WEBDESK: Hong Kong universities are stepping up efforts to welcome more international students, especially those impacted by the recent Trump administration ban on Harvard University. The move comes as the global education landscape shifts, and more students search for stable, supportive learning environments.
The sharp escalation in US President Donald Trump’s longstanding feud with the prestigious university came as tensions simmer between Washington and Beijing over trade and other issues.
On Friday, Hong Kong Education Secretary Christine Choi called on universities in the Chinese city to welcome “outstanding students from all over the world”.
“For international students affected by the United States’ student admission policy, the Education Bureau (EDB) has appealed to all universities in Hong Kong to provide facilitation measures for eligible students,” Choi said in a statement, noting the ban on Harvard’s admission of international students.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has taken the lead by offering “unconditional admission offers” to students who were unable to pursue studies in the United States. These students, many of whom were set to attend top U.S. universities, found themselves without options due to the tightening of visa policies.
This initiative by Hong Kong universities is seen as a strategic step to attract global academic talent. By creating new opportunities, they aim to position Hong Kong as a leading education hub in Asia. The city offers a mix of high-quality education, modern infrastructure, and proximity to growing Asian economies – an appealing package for many international students.
President Trump is furious at Harvard for rejecting his administration’s push for oversight on admissions and hiring amid his claims the school is a hotbed of anti-Semitism and “woke” liberal ideology.
A US judge on Friday halted the administration’s move to prevent Harvard from admitting foreign students after the university sued, calling the government’s action unlawful.
According to experts, Hong Kong universities could become strong alternatives to Western institutions if they continue expanding international programs. The current policy change also reflects Hong Kong’s broader ambition to boost its global standing in education, research, and innovation.
Many students who had hoped to study in the U.S. are now seriously considering Hong Kong universities as a viable and attractive option.
