The amount of international students enrolled at Oregon State University is decreasing; however, students who remain say they appreciate the resources the university provides.
In May, the Barometer reported that undergraduate enrollment for international students had decreased by 8% for the fall 2026 term, while graduate students saw a 58% reduction.
Between Oregon State University’s campuses in Corvallis, Cascades and Ecampus, approximately 7.5% of the student body is made up of international students from around 100 countries.
According to the Office of International Services executive director Grace Atebe, there are many factors causing a decline.
“Several factors are likely contributing, including visa appointment disruptions, processing delays, travel restrictions affecting some countries, uncertainty about immigration pathways after graduation, rising cost sensitivity, and strong competition from other countries that may be viewed as more affordable or predictable,” Atebe said in an email.
Despite the decline in international enrollment, many students who are already at OSU are finding ways to stay on track towards graduation while navigating changes unique to studying abroad.
Andrew Fonnadi, a graduate student from Indonesia, is taking summer courses at OSU and working. He arrived in Corvallis in March, and he plans to finish his degree by next spring.
Fonnadi mentioned that INTO, the campus partnership dedicated to supporting OSU students, has been beneficial.
“It’s too early for me to go back,” Fonnadi said. “Luckily, INTO helps, and then the (Oregon State) Jobs website, of course, they have a lot of job opportunities and I got one in Arnold (Dining Center).”
For Chau Hoang, a graduate student from Vietnam, staying in Corvallis over the summer also means that she will be able to graduate on time next spring. One challenge that she has found as an international student is the job opportunities in the United States.
“I’m worried about my job in the future, like the challenge is finding an opportunity to get a job here. Because many companies are finding local people,” Hoang said. She also noted that it can be difficult to find a company that is willing to sponsor a visa.
Another challenge that international students face is the language barrier.
“In some classes, the professor–they speak very fast and maybe some words we can’t understand,” Lucy Lu, a graduate student from Taiwan, said.
One resource available for international students looking to develop their English skills is the International Conversation Buddies program. According to the ICB website, an international student is paired with an English-speaking student, through which they can practice their English by meeting new people and having new experiences.
For international students in search of support, OSU offers immigration advising and travel guidance, among other resources, in the Beavers Navigating Immigration Matters resource hub.
“It is important to emphasize that international students remain a valued and important part of the OSU community,” Atebe said.
“Our goal is to provide timely information, practical support, and a welcoming environment for international students as they pursue their education at OSU.”