Harvard students get unconditional open offer from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has invited international Harvard University students and those with confirmed Harvard degree offers to continue their academic pursuits at HKUST.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology announced an open invitation to international undergraduate and postgraduate students currently enrolled at Harvard University, as well as those holding confirmed offers for Harvard degree programs, to continue their studies at HKUST.

Hong Kong has announced that it will accept more foreign students at its universities in response to US President Donald Trump’s attempt to prevent Harvard University from enrolling foreign nationals. Approximately one-fifth of Harvard’s international students are from China.

Prof. GUO Yike, Provost at HKUST says, “We are prepared to welcome Harvard students into our community, offering them the resources and vibrant environment needed to thrive in their fields.”

Christine Choi, the education secretary for Hong Kong, urged Chinese colleges to accept “outstanding students from all over the world” on Friday. “For international students affected by the United States’ student admission policy, the Education Bureau (EDB) has appealed to all universities in Hong Kong to provide facilitation measures for eligible students,” Choi said in a statement, pointing out that Harvard is prohibited from accepting international students.

She claimed that to draw more international students to Hong Kong, local colleges were utilizing government initiatives, such as lowering the upper limit on international enrollment.

HKUST was ranked 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, 19th Worldwide and No.1 in Hong Kong in Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings. Thirteen HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” holding the 17th place, maintaining its position as first in Hong Kong.

In response to the US government’s decision this week to prohibit Harvard from accepting international students, Hong Kong has announced that it will expand the number of international students it accepts at its universities.

The Trump administration’s decision on Thursday has cast uncertainty on the future of thousands of international students. The decision was temporarily stopped by a US judge following a lawsuit from Harvard.

International Harvard students now have an option to transfer to or enroll in degree programs at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the top-ranked Hong Kong university.