Telegraph: International enrolments at US universities have fallen as many colleges fear the country’s political climate, according to a national survey.

The Institute of International Education reported on Monday that the number of new students coming from abroad fell by an average of 7 per cent at nearly 500 colleges and universities surveyed this autumn, but said the results from school to school are more mixed than many had feared.

Many schools nevertheless have concerns about the US political climate and fear that it could drive students away.

While 45 per cent of schools saw declines in international enrolment, nearly a third said their numbers have increased since last year, the survey found. The remaining 24 per cent said they saw no change.

"It’s definitely a wake-up call, but by no means is it a crisis, and it does not come anywhere close to the precipitous decline and plummeting of numbers that the entire sector had been predicting," said Rajika Bhandari, head of research, policy and practice for the nonprofit group based in New York.

The White House’s proposed travel bans and separate reports of violence against immigrants had fueled fears of a sharp decline in students coming from abroad. The anxiety spurred many campuses to boost their recruiting efforts, while some launched marketing campaigns meant to make foreign students feel welcome.

Despite the improved outlook, the survey found that half of the 500 colleges still worry the nation’s atmosphere could discourage potential students, and 20 per cent reported that the climate has already led some students to leave >>>