HK universities offer haven for Harvard students amid U.S. crackdown

As the Trump administration escalates its sweeping crackdown on international students, top universities in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have emerged as alternative destinations. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the University of Hong Kong (HKU) have on Friday announced programs to welcome displaced Harvard students and applicants.

This development follows a major legal setback for the Trump administration, where a federal judge in California blocked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from revoking immigration status for thousands of international students. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White ruled the policy "arbitrary and capricious," particularly targeting students linked to campus activism related to pro-Palestinian protests.

HKUST has extended an open invitation to Harvard's international undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as those holding confirmed offers, to continue their studies in Hong Kong. The university will provide "unconditional offers, streamlined admission procedures and academic support."

Ranked among the world's top 50 universities in QS 2025, HKUST emphasizes innovation and interdisciplinary education.

HKU also announced it is accepting transfer applications from students currently enrolled at the top 50 global universities, including Harvard. HKU, which offers world-class education and strong ties to Asia's innovation ecosystems, reiterated its commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity.

Trump's targeting of Harvard and elite universities

The Trump administration accused elite U.S. universities of fostering antisemitism, political dissent and ties to foreign governments. On Thursday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the termination of Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, effectively barring the Ivy League institution from admitting new international students starting in the 2025-2026 school year.

Current foreign students at Harvard were given until December to transfer to other schools or risk losing their legal status.

Noem said Harvard refused to comply with demands for surveillance records of student protests over the past five years. Harvard, which enrolls nearly 6,800 international students in the 2024-2025 school year, condemned the move as illegal retaliation.

The Trump administration has also frozen about $3 billion in federal grants to Harvard and threatened similar actions against other institutions, including Columbia University.