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As the Trump administration moves forward with plans to bar international students from enrolling at Harvard University starting in the 2025-26 academic year, global competitors are seizing the opportunity to attract top talent. Harvard’s refusal to comply with data demands regarding its international students led Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to accuse the university of “fostering violence, antisemitism, and collaboration with the Chinese Communist Party.” Harvard has filed a lawsuit, and a federal judge has temporarily paused the ban.
If the ban stands, international students—who comprise over 25% of Harvard’s student body, including a large contingent from China—face a stark choice: transfer to other universities or risk losing their legal status in the U.S.
Countries like China, Hong Kong, and European nations are stepping up efforts to recruit these students. Hong Kong’s universities, including the prestigious Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, have opened their doors to affected Harvard students. In Europe, a $570 million “Choose Europe” initiative has been launched to attract talent and emphasize free academic research.
Experts warn that the U.S. risks losing its edge in global research and innovation if it continues to push away international students. Simon Marginson of Oxford University described the move as a “terrible policy error,” noting that it could shift the flow of talent to China and Western Europe.
International students, including Izzy Shen from Beijing and Duo Yi from the Harvard Kennedy School, now face uncertainty and are exploring alternatives as Trump’s policies disrupt their plans.
The future of global education mobility hangs in the balance as U.S. universities confront a potential exodus of bright minds.
