Hong Kong University Offers ‘Unconditional’ Admission To Harvard Students

Last Updated:May 27, 2025, 16:51 IST

Hong Kong University said that it will fast-track admissions, ease credit transfers and offer support including visa help and accommodation to affected international students

In a significant move following US President Donald Trump’s ban on the admission of foreign students to Harvard University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has extended unconditional admission offers to international students currently enrolled at or holding confirmed offers from Harvard.

HKUST announced that it will ensure a “seamless transition” for students unable to enroll at Harvard in the upcoming session. The university has committed to expediting the admission process, facilitating credit transfers, and providing support such as visa assistance and accommodation.

HKUST took to X to make the announcement, stating, “In light of global academic shifts, HKUST is extending an open invitation to international students currently enrolled at, or holding confirmed offers from, Harvard University to continue their academic journey with us. This initiative comes in response to evolving global academic landscapes and reinforces HKUST’s commitment to fostering a diverse, world-class learning environment.”

This proposal comes amid criticism from the Chinese government regarding the US government’s decision to ban international students and student exchange programmes at Harvard. According to Newsweek, currently, over 1,000 Chinese students are studying at Harvard.

The US Department of Homeland Security announced on Thursday that Harvard had created an unsafe campus environment by allowing “anti-American, terrorist-supporting instigators” to harass and attack Jews.

The department further accused Harvard of collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party and hosting and training members of a Chinese paramilitary group until 2024. Meanwhile, Harvard has declared its intention to challenge President Trump’s decision in court, calling it “illegal.”

Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton stated, “We are fully committed to ensuring that international students and scholars at Harvard, who come from more than 140 countries, continue to get the opportunity for education and research, as they make immense contributions to the university and this country.”

The university has pledged to explore legal avenues and provide full support to its students and scholars during this period.

For the 2025-26 session, HKUST’s tuition fees for all international students will be HKD 185,000 per year. On-campus accommodation costs between HKD 18,144 and HKD 29,664 per year, with estimated personal expenses around HKD 60,000 annually.

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