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The US has revoked Harvard University’s ability to enrol international students, requiring current foreign students to transfer to other schools or lose their legal status.
Harvard sues Trump administration over ban move (AP File)
Hong Kong’s Education Bureau has encouraged regional universities to attract top talent following Harvard University’s ban on enrolling foreign students, reported Reuters. The Trump administration has revoked Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, requiring current foreign students to transfer to other schools or risk losing their legal status. This ban, effective for the 2025-2026 academic year, is justified by allegations that Harvard fosters antisemitism and collaborates with the Chinese Communist Party. Notably, Chinese nationals made up about one-fifth of Harvard’s foreign student intake in 2024.
“The Education Bureau has promptly called on all universities in Hong Kong 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 bureau stated in an email. The bureau has also contacted the Harvard Club of Hong Kong to offer support to students admitted to Harvard for further studies, the report added.
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“We will continue to keep a close eye on the needs of students affected by the shifting global education landscape,” it said, adding that it would consider support measures as part of the city’s role as an “international education hub.”
Hong Kong, home to 7.5 million people and boasting five universities ranked in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, was once considered one of Asia’s most liberal academic environments. However, schools and universities in the region are now required to incorporate national security and patriotic themes into their curriculum, aligning more closely with mainland China’s education system.
On Friday, Hong Kong’s University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced an open invitation to international undergraduate and postgraduate students at Harvard University, as well as those with confirmed offers, to continue their studies at HKUST. “The university will provide unconditional offers, streamlined admission procedures, and academic support to facilitate a seamless transition for interested students.”
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