Hong Kong university announces ‘unconditional offers’ for those affected by Trump’s Harvard ban

In a statement posted on X, HKUST reiterated its stance, extending an open invitation to international students currently enrolled at, or holding confirmed offers from Harvard to continue their studies in Hong Kong.

“In light of global academic shifts, HKUST is extending an open invitation to international students currently enrolled at, or holding confirmed offers from, Harvard University to continue their academic journey with us,” the university said in a post on X.

“This initiative comes in response to evolving global academic landscapes and reinforces HKUST’s commitment to fostering a diverse, world-class learning environment,” it added.

It also assured the students that a dedicated team is ready to provide guidance and assistance throughout the process. “Inquiries or expression of interests from Harvard students can be directed to hkust-Harvard@ust.hk, where a dedicated team is ready to provide guidance and assistance throughout the process,” it added.

[ HKUST Opens Doors to Harvard Students Amid Global Academic Shifts ]

In light of global academic shifts, HKUST is extending an open invitation to international students currently enrolled at, or holding confirmed offers from, Harvard University to continue their academic… pic.twitter.com/N7bsLFuDjk

— HKUST (@hkust) May 23, 2025

The provost at HKUST, prof GUO Yike, in the press release, said, “We are prepared to welcome Harvard students into our community, offering them the resources and vibrant environment needed to thrive in their fields,” adding, “Diversity fuels creativity and progress.”

The university also promised to not only provide unconditional offers but also streamlined admission procedures, and academic support to facilitate a seamless transition for students affected by the crackdown.

“As a leading international institution ranked among the top universities globally, HKUST is extending this opportunity to ensure talented students can pursue their educational goals without disruption,” the university added.

According to Harvard’s own figures, the university enrolled 6,703 international students in 2024, including 1,203 from China, making up 20 percent of its international intake.

The development comes after the Trump-led administration revoked Harvard’s authorisation to enroll international students. Ordered by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the action effectively cuts Harvard off from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an important federal database required to maintain international students’ visa status.

The DHS accused Harvard of fostering a “hostile” and “unsafe” campus environment for Jewish students and promoting pro-Hamas and anti-American rhetoric through its protest culture and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Students who have completed their degrees this term will be allowed to graduate. But for the vast majority still enrolled in degree programs, will either have to transfer to another SEVP-certified institution or lose legal status in the US.

China criticises Trump’s ban

The Chinese government sharply criticised the US move, saying it would damage the United States’ reputation around the world. “This move by the US government will hurt its own global image and reduce its appeal to international talent,” a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry told reporters in Beijing, as reported by the Associated Press.

China’s decade long ties and research partnerships, and significant financial contributions are now being seen through the lens of national security.

As per a report by news agency Reuters, several US lawmakers, predominantly Republicans, have long raised concerns that China may be exploiting elite academic institutions like Harvard to access cutting-edge US technology, circumvent national security laws, and suppress criticism of Beijing within the United States.

Why this move matters?

Critics warn that the Trump administration’s move could discourage top international talent from pursuing higher education in the United States, potentially undermining the country’s long-held reputation as a global academic leader. HKUST’s offer will allow international students to choose top institutions in China, Hong Kong.

HKUST was ranked 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, 19th Worldwide and No.1 in Hong Kong in Times Higher Education’s impact Rankings, as per their website.