Hong Kong to open universities to more foreign students after US ban

Hong Kong is stepping in to offer an academic lifeline to international students affected by the recent U.S. government ban on Harvard University‍‍`s admission of foreign nationals. This move, announced by Hong Kong‍‍`s Education Secretary Christine Choi, is seen as a direct response to the escalating political conflict between Washington and Beijing, which has now spilled into the realm of higher education.

The Trump administration‍‍`s controversial decision to block Harvard from admitting foreign students was temporarily halted by a U.S. judge after the university filed a lawsuit, calling the action unlawful. The move has cast uncertainty over the academic future of thousands of students and jeopardized a significant revenue stream for American universities.

In light of these developments, Choi urged Hong Kong’s universities to welcome top students from around the globe, especially those affected by the U.S. policy shift. She noted that the Education Bureau is encouraging local institutions to adopt supportive measures, such as loosening caps on foreign student admissions, to make Hong Kong a more attractive alternative.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) was quick to act, inviting displaced Harvard students - including those already enrolled or holding admission offers - to continue their studies there. In a statement, HKUST said it would offer “unconditional admission, streamlined procedures, and academic support” to ensure a smooth transition for incoming students.

While Harvard sits at the top of the global university rankings, HKUST, ranked 105th by US News and World Report, sees this moment as an opportunity to boost its international profile.

The ban appears to be rooted in President Trump‍‍`s broader campaign against what he sees as ideological and foreign influences in elite U.S. universities. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard of promoting violence, anti-Semitism, and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party - claims that Harvard strongly denies.

Beijing, for its part, condemned the politicization of academic cooperation and warned that such actions would only damage the U.S.’s international reputation.

Harvard hosts approximately 1,300 Chinese students - about one-fifth of its international cohort - and many more Chinese nationals are enrolled across U.S. institutions. With the American academic environment becoming increasingly uncertain for them, Hong Kong’s open-door policy could become a strategic alternative for students seeking continuity and global-quality education.