Recently, the U.S. government cut funding to Harvard University and ordered a ban on admitting international students. Legislative Council (LegCo) Member and Vice President of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers, Tang Fei, believes that the Harvard incident could indirectly promote Hong Kong as a more attractive study destination, better polish the "Study in Hong Kong" brand, and further consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international education hub.
Samuel Chan, CEO of Britannia, revealed that prospective students originally planning to apply to top U.S. institutions are now considering leaving the U.S. due to policy uncertainties. "It is understood that some students intending to apply to prestigious U.K. universities next year are concerned that admission standards may rise and are now considering studying in Hong Kong instead."
During the interview, Chan mentioned that since the Trump administration's crackdown on Harvard University, his study agency has received inquiries from dozens of current Harvard students and prospective applicants. He disclosed that current students are largely adopting a wait-and-see approach, while he also advises students to pay more attention to other institutions. Some universities in Hong Kong have extended olive branches to Harvard students, and it is believed these institutions will specially admit this group of students, he added.
For students originally planning to attend community colleges or secondary schools in the U.S., Chan said policy changes have prompted them to switch to other study destinations ASAP, with the U.K. becoming a popular alternative, leading to a 70% surge in related inquiries. Also, some secondary school families have chosen to remain in Hong Kong for further development.
Possible Higher Admission Barriers at Prestigious Foreign Universities
A former Oxford University admissions officer pointed out that the Trump administration's international student policy turmoil may lead more international students to apply to universities in other regions, further raising the admission standards of top institutions. Even if academic grades meet the requirements, competition in academic performance, extracurricular activities, and interviews will become more intense. Therefore, international students need to plan earlier and highlight their academic potential and professional interests to meet future challenges.
Liu, a student planning to apply to Oxford next year, expressed concern that the admission thresholds for Oxford and Cambridge might rise, and even predicted that grades may not be sufficient. "Many students originally considering U.S. universities may now FLOCK to apply to prestigious U.K. schools, making competition unprecedentedly fierce... This puts a lot of pressure on my academic planning."
The U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong continues to arrange interviews for students who have already made appointments. However, students admitted to U.S. schools but without visa interview appointments face uncertainty.
Jennifer, a family member of a student planning to study in the U.S., said, "Last week, it was still possible to book an interview slot, but now there are no available times for the entire month. After the Harvard incident last week, we discussed whether to continue sending him to study in the U.S. due to the many uncertainties."
In addition to suspending visa interviews for foreign students, the U.S. government is also considering expanding social media scrutiny for international students. Chan noted that as news of the suspension of U.S. visa services spread, anxiety among student groups has significantly increased. He pointed out that there is still buffer time before the September semester starts, and admitted students have until June to August to handle visa matters. "Now, the impact has expanded from Harvard students to all international students in the U.S."
Chan stated that due to visa concerns, many secondary school families have begun making backup plans after learning that Trump's policies toward academia could affect visas. Even if policies are relaxed in the short term, mid-to-long-term uncertainties still worry families. He emphasized that prestigious universities are the main draw for students, not the country itself. Many experts have noted that Hong Kong has certain advantages for international students but needs to strengthen its appeal.
Tang believes that U.S. restrictions on international students objectively present an opportunity for Hong Kong. "This move by the U.S. is tantamount to issuing an 'expulsion order' to international students. When these students need to find new study destinations, Hong Kong will be an extremely attractive option."
Stronger Promotion to Attract Outstanding Students
Tang also pointed out that Hong Kong's higher education system is highly internationalized, with widely recognized academic standards and seamless integration with international education systems, whether British, American, or hybrid models. Additionally, as an international business, financial, and innovation hub in Greater China, Hong Kong offers geo-economic advantages, providing international students with broad development and employment opportunities.
Despite Hong Kong's many strengths, Tang emphasized that the city cannot rely solely on external changes to reap benefits.
"Universities must strengthen promotion and outreach efforts to actively attract outstanding students... If Hong Kong seizes the opportunity, it could create a pivotal moment for 'Study in Hong Kong.'"
(Source: Ta Kung Pao; Journalist: Vicky Hua; English Editor: Darius)
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