The US government has revoked Harvard’s license to enroll international students, triggering a global academic shake-up. Tokyo University, Hong Kong institutions, and Germany have offered to accept affected students.
The U.S. government has revoked Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, effectively barring it from enrolling international students—a move that has sent shockwaves through the global academic community. In response to the international admissions ban, universities in Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, and other countries have swiftly taken steps to accept affected students.
University of Tokyo: Temporary Admission for Displaced Harvard Students
According to Japanese media, the University of Tokyo has outlined a plan to temporarily accept international students who are unable to continue their studies at Harvard. These students will be allowed to take select courses at UTokyo, and the university will issue academic certification recognizing credits should they return to Harvard or transfer to another institution in the future.
Hong Kong Launches “Student Rescue” Campaign with Full Government Support
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Education, Christine Choi, said the city welcomes outstanding global students and has mobilized local universities to provide support measures. The government has also contacted the Harvard Club of Hong Kong to assist impacted students.
Several Hong Kong universities have launched initiatives immediately：
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) pledged unconditional admission for current and admitted Harvard international students, prioritizing applications and credit transfers. A special task force was set up to assist with housing and visa issues. Over 10 inquiries were received within a day of the announcement.
- City University of Hong Kong announced special scholarships and invited original doctoral supervisors to act as co-advisors for continuing research supervision.
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University established a dedicated admissions team to assist transfer students and offer comprehensive scholarship support.
Meanwhile, Macau’s Education and Youth Development Bureau said it would encourage local institutions to facilitate transfers for students affected in the U.S.
Germany, France Welcome Students from Top U.S. Institutions
The German federal government expressed its readiness to welcome students from Harvard and other elite U.S. universities. France has pledged USD 113 million to attract U.S. researchers, while the European Union has committed USD 566 million to boost Europe’s global academic appeal.
