Hong Kong to open universities to more foreign students after US ban

Hong Kong has said it will open its universities to more international students, highlighting those affected by the US government’s move this week to block Harvard from enrolling foreign nationals.

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The sharp escalation in US President Donald Trump's longstanding feud with the prestigious university came as tensions simmer between Washington and Beijing over trade and other issues.

The Trump administration's decision on Thursday — which was temporarily halted by a US judge after Harvard sued — has thrown the future of thousands of foreign students and the lucrative income stream they provide into doubt.

On Friday, Hong Kong Education Secretary Christine Choi called on universities in the Chinese city to welcome “outstanding students from all over the world”.

“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, noting the ban on Harvard's admission of international students.

She said local universities were making use of government measures, including relaxing the maximum limits on foreign students to attract more to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology on Friday invited international students enrolled at Harvard, as well as anyone with offers to attend the elite school, to continue their studies at HKUST.

“HKUST is extending this opportunity to ensure talented students can pursue their educational goals without disruption,” it said in a statement.