The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has extended an open invitation to international students currently enrolled at Harvard University, as well as those who have received confirmed offers for Harvard degree programs, offering them the chance to continue their academic pursuits in Hong Kong. This move comes in response to a recent decision by the U.S. government to block Harvard from admitting international students, a measure that has left many uncertain about their academic futures.
In light of these developments, Hong Kong is stepping up efforts to welcome more foreign students into its universities. One out of every five international students at Harvard is from China, highlighting the impact such a policy could have. In response, officials in Hong Kong have called on local institutions to assist affected students.
Professor Guo Yike, Provost at HKUST, stated that the university is fully prepared to support these students by providing the resources and a dynamic academic environment they need to succeed. Christine Choi, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Education, also urged Chinese universities to admit top international students and confirmed that the Education Bureau has encouraged all universities in Hong Kong to introduce measures that make it easier for eligible international students to transfer or enroll.
Local institutions are leveraging government-backed policies to attract global talent, including reducing limits on international admissions. These efforts aim to create a more open and appealing educational landscape in Hong Kong for students affected by restrictive visa and enrollment policies elsewhere.
HKUST has earned international recognition for its academic excellence. It is currently ranked third in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024, 19th globally, and first in Hong Kong in the Impact Rankings. Thirteen of its subjects are among the world’s top 50 in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject, with Data Science and Artificial Intelligence ranked 17th globally and the highest in Hong Kong.
Following the U.S. government’s announcement, which was briefly halted by a judge after Harvard filed a legal challenge, students facing uncertainty now have the opportunity to continue their studies at HKUST. The university’s invitation represents a broader effort by Hong Kong to position itself as a welcoming destination for high-achieving international students.
