After traveling for more than 12 hours to the United States, Bruno Flores Jr. arrived in Phoenix to begin his studies at Arizona State University (ASU). The first-year student from Lima, Peru, will study mechanical engineering systems and is eager to make the most of his time at ASU.
“I want to do everything, everything I can,” Flores said. “I want to take every opportunity I have — not throw away my shot.”
Flores met members of the ASU welcome crew upon arrival and expressed enthusiasm about joining student organizations and participating in intramural sports. He joked that playing a video game set in Las Vegas had prepared him for Arizona’s desert climate.
This fall, ASU expects approximately 14,600 international students, which represents a 3% decrease from last year’s total of 15,104. These figures include both undergraduate and graduate students but do not count those participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. The decline is mainly due to difficulties international students faced in securing visa appointments amid shifting federal guidance for the fall 2025 semester. However, university officials anticipate that more international students will enroll throughout the academic year as they complete their visa processes.
“All qualified students have a place at ASU, regardless of where you call home,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow. “Our international students are incredibly valuable to the university. We want them here; we are glad they’re here. And despite the challenges in getting here this time around, we still have an unbelievably robust, unbelievably talented, unbelievably innovative group of international students learning from and contributing to the university this fall.”
In response to these challenges, ASU has offered flexible options during admissions by allowing some students to start their studies online or through partner institutions until they can join campus in person.
“Our admissions, academic and student services teams have worked directly with admitted international students to find the best way forward for each of them,” said Matt López, deputy vice president of Academic Enterprise Enrollment. “There are a number of options available, from starting their ASU journey with ASU Online, or through study abroad or at a partner institution. Flexibility is key in all of this — both in how they start this fall and how we help them transition onto campus once their visas are in hand.”
The university has provided outreach before arrival through webinars and email guidance on topics such as life in the U.S., visa procedures, and general wellness support. Upon arrival at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, staff from the International Students and Scholars Center offer assistance around-the-clock including transportation to campus housing.
ASU continues its efforts with welcome events on campus as well as programs focusing on cultural adjustment, English language immersion, career coaching and networking opportunities—services that contribute to its high ranking for employability among graduates.
According to recent data cited by university officials (https://news.asu.edu/20230427-arizona-impact-international-students-economic-impact), international students contribute about $700 million annually to Arizona’s economy through tuition payments and local spending.
“International students are economic contributors, scientific collaborators and cultural ambassadors,” President Crow said. “They are essential to the very goals the nation is trying to achieve — a growing economy, technological leadership and strengthened democratic alliances around the world.”
ASU will continue enrolling new international students throughout August as well as into session B beginning October 15 and spring semester 2025.
A record overall enrollment is projected for this fall at ASU with about 42,900 new students expected—including what may be the largest cohort of first-year Arizona residents ever enrolled by the university (https://news.asu.edu/20230816-university-news-demand-asu-surges-new-year-begins).
