US President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week to commence a systematic closure of the Education department, which manages billions in funding and oversees education policy nationwide.

“We’re going to eliminate it, and everyone knows it’s right,” Trump said at a White House event adding, “We need to better educate our children. The education system has not been doing well for a long time.”

A White House fact sheet reveals that Education Secretary Linda McMahon has been instructed to “necessary steps” to close the department.

Impact on foreign students’ funding

The department has primarily handled oversight, enforced anti-discrimination laws, and has been rationing financial aid to low-income and schools serving students with disabilities. Federal funding constitutes a small share of public-school budgets, accounting for about 14%.

While the closure may not immediately affect international students, experts feel that federal funding cuts could impact programs that help foreign students.

In the 2023–24 academic year, over 331,000 Indian students were reportedly studying in the US. Many choose to study math, computer science, or engineering while the US remains a popular destination and the F-1 visa program, which allows STEM graduates to work in the US for up to three years after their studies.

In the recent past, the Trump administration has faced criticism for increased scrutiny of international student visa applications.

However, experts believe that the executive order to close the department may run into legal and legislative hurdles as it requires approval from Congress and the Senate.

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