Hong Kong, a territory of China, is welcoming “top talent” from Harvard as the prestigious university navigates its ongoing tensions with US President Donald Trump.
Just last week, the Trump administration pulled Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, leaving many current foreign students with few options: either transfer to another school or risk losing their legal status.
Fortunately, a federal judge stepped in on Friday to temporarily block the government’s decision, with the next hearing set for May 29. Still, this uncertainty has left thousands of students anxious about their futures in the US, facing the looming threats of deportation and visa issues.
In response, Hong Kong’s Education Bureau quickly urged all local universities to implement measures to support eligible students, aiming to protect their rights and attract top talent. They shared this message in an email to universities.
Additionally, the bureau has reached out to the Harvard Club of Hong Kong to provide assistance to students who have been accepted to Harvard for further studies.
“We will keep a close watch on the needs of students impacted by the changing global education landscape,” the bureau stated, noting that it would explore support options as part of the city’s commitment to being an “international education hub.”
Trump’s ban on Harvard, which will take effect for the 2025-2026 academic year, is based on claims that the university has promoted antisemitism and collaborated with the Chinese Communist Party. This decision will impact around 1,300 Chinese students, who represent about 20% of Harvard’s international student body for 2024.
In 2025, the Trump administration made headlines by revoking Harvard’s certification to host international students, citing issues of non-compliance and concerns over antisemitism.
In response, universities in Hong Kong stepped up, streamlining their admissions processes and providing academic support for students who found themselves displaced.
Institutions like HKUST, City U, Poly U, CUHK, and HKBU are creating pathways for these students to continue their education, further solidifying Hong Kong’s reputation as a global education hub.
On May 22, 2025, the Trump administration escalated its efforts against elite universities by pulling Harvard University’s certification for hosting international students.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pointed to non-compliance with federal regulations and accused Harvard of promoting antisemitism and allowing excessive foreign influence.
This unprecedented action under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) put the visa status of nearly 6,800 international students in jeopardy, sparking legal challenges and widespread concern.
Harvard quickly responded by filing a lawsuit, arguing that the move was unconstitutional and politically driven. A U.S. District Court issued an emergency injunction, temporarily stopping the enforcement and allowing affected students to stay in the U.S. for the time being.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s announcement sent shockwaves through the global academic community, especially in countries like India, where 788 students and scholars are currently enrolled at Harvard.
This decision has raised significant worries about academic freedom, the stability of international educational relationships, and the broader implications for the future of higher education in the United States.
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Hong Kong, a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China, boasts five universities that rank among the top 100 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. This former British colony, home to about 7.5 million people, was once celebrated as one of Asia’s most liberated academic environments. However, things have changed recently.
Now, educational institutions in this financial hub are required to incorporate national security and patriotic themes into their curricula, aligning more closely with the educational approach found in mainland China.
On Friday, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) extended an open invitation to international undergraduate and postgraduate students from Harvard University, as well as those who have already received offers to continue their studies at HKUST.
“The university is offering unconditional offers, simplified admission processes, and academic support to ensure a smooth transition for interested students.”
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