In response to the Trump administrationโs sudden decision to strip Harvard University of its authority to enrol international students, Hong Kong universities have unveiled fast-track admission schemes to welcome displaced scholars. The U.S. government justifies the 2025 to 26 foreign-student ban by accusing Harvard of fostering antisemitism and maintaining ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
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Hong Kong Opens Its Doors
The Hong Kong Education Bureau has urged local universities to bolster support measures, reaffirming the cityโs standing as an international education hub. Secretary for Education Christine Choi called on institutions to welcome โexceptional students from around the worldโ by offering streamlined admissions, credit transfers, and dedicated visa assistance.
Leading the charge, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has become the first to extend an open invitation to Harvardโs displaced undergraduates, postgraduates, and admitted students โ offering unconditional admission and comprehensive academic support for a seamless transition. Ranked 105th globally by U.S. News & World Report, HKUST also pledged to fast-track campus housing and visa processing to minimise disruption and ensure a smooth relocation.
Polarising Policy Move
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, has revoked Harvard Universityโs SEVP certification โ citing the schoolโs โfailure to address rampant antisemitism on campusโ and alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party. The unprecedented decision instantly imperils the visas of nearly 6,800 international students โ 27% of Harvardโs enrolment โ including some 1,300 Chinese nationals.
Harvard President Alan Garber decried the move as โunlawful and deeply misguided,โ warning that it โundermines both academic freedom and Americaโs standing as the global leader in higher education.โ The university points out that, following last yearโs congressional hearings, it instituted multiple antisemitismโprevention initiatives. A federal judge has since granted a temporary injunction against the ban, yet legal experts caution that the dispute could wind through protracted appeals.
Displaced Scholars Seek Global Alternatives
Trumpโs visa ban is the latest salvo in the administrationโs broader crackdown on elite U.S. universities โ building on the USD$2.6 billion freeze in federal research grants to Harvard. Critics warn that this politicises academic inquiry: Beijingโs foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning blasted the move as one that โharms Americaโs reputation.โ
In the meantime, displaced scholars are actively seeking alternatives abroad. Hong Kongโs swift response could set a blueprint for other Asian institutions to turn U.S. upheaval into opportunity. The cityโs streamlined admissions, creditโtransfer pathways, and visa assistance now stand not only as a contingency plan, but as a potential windfall for its universities. And itโs not just students watching Americaโs higherโed scene: a recent Nature poll found that 75 percent of U.S. scientists are weighing departures over Trumpโera disruptions, many eyeing Europe or Canada for more stable ground.
Catherine Pun
A Hong Kong native with Filipino-Chinese roots, Catherine infuses every part of her life with zest, whether sheโs belting out karaoke tunes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her downtime often includes unwinding with Netflix and indulging in a 10-step skincare routine. As the Editorial Director of Friday Club., Catherine brings her wealth of experience from major publishing houses, where she refined her craft and even authored a book. Her sharp editorial insight makes her a dynamic force, always on the lookout for the next compelling narrative.
