Trump’s Harvard ban backfires as China extends ‘unconditional offers’ to international students

The Trump administration’s effort to stop Harvard University from admitting international students has led to a major global reaction. China has stepped in to provide “unconditional offers” to students impacted by the decision. This development came after the administration canceled Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, which essentially blocked the university from taking in foreign students for the 2025 to 2026 school year.

According to The Independant, around 1,300 Chinese students were affected, making up about one-fifth of Harvard’s total international student body. The administration defended its decision by claiming the university had issues with antisemitism and was working with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The administration’s move was quickly met with legal opposition.

Per The Guardian, A federal judge temporarily stopped the ban from being enforced, calling it a “clear violation of the constitution” and warning that it could cause “immediate and irreversible harm” to Harvard. This temporary hold, along with Harvard’s own legal efforts, left many students in limbo. The university stressed that losing the ability to enroll international students would put it at a major disadvantage in competing for the world’s top talent, noting how crucial these students are to maintaining its academic reputation.

China will take the students Harvard is forced to reject

Following the controversy, China took swift action by urging its universities to welcome students displaced by the ban. Hong Kong’s education secretary called on local universities to offer support and attract “top students from around the world.” Hong Kong, home to five of the world’s top 100 universities, presented itself as a new center for education.

One such institution, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, immediately guaranteed admission, simplified the application process, and promised academic assistance to affected Harvard students. The Trump administration’s demands went further than just banning international students.

China seems to be jumping at the opportunity to take over what the U.S. leaves behind and make the country look bad. China took over the US donations to WHO after saying it wouldn’t back down on tariffs until the U.S. does first.

It also asked Harvard to hand over the names and nationalities of all its international students, a list of about 6,793 individuals. The administration also threatened to withhold federal funding unless the university agreed to several conditions. This included shutting down diversity programs and stopping pro-Palestine protests.