Fall 2025 Drop in International Student Continuation
As Fall 2025 begins, a quiet crisis is unfolding across international student communities in the U.S. TISSO (Tukole International Student Support Organization), which had seen year-over-year growth, now faces an unexpected and alarming reality: of the 399 students registered, only 95 have confirmed continuation of their education. That’s a staggering 76 percent drop in confirmations.
The majority of students who didn’t confirm are not back home. They’re still in the United States, staying with friends, working unofficial jobs, or in limbo while waiting for paperwork. Many are afraid, confused, or unsure if returning to school is even possible. The largest concentration of this drop-off has been noted in California and Arizona.
This blog post is for them — and for the families, advisors, and community leaders trying to make sense of what’s happening, and more importantly, what can be done next.
Understanding the Crisis
TISSO’s international student registration had been growing steadily:
150 students in 2022
195 students in 2023
255 students in 2024
399 registered for 2025
The jump in 2025 registrations was promising. But only 95 confirmed they will continue with their education. Most of the remaining students are neither home nor enrolled. They are living in a grey zone: unable to pay, unsure of their visa status, or simply burned out by uncertainty and academic stress.
A few trends stand out:
Students in California and Arizona are the most affected.
Many are working unofficially to survive.
Some are afraid of restarting classes, while others are still waiting for immigration paperwork or school decisions.
What Caused the Collapse?
Policy Fatigue and Uncertainty
Immigration policy and visa delays have increased the risk and confusion for non-citizen students. Students fear being penalized or deported for falling out of status — even unintentionally.Financial Pressure
Tuition hikes, loss of scholarships, and lack of work permits have pushed students into informal labor. Many are forced to choose between continuing education or survival.Mental and Emotional Exhaustion
After years of adapting to a new culture, remote learning, inflation, and isolation, many students simply feel overwhelmed.Disconnect from Home Support Systems
Some students haven’t returned home in years. They're caught between two worlds — not fully settled in the U.S., but also disconnected from Uganda or their home country support systems.
What Can Students Do Now?
If you are an international student who did not confirm this fall, or you’re stuck in the U.S. wondering what to do next, you are not alone. Here are your options:
1. Seek Professional Counseling and Case Review
Get in touch with a trusted advisor, school counselor, or TUKOLE representative. A single consultation can help clarify your immigration status, school options, and next steps.
2. Apply for Trade School Programs
College is not the only path. Many students are now transitioning into high-demand trade programs like:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or LVN programs
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC technician certifications
Solar installation and renewable energy training
Digital marketing, photography, and creative tech
Trade schools offer short-term programs (4 to 12 months), practical skills, and clear job placement pathways. These programs are especially attractive for students who need to work, gain a visa extension, or switch career tracks quickly.
3. Utilize Community-Based Resources
Reach out to diaspora-led organizations, churches, and student unions for temporary housing, mental health support, job referrals, or tuition assistance. Many groups offer scholarships or part-time jobs tailored for students in crisis.
4. Legalize and Regularize Your Status
If your visa has expired or you're unsure of your legal status, speak with an immigration attorney or accredited nonprofit. Staying in the shadows only increases long-term risk. You may qualify for:
Change of status
Special student relief
Work authorization based on hardship
TUKOLE can help connect students to trusted legal resources and community liaisons.
5. Bridge Back to Your Home Country with a Plan
If staying in the U.S. is no longer feasible, plan your return home strategically. Consider enrolling in a certified trade school in Uganda or taking on a short-term project with a diaspora-led business. TUKOLE is building several pathways for returnees to continue their journey with dignity and purpose.
What Tukole Is Doing About It
TUKOLE Education is:
Redirecting its resources from higher education outreach to trade school and skills development
Launching short courses in entrepreneurship, caregiving, home services, and digital media
Creating a new student restart platform where youth can choose one of three tracks:
Restart college
Transfer to trade school
Take a break and explore self-paced income generation options
We are also partnering with local vocational institutions in Uganda and certified schools in the U.S. to create flexible enrollment and funding options for displaced international students.
The Dream Isn’t Dead — It’s Shifting
Higher education isn’t the only path to success, and college isn’t the only route to purpose. The students stuck in this moment are not failures. They are pioneers of a new, post-crisis reality where practical skills, entrepreneurship, and creativity are rising in value.
TUKOLE will walk with you — not just in classrooms, but in every opportunity where work, dignity, and purpose meet.
If you are a student, parent, or community partner and need support, reach out to TUKOLE Education to explore the way forward.
