The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has issued its first admission offer to a Harvard student after the school publicly invited the enrolment of those affected by US President Donald Trump’s attempted foreign student ban on Harvard University.

Since announcing support measures last month, it has received a dozen enquiries from students intending to study at Harvard or already pursuing their education there, HKUST said in a reply to Sing Tao Daily, The Standard’s sister publication.

HKUST stated it has provided individualized counseling based on each student’s circumstances and continues to offer professional advice, including academic planning and visa consultation, as well as practical assistance.

At present, the university is processing several transfer applications and has already extended an admission offer to one candidate.

Considering the ongoing unpredictability of US policies on international students, HKUST noted that many students are still assessing the situation before finalizing their academic plans.

The university said it will continue to monitor developments closely and sincerely hopes the challenges faced by Harvard and the broader US higher education sector can be resolved.

HKUST was first among several local institutions to open its doors to Harvard students following Trump’s bombshell move, which has been blocked by a temporary court order, amid his escalating crackdown on US tertiary institutions.

(Cheng Wong)

HKUST offers admission to Harvard student affected by Trump ban