Results of the 1985-1986 census of foreign students in the United States are presented. In addition to an overview of foreign study in the United States and other countries, data are provided on: the number of students from regions and countries that sent the largest groups of foreign students to the United States; personal and academic characteristics of students; distribution of students by region and state; attendance at two-year and four-year institutions, as well as public and private colleges; institutions with the most foreign students; foreign student characteristics by academic level; expenditures for living costs; and intensive English language programs. Appendices provide information on: foreign student enrollments by institution and state for 1984-1985 and 1985-1986; place of origin of foreign students by region (extrapolated count, base numbers, percentage distribution, and percentage change); detailed field of study categories; codes for countries by region and subregion; states within U.S. regions; and foreign student enrollments in intensive English language programs by program and location. Information on the Annual Census of Foreign Students and a sample questionnaire are provided. (SW)