A Chinese university is extending ‘unconditional offers’ to international students from Harvard, amidst the ongoing drama surrounding the U.S. ban.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
In a significant development that highlights the rising tensions between the U.S. government and prestigious educational institutions, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has offered unconditional admission to international students from Harvard University.
This action comes in response to the Trump administration’s choice to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students for the 2025-26 academic year, citing worries about campus safety and supposed connections to the Chinese Communist Party.
HKUST’s initiative emphasizes the increasing competition for global academic talent. It also prompts concerns regarding the future of international education in light of geopolitical conflicts.
With 6,703 international students at Harvard, including 1,203 from China, the implications are significant for students, universities, and the wider academic community.
Background on the Conflict
The Trump administration’s measures against Harvard are part of a larger effort to scrutinize elite U.S. colleges.
On Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed that it had revoked Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, which enables universities to sponsor visas for international students.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard of creating an unsafe campus atmosphere by allowing "anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators" to intimidate and attack Jewish students.
She further alleged that the university collaborated with the Chinese Communist Party, claiming it hosted and trained members of a Chinese paramilitary organization last year.
Harvard, the oldest and most affluent university in America, had 6,703 international students enrolled in the 2024-25 academic year, making up a quarter of its total student population.
Among these, 1,203 are from China, representing a considerable segment of those affected.
The revocation, which will take effect for the 2025-26 academic year, means these students will need to transfer to other institutions or risk losing their legal status in the United States.
This action intensifies a continuing conflict. The Trump administration has already withheld more than $2 billion in federal funding from Harvard and has threatened to revoke its tax-exempt status, which could result in millions in losses for the university.
Harvard has resisted the White House's demands to change its hiring, admissions, and teaching practices, contending that these requests violate its academic freedom.
HKUST’s Response
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, which is ranked 66th globally by Times Higher Education’s 2025 rankings (in contrast to Harvard’s third place), has intervened to provide a solution.
On Friday, HKUST declared “unconditional offers” to Harvard’s international students, with the goal of “ensuring a smooth transition” for those who are unable to enroll next year.
The university has committed to offering extensive support, which includes:
- Accelerated admissions to facilitate the enrollment process.
- Credit transfers to maintain students’ academic progress.
- Visa assistance to help navigate Hong Kong’s immigration requirements.
- Housing support to aid students in settling down.
HKUST Provost Guo Yike highlighted the university’s dedication to diversity, stating, “Diversity fuels creativity and progress. We are ready to welcome Harvard students into our community, providing them with the resources and vibrant environment necessary to excel in their fields.”
This announcement follows China’s Foreign Ministry criticizing the U.S. action, indicating that HKUST’s offer may also be a strategic move to attract top talent amid global academic changes.
Impact on Harvard
The withdrawal of Harvard’s SEVP certification could lead to significant financial repercussions.
International students typically pay elevated tuition rates, which greatly contribute to the university’s income.
Despite having a $53 billion endowment, Harvard remains financially strong; however, the potential loss of these students, along with over $2 billion in federal funding that has been withheld, presents a considerable challenge.
The Trump administration has also indicated it may revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status and impose taxes on the gains from its endowment investments, which could result in millions of dollars in additional costs each year.
Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton described the government’s actions as “unlawful” and reiterated the university’s dedication to its international community.
“We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who come from over 140 countries and greatly enrich the University—and this nation—immeasurably,” Newton stated in an interview with Newsweek.
Harvard is currently suing the administration over the funding cuts and is anticipated to initiate another lawsuit to contest the SEVP revocation.
A federal judge in California has temporarily halted similar measures against international students across the country, indicating that Harvard may have legal grounds to challenge the decision.
Reactions and Statements
The ruling has faced intense backlash from various stakeholders.
Former Harvard President Lawrence Summers expressed his views on X, saying, “It is absurd to create adversaries out of thousands of the most gifted young individuals from around the globe.
This undermines the principles of decency and fairness and will ultimately make us a poorer nation; moreover, it is likely illegal to single out Harvard and to conduct such a sweeping attack on the institution.”
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the administration’s position, asserting, “This administration is holding Harvard accountable for promoting violence, antisemitism, and collaborating 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 multibillion-dollar endowments.
China’s Foreign Ministry also weighed in, with spokesperson Mao Ning arguing, “The relevant actions by the U.S. side will only damage its own image and international credibility.”
Beijing urged the U.S. to reverse the ban as soon as possible, highlighting the politicization of education.
Broader Implications
Critics warn that the Trump administration’s policies could deter top international talent from studying in the U.S., potentially benefiting institutions in countries like China and Hong Kong.
HKUST’s offer is a clear signal that other nations are ready to welcome displaced students. This shift could impact America’s position as a global leader in higher education and innovation.
The financial implications for Harvard are significant, but the broader consequences for U.S. universities are equally concerning.
International students contribute billions to the U.S. economy annually, and their departure could strain institutional budgets and local economies.
The situation also raises questions about academic freedom, as universities face pressure to align with government policies.
What Happens Next
Harvard is poised to launch a second legal challenge against the Trump administration, building on its April lawsuit over frozen federal grants.
For students, the immediate future is uncertain. They must decide whether to transfer to another U.S. institution or consider offers like HKUST’s.
Relocating to Hong Kong involves navigating visa requirements and cultural adjustments, but HKUST’s comprehensive support package may ease the transition.
The broader debate over academic freedom and the role of international students in U.S. higher education is likely to intensify.
As other countries position themselves as alternatives, the U.S. risks losing its edge in attracting global talent.
HKUST's unconditional offers serve as a crucial support for Harvard's international students who find themselves in a geopolitical and academic impasse.
The actions taken by the Trump administration signify a larger initiative to transform prestigious U.S. universities, yet this transformation carries significant consequences.
In distancing itself from international students, the U.S. might unintentionally bolster rivals such as HKUST, altering the dynamics of the global academic environment.
With legal disputes on the horizon and students considering their choices, the future of international education remains uncertain.