HKUST Opens Doors to Harvard Students Amid Global Academic Shifts
In the wake of unprecedented federal action against Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students—and Harvard’s swift legal pushback—The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today announced an open invitation for affected Harvard undergraduates and postgraduates to transfer or enroll at HKUST. This bold move ensures that talented students can continue their studies uninterrupted by U.S. policy upheavals.
Image from: MSNBC
1. Trump Administration Suspends Harvard’s SEVP Certification
Action Taken: On May 22, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem notified Harvard President Alan M. Garber that Harvard’s SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certification was “revoked, effective immediately.”
Impact: Harvard may not issue new I-20s to F-1 or J-1 students for the 2025–26 academic year. Over 6,000 current international students face the prospect of transfer, status change, or departure.
Reason Cited: DHS alleged that Harvard failed to provide sufficient disciplinary and protest-activity records for international students, and accused the university of fostering an unsafe environment.
Image from: Youtube
2. Harvard’s Response and Legal Challenge
“Unlawful and Retaliatory”: Harvard spokesperson Jason A. Newton condemned the revocation as “unlawful,” pledging to defend the university’s right to enroll global talent.
Prepared to Litigate: While no lawsuit has yet been filed, Harvard has mobilized its legal team and is exploring emergency relief (e.g., a temporary restraining order) to halt DHS’s action.
Campus Community Outcry: International students and alumni have launched petitions and lobbied lawmakers, stressing the vital role of global scholars in Harvard’s research and teaching mission.
Image from: The Harvard Crimson
3. HKUST’s Open-Door Initiative
Why HKUST?
QS World University Rankings 2025: Top 50 globally
Times Higher Education 2025 “Most International University”: #2 worldwide
QS Subject Ranking 2025: #1 in Hong Kong for Data Science & AI
Key Features for Transferees:
Unconditional Offers & Streamlined Admissions: No additional application fees or entrance exams.
Credit Transfer Assistance: Dedicated team to evaluate and transfer eligible Harvard credits.
Comprehensive Support Package: Visa guidance, on-campus housing priority, orientation tailored to international transfer students.
Contact Point: hkust-Harvard@ust.hk
“Diversity fuels creativity and progress,” says Prof. GUO Yike, HKUST Provost. “We stand ready to welcome Harvard’s international students into our vibrant, innovation-driven community.”
Image from: HKUST
4. What This Means for Affected Students
Immediate Choices:
Transfer to HKUST under the expedited pathway
Seek alternative U.S. institutions with active SEVP certification
Change visa status (e.g., to H-1B or other categories)
Academic Continuity: HKUST’s semester calendar aligns closely with U.S. institutions, minimizing credit loss and graduation delays.
Long-Term Prospects: A degree from HKUST grants access to Asia’s dynamic job markets and deepens ties in global research networks.
5. Looking Ahead
U.S. Judicial Review: Harvard’s likely court challenge may restore its SEVP status—but timelines remain uncertain.
Further Policy Ripples: Other U.S. universities are monitoring the Harvard case closely, assessing their own compliance and record-sharing practices.
Global Higher-Ed Trends: HKUST’s proactive stance exemplifies how leading institutions are adapting to geopolitical shifts to maintain open, inclusive academic ecosystems.
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