What Happens To The 788 Indian Students Currently Enrolled At Harvard University? | Explained

Last Updated:May 23, 2025, 10:59 IST

Harvard sees 500–800 Indian admissions yearly; this year, 788 Indian students enrolled out of 6,800 international students, as per official records

In a move that could deliver a major blow to India’s academic ambitions, the Donald Trump administration has imposed a ban on foreign student admissions at Harvard University. Each year, hundreds of Indian students secure admission to the Ivy League institution, regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious centres of learning.

Ranked fourth in the QS World University Rankings 2025, Harvard is a coveted destination for Indian students pursuing courses in business, law, science and technology.

The announcement comes amid rising tensions between US President Donald Trump and Harvard University. Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), conveyed this decision through a letter to Harvard University, as reported by The New York Times. In her letter, Noem stated, “I want to inform you that the certification of Harvard University’s admission program for students and academic exchange has been cancelled with immediate effect.” Consequently, this decision will affect Indian students currently studying at Harvard or those planning to enrol.

Harvard’s official records indicate that each year, between 500 to 800 Indian students secure admission at the university, with around 6,800 international students overall. For the current year, 788 Indian students have enrolled.

Two Options For Indian Students

The Trump administration’s decision presents a significant challenge for these students, offering them two options: transferring to another institution or losing their legal status in the US. Indian students can opt for admission at another American institute; failing to do so will necessitate leaving the country.

Relief For Students Enrolled In 2024-25

In the midst of this tension, there is a relief for students who have already commenced their current semester at Harvard. Kristi Noem’s letter mentions that students enrolled in the current session can complete their graduation from Harvard. The policy change will be implemented from the academic year 2025-26, ensuring that current students face minimal disruption to their studies.

Why Was The Ban Imposed

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Harvard’s failure to comply with federal demands for records concerning its foreign students led to the government’s action. Noem accused Harvard of “creating an unsafe campus environment hostile to Jewish students, fostering pro-Hamas sentiments, and enforcing racist ‘diversity, equity and inclusion’ policies.”

Consequently, the DHS revoked Harvard’s certification under the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP), which is crucial for universities to sponsor international student visas.

How Did Harvard University Respond To The Ban

Harvard University quickly condemned the Trump administration’s decision as “unlawful” and a “retaliatory action.” In a statement, the Ivy League institution affirmed its dedication to its international community, declaring, “We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who come from over 140 countries and greatly enrich the University – and this nation.”

Why Are Harvard And Trump At Odds

Tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard University, the wealthiest university in the US with a $53.2 billion endowment as of 2024, have been escalating for months. In April 2025, Harvard became the first elite university to openly reject the White House’s demands to curb pro-Palestinian protests and dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Following this, several federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the National Institutes of Health, started cutting and freezing significant federal grant funding to Harvard, totaling billions of dollars and affecting numerous research projects.

Donald Trump later suggested that Harvard should lose its tax-exempt status, a move that would severely hinder the university’s fundraising capabilities due to its impact on donor tax burdens.

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