Hong Kong opens its arms as Harvard’s international students face US ban

A recent article in The Guardian underscores that when the Trump administration tried to shut the door on Harvard’s international students, Hong Kong stepped up - urging its universities to open their doors wide and welcome those left in limbo. As thousands of talented students face uncertainty, the city is racing to become a new haven for global scholars caught in the crossfire of escalating US-China tensions.

Last week, the US government withdrew Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which would have prevented the university from admitting foreign students. However, a US federal judge issued a temporary injunction, halting the ban and preventing the forced transfer or visa loss of currently enrolled international students who are not graduating this year.

While Harvard has initiated legal action to challenge the ban, uncertainty remains for many students caught in the middle. Experts suggest the restrictions could benefit overseas universities by attracting talented students displaced by US policies.

In response, Hong Kong’s Education Bureau urged all local universities to “introduce facilitation measures for those eligible with a view to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of students and scholars, and to attract top talent.”

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has extended an open invitation to affected international students, offering unconditional admissions, streamlined application procedures, and academic support to ease their transition.

Hong Kong hosts five universities ranked among the world’s top 100. However, these institutions have recently been required to incorporate national security and patriotic education, reflecting increased control by China’s Communist Party over the city.

Harvard enrolls over 2,000 students from Asia, with many more accepted and waiting to start. Taiwanese student Chu, who asked to remain anonymous, was set to begin a Master of Science program this August but faces difficult choices.

“I either stick with Harvard or I just go back to my residency training,” he said. “There’s no other alternative I have.”

Harvard argues the ban “immediately blunt[s] its competitiveness” in attracting global talent, emphasising that international students are “a key factor” in maintaining its academic reputation.

Most of Harvard’s international students—about 1,200—are from China. On social media, many view the ban as another escalation in US-China tensions. China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the move, warning it would “harm the image and international standing of the United States.”

By Naila Huseynova