Even amid visa worries and other disruptions, international students are flocking to Utah universities

It’s been a year marked by well-publicized uncertainty, visa hold-ups and deportation fears — but international students remain keen on enrolling in Utah universities.

The public University of Utah and the private Brigham Young University continue to be popular destinations for thousands of degree-seeking students from outside the United States.

And that same enthusiasm for Beehive State campuses appears to be extending to traditionally regional institutions, such as Utah Tech University.

Many across the country’s higher education community worried there would be sizable dips in international enrollment following a series of events this year impacting foreign students — including the Trump administration’s decision requiring student visa applicants to make their social media profiles public.

And earlier this year, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement temporarily revoked the legal status of hundreds of international students — including several studying at Utah colleges and universities.

But the desirability of an American college education appears to be generally countering fears — although there are disconcerting signs moving forward.

U.S. campuses saw a 1% decrease in international enrollment this fall compared with last year, according to a survey from the Institute of International Education.

But that figure is propped up by large numbers of students who stayed in the U.S. for temporary work after graduating. The number of new students entering the United States for the first time fell by 17%, the sharpest decrease since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to The Associated Press.

Overall, nearly 60% of colleges reported a decrease in new foreign students this fall, the survey found, while 30% saw increases and others held even. More than 800 schools responded to the survey, which offers an early look at trends before full data is released next year.

“I think colleges and universities did absolutely everything in their power to advocate to get these students to the United States,” said Mirka Martel, head of research, evaluation and learning for the institute, according to The Associated Press.

What’s the University of Utah doing to support its international students?

The University of Utah welcomed 3,165 international students to campus for this fall.

The state’s flagship university recorded a 9% increase in international undergraduate students — while the number of first-time international students jumped 15%

“The University of Utah is committed to supporting our international students, especially during moments of global uncertainty,” said Paul Kohn, senior vice provost for strategic enrollment and student success.

“Our International Student and Scholar Services team is in close communication with students to provide up-to-date guidance on visas, travel, and federal policy changes.”

Additionally, the University of Utah offers its international students one-on-one advising, expanded walk-in services and frequent “info sessions” to ensure they have clear, reliable information.

The school has also fortified its “wraparound support” for international students — including mental health services, academic advising, emergency financial assistance, legal-resource referrals, and year-round programming designed to build community and belonging.

Kohn said the school also coordinates with campus partners and national associations to advocate for stability and clarity in federal processes affecting international students.

“International students are a vital part of our campus community, and the university is fully committed to their safety, success, and well-being.”

Elevating international students at BYU

Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU has long been a desired academic locale for international students — particularly for degree-seeking Latter-day Saints living outside the United States.

A total of 1,306 international students from 103 countries are enrolled this fall at BYU — 981 undergraduates and 325 graduate students.

The top three nations represented on campus: Canada, Mexico and South Korea.

BYU spokesperson Audrey Perry Martin noted that the school’s International Student and Scholar Services Office assigns every international student an adviser who works with them throughout their BYU journey — from admission to post-graduation.

The university also provides a course entitled “International Student Orientation” designed to enhance each international student’s sense of belonging on campus.

BYU also prioritizes connecting international students to campus resources such as advisory resources, food and housing insecurity resources, mental health resources and ecclesiastical support, according to Perry Martin.

Utah Tech: A regional school that’s drawing global attention

While classified as a regional university, Utah Tech University has become an academic home to scores of international students.

This fall, the St. George-based institution’s student body includes 230 international students — 228 undergrads and two graduate students.

Eighty-one of those international students are “first-timers.”

“Last year, we experienced record growth and welcomed our largest-ever international student population. This year, we maintained that same number,” wrote school spokesperson Jyl Hall in an email to the Deseret News.

Hall added that since international students pay out-of-state tuition, increasing the number of international students does increase tuition revenue.

Utah Tech’s Office of International Programs provides international students with immigration support — along with guidance and career direction.

“We also have two hotlines in our office so anyone can reach out from anywhere, anytime,” said Executive Director of International Programs Shadman Bashir. “Through this type of personalized support and strong relationship building, our student numbers grow despite current uncertainties.”

Such support, added Bashir, is further establishing the school’s global reputation as a welcoming higher education institution.