In response to the Trump administration’s 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 city’s standing as an international education hub. Secretary for Education Christine Choi called on institutions to welcome ‘exceptional students from around the world’ 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 Harvard’s displaced undergraduates, postgraduates, and admitted students – 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 University’s SEVP certification – citing the school’s ‘failure to address rampant antisemitism on campus’ and alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party. The unprecedented decision instantly imperils the visas of nearly 6,800 international students – 27% of Harvard’s enrolment – including some 1,300 Chinese nationals.
Harvard President Alan Garber decried the move as ‘unlawful and deeply misguided,’ warning that it ‘undermines both academic freedom and America’s standing as the global leader in higher education.’ The university points out that, following last year’s congressional hearings, it instituted multiple antisemitism‐prevention 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
Trump’s visa ban is the latest salvo in the administration’s broader crackdown on elite U.S. universities – building on the USD$2.6 billion freeze in federal research grants to Harvard. Critics warn that this politicises academic inquiry: Beijing’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning blasted the move as one that ‘harms America’s reputation.’
In the meantime, displaced scholars are actively seeking alternatives abroad. Hong Kong’s swift response could set a blueprint for other Asian institutions to turn U.S. upheaval into opportunity. The city’s streamlined admissions, credit‐transfer pathways, and visa assistance now stand not only as a contingency plan, but as a potential windfall for its universities. And it’s not just students watching America’s higher‐ed scene: a recent Nature poll found that 75 percent of U.S. scientists are weighing departures over Trump‐era 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 she’s 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.
