In a surprising move, the US government announced the revocation of Harvard University's eligibility to enroll international students, putting many international students, especially from China, in a difficult study situation. In response, several universities in Hong Kong have acted quickly to provide transfer opportunities and support, aiming to attract this group of outstanding students to pursue their education in Hong Kong, establishing it as a new choice for international students.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Education, Christine Choi, stated that authorities have promptly contacted local universities, urging them to offer comprehensive assistance, and have begun discussions with the Harvard Alumni Association of Hong Kong to ensure that students admitted to Harvard will receive proper arrangements and support. The Education Bureau also emphasized ongoing monitoring of the incident's developments, ready to adjust support schemes as needed to highlight Hong Kong's position as an international educational hub.

With five universities ranked among the world’s top 100, Hong Kong boasts strong educational competitiveness. To attract more international students, the Hong Kong government has raised the cap on non-local students at funded institutions to 40% and expanded scholarship opportunities, including funding for PhD students, to enhance appeal to top-tier global students.

Universities, such as the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, have swiftly invited international students from Harvard, offering simplified admission processes, unconditional acceptance, and academic support. They have set up dedicated teams to assist with credit transfers, accommodation, and visa arrangements, ensuring that transferring students can smoothly continue their studies.

Moreover, City University of Hong Kong has also pledged support for affected Harvard students, establishing the “CityU President's PhD Scholarship Scheme” specifically for doctoral students, covering tuition fees and accommodations. Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong have also reiterated their commitment to providing various forms of support to assist international students with expedited transfer processes.

The US Department of Homeland Security's recent decision to revoke Harvard's “Student and Exchange Visitor Program” (SEVP) certification means that Harvard can no longer enroll international students, and existing international students may need to seek transfer options, raising significant concern and debate.