Two postgraduates from Harvard University have been offered the opportunity to continue their studies at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology after being caught up in the crossfire between the United States government and Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the US.

Revealing the news, HKUST said it is currently processing several transfer applications from Harvard students affected by the ongoing dispute and has received dozens of inquiries from prospective and current Harvard students.

Offers of admission were made to two postgraduate applicants whose research focuses on, respectively, science and technology and cross-disciplinary studies, according to the university.

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This came two days after US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that denies foreign nationals the right to pursue their education at Harvard, which a federal judge had temporarily blocked on Thursday.

“Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding US policies for international students, many are waiting to see how the situation develops,” HKUST said in a statement in response to an inquiry from China Daily. 

“The university and will continue to offer professional advice on study planning, visa issues, and other relevant support to affected international students studying in the US,” the statement added.

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HKUST was the first university in Hong Kong to extend a welcome to international Harvard students who are affected by the potential US ban on foreign students. On May 23 — days following the Trump administration’s directive to impose a ban on Harvard from enrolling international students — it issued a statement saying it “opens doors to Harvard students amid global academic shifts”.

At least five Hong Kong universities have since followed suit, inviting affected students to apply for admission or transfer, including the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

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As the situation continues to develop, HKUST has renewed its commitment, saying it will continue to monitor the situation closely and remains dedicated to ensuring international students have access to the resources they need during these uncertain times.

Contact the writer at wanqing@chinadailyhk.com