In response to a controversial U.S. decision to block Harvard University from enrolling foreign nationals, Hong Kong announced on Friday it will welcome more international students, particularly those affected by the new American restrictions.
Education Secretary Christine Choi said local universities were encouraged to support students caught in the crossfire of U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest clash with Harvard, part of a broader political standoff with Beijing.
“For international students affected by the United States’ student admission policy, the Education Bureau has appealed to all universities in Hong Kong to provide facilitation measures,” Choi said in a statement.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has already extended offers to students previously admitted to Harvard, promising a smooth academic transition and support. “HKUST is offering unconditional admission and streamlined procedures,” the university said.
The Trump administration's move — temporarily halted by a U.S. judge after Harvard filed a lawsuit — has cast uncertainty over thousands of international students and disrupted a key revenue source for American higher education.
Beijing criticized Washington’s actions as “politicization of educational cooperation,” while Hong Kong positions itself as a stable and open alternative for global talent.
Harvard, ranked the world’s top university by *U.S. News & World Report*, currently hosts around 1,300 Chinese students, who now face an uncertain academic future in the United States.
Education Secretary Christine Choi said local universities were encouraged to support students caught in the crossfire of U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest clash with Harvard, part of a broader political standoff with Beijing.
“For international students affected by the United States’ student admission policy, the Education Bureau has appealed to all universities in Hong Kong to provide facilitation measures,” Choi said in a statement.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has already extended offers to students previously admitted to Harvard, promising a smooth academic transition and support. “HKUST is offering unconditional admission and streamlined procedures,” the university said.
The Trump administration's move — temporarily halted by a U.S. judge after Harvard filed a lawsuit — has cast uncertainty over thousands of international students and disrupted a key revenue source for American higher education.
Beijing criticized Washington’s actions as “politicization of educational cooperation,” while Hong Kong positions itself as a stable and open alternative for global talent.
Harvard, ranked the world’s top university by *U.S. News & World Report*, currently hosts around 1,300 Chinese students, who now face an uncertain academic future in the United States.
