Harvard Enrollment Ban: Hong Kong University Offers Lifeline to Affected Students

Hong Kong University Steps In After Trump Administration Bars Harvard From Enrolling International Students In a surprising turn of events, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has announced it will provide "unconditional offers" to international students affected by the Trump administration's decision to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll them. This move comes after the Trump administration stated it would strip Harvard of its certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, effectively barring the university from accepting foreign students starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem explained in a statement: "This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus. It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multi-billion-dollar endowments." However, critics argue that Trump's decision could drive international students to seek higher education in other countries, including China and Hong Kong. Hong Kong's education bureau has responded by encouraging universities to "attract top talent." HKUST's offer is intended to facilitate a "smooth transition" for displaced students, enabling them to continue their education without disruption. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and elite US universities, and the ripple effects of political decisions on international education.