- HKUST offers unconditional admission to international students barred from Harvard by Trump administration ban
- University pledges fast-tracked admission, credit transfer, visa support, and housing for affected students
- Move follows U.S. allegations against Harvard; school plans legal action while HKUST steps up global academic outreach
In a bold step after US President Donald Trump imposed a ban on the entry of foreign students into Harvard University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has made unconditional admission offers to international students who are already studying at or have confirmed offers from Harvard.
HKUST said it will provide a 'seamless transition' for students who cannot enroll at Harvard in the next session. The university has promised to speed up its admission process, credit transfers, and assistance like visa help and accommodation.
HKUST made the announcement on X, saying, "In response to international academic trends, HKUST is issuing an open invitation to international students currently studying at, or with confirmed Harvard offers from, Harvard University to join us in continuing their academic pursuits. This move reflects global changing academic environments and strengthens HKUST's resolve to provide a diversified, world-class learning community".
This proposal is following China's criticism of the US government for prohibiting international students and student exchange programs at Harvard. Newsweek reports that presently, more than 1,000 Chinese students are enrolled at Harvard.
The US Department of Homeland Security said that Harvard had established a dangerous campus atmosphere by permitting "anti-American, terrorist-supporting instigators" to harass and assault Jews.
The department also accused Harvard of working with the Chinese Communist Party and accepting and training members of a Chinese paramilitary organization up to 2024. In the meantime, Harvard has announced its plans to sue President Trump's order in court, labeling it as 'illegal'.
Harvard official Jason Newton said, "We are committed to ensuring that Harvard international students and scholars, who represent over 140 nations, still receive the opportunity for research and education, as they contribute significantly to the university and this nation". The university has vowed to seek legal options and stand by its students and scholars at this time.
For the session of 2025-26, HKUST's fees for all foreign students will be HKD 185,000 per annum. On-campus accommodation charges ranging from HKD 18,144 to HKD 29,664 per annum, with projected personal expenses at around HKD 60,000 per annum.
