NAFSA advocates for federal funding of international education and exchange programs, which is needed to preserve and protect critical international education activities at U.S. colleges and universities.
Fiscal Year 2027 International Education Appropriations Request
FY2027 begins October 1, 2026, and ends September 30, 2027
| Program | FY 2026 Enacted | FY 2027 President Trump Budget Request | FY 2027 Request by NAFSA | FY 2027 Enacted |
| Title VI | $70.4 million | NA | $75.4 million | TBD |
| Fulbright-Hays | $10.3 million | NA | $10.3 million | TBD |
| Total International Education and Foreign Language Studies | $80.7 million | $81 million | $85.7 million | TBD |
| Program | FY2026 Continuing Resolution | FY 2027 President Trump Budget Request | FY 2027 Request by NAFSA | FY 2027 Enacted |
| Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) | $2-2.5 million | NA | $5 million | TBD |
| Total for Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs | $667 million | $215 million | $700.95 | TBD |
- On March 27, 2026, 82 Members of the House of Representatives, led by Rep. Deborah Ross, sent a letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, requesting $85,664,000 in funds for the U.S. Department of Education’s International Education and Foreign Language Studies account, including $75,353,000 for HEA-Title VI and $10,311,000 for Fulbright-Hays.
- On March 13, 2026, 89 representatives joined Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) in a letter to the leaders of the House's National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Subcommittee, voicing support for funding for State Department Educational and Cultural Exchange programs at fiscal 2026 levels ($700 million).
Policy Recommendations
Policy & Advocacy Resources
- A Brief Guide to the Federal Budget and Appropriations Process from the American Council on Education
- Take Action: Urge Congress to Restore and Sustain Federal Investment in International Education