students active on student visas, with the population increasing by almost 5,000 between August and September 2025. The total number of active Nepali students in various educational institutions rose significantly from 30,019 at the beginning of August to 34,807 in September.
This notable rise followed a temporary dip, as the number had previously fallen from 30,840 in July. The demographic breakdown in September showed a majority of male students, with 19,580, compared to 15,225 female students. These students were pursuing various academic levels: 12,682 were enrolled in Bachelor’s programs, 10,331 in Master’s, 6,836 in Associate degrees, and 4,336 in Doctoral programs.
The number of Nepali students enrolled in Language Training classes rose to 323 in September from 204 in August. This sudden increase coincided with the DHS decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepali nationals in August, suggesting some individuals may have enrolled in language classes to maintain legal status in the U.S.
Analyzing the geographical distribution, the data shows that Texas is the state with the highest concentration of active Nepali students, totaling 7,909—a significant jump from the 5,975 recorded in Texas in August. Following Texas, the top states were Ohio (2,495 students), New York (2,097), Kentucky (1,664), and Missouri (1,548).
The SEVIS records also indicate a period of prior decline. From April to the start of August 2025, the number of active Nepali student records declined by 2,049 (from 32,070 to 30,019) before the September increase. SEVIS cancellation can be due to various reasons, including visa revocation, students dropping out, finishing their studies, or changing visa status.
The DHS and ICE have recently corrected past SEVIS records, revising the count of Nepali students for August 2024 from 16,933 to 21,583, and the count for January 2025 from 16,933 to 27,870, among other adjustments.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
