Universities around the world are giving “unconditional offers” — and touting how close tropical getaways are — in a bid to draw Harvard-bound international students grappling with President Donald Trump’s crackdown on the Ivy League institution.
The Trump administration said on May 22 that it was banning Harvard from taking in international students. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later ordered all US embassies around the world to halt new student visa appointments while the State Department expands the screening and vetting of applicants’ social media. The university’s international students are continuing with their studies while the case continues to play out, thanks to a court order.
But amid the uncertainty, other universities overseas have moved quickly to welcome US-bound international students to their classrooms.
Last month, Germany’s culture minister, Wolfram Weimer, told Bloomberg that Harvard can set up an “exile campus” in Germany, where students at American universities would be “more than welcome.”
Harvard did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.
The National University of Singapore is extending application deadlines for its MBA program
Table of Contents
- The National University of Singapore is extending application deadlines for its MBA program
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has said it will give ‘unconditional offers’ to Harvard-bound students
- Related stories
- The University of Tokyo said it would accept Harvard students on a temporary basis
- Universities Offer a Lifeline to Displaced Students: An Expert’s View
The National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School said on May 29 that it was offering a “limited extension” to the application deadlines for its MBA and master’s programs.
“Official American government policies continue to generate uncertainty and discomfort about student visas. At NUS Business School, we understand and sympathize with these worries,” it said in a statement issued Thursday.
“If you have received a verifiable offer from a top-20 MSc or MBA programme but are now reconsidering your plans, we welcome you to instead join us at the National University of Singapore,” it added.
The National University of Singapore mentioned how close it was to the beaches of Bali in its appeal for Harvard students to consider it. Carola Frentzen/picture alliance via Getty Images
Besides selling itself as “Asia’s leading business school,” NUS also touted how close Singapore is to vacation destinations, adding that the city “happens to be a short plane trip from Bali and Phuket.”
The business school said the application deadlines for programs starting in August 2025 and January 2026 had been extended to June 22 and June 30, respectively. The original deadline for NUS’s full-time MBA program, which starts in August, was April 2.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has said it will give ‘unconditional offers’ to Harvard-bound students
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, or HKUST, said on May 23 that it was extending an “open invitation” to Harvard’s international undergraduate and postgraduate students to continue their studies there.
HKUST said the offer also applied to “those holding confirmed offers for Harvard degree programs.”
“The university will provide unconditional offers, streamlined admission procedures, and academic support to facilitate a seamless transition for interested students,” HKUST added.
When approached for comment, HKUST told BI on Tuesday that it was “opening its academic resources to affected international students (including Harvard University students) in response to recent US policy changes.”
“Our invitation extends beyond Harvard-affiliated students, but to all outstanding students, both local and international — facing similar academic disruptions,” HKUST added in its statement to BI.
The university said it maintains “robust transfer policies” and will be expediting admission reviews and streamlining credit transfers for qualified candidates.
HKUST said it has received “tens of inquiries ” and a “wide range of questions” from affected students since their announcement.
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The University of Tokyo said it would accept Harvard students on a temporary basis
The University of Tokyo said on May 26 that it was considering accepting international students from Harvard on a temporary basis.
The university’s executive vice president for diversity and global affairs, Kaori Hayashi, told BI the university had previously accepted about 20 students from Ukraine who fled the country after Russia’s invasion in 2022.
“Given the current unstable international situation, we wish to draw on our experience from the Ukraine crisis to assist talented students whose studies have been disrupted by external factors, whether or not their home institution is Harvard University,” Hayashi added.
But students accepted under this program “will not be enrolled as regular degree-seeking students,” said Hayashi. Instead, they will be given “temporary learning opportunities” and allowed to “take certain classes” at the university,” she said.
“We also plan to issue academic transcripts so that credits for courses taken at UTokyo can be recognized when they return to their studies or pursue further education in the future,” Hayashi added.
She added that the start date and duration of the program were still being worked out, but would be ready in the coming academic year.
Universities Offer a Lifeline to Displaced Students: An Expert’s View
Time.news Editor: Alex, thank you for joining us today. Recent news highlights how universities are stepping up to support students whose education has been disrupted by global events, such as the situation in Ukraine in 2022. The University of Tokyo,as an example,has created a new program to offer temporary learning opportunities to these students. Could you give us an overview of this initiative?
Alex Johnson, Education Policy Analyst: Absolutely. The University of Tokyo’s program is a commendable effort to provide a haven for talented students whose studies have been impacted by international instability.It acknowledges the challenges these students face and offers a pathway to continue their education despite the disruptions.
Time.news Editor: The article specifies that accepted students won’t be enrolled as regular degree-seeking students but given “temporary learning opportunities.” What are the implications of this approach?
Alex Johnson: This is a strategic approach. By offering temporary learning opportunities and allowing students to take specific classes, the University of Tokyo can quickly integrate these students into their academic habitat without the complexities of full enrollment. This versatility is crucial in responding promptly to crises. More than that,these initiatives do not require long term investments,but,rather,allows for a short-term boost in academic support based on ever-changing world affairs.
Time.news Editor: The University of Tokyo plans to issue academic transcripts to ensure credits earned can be recognized later. how important is this for students?
Alex Johnson: The issuance of academic transcripts is vital. It ensures that the students’ efforts are formally recognized and can be transferred towards their degree programs once they return to their home institutions or pursue further education elsewhere. This recognition is critical for their academic and professional futures.
Time.news Editor: the article notes that the program’s start date and duration are still being worked out. What factors might influence these decisions?
Alex Johnson: Several factors could influence the start date and duration. These include the number of applicants, the availability of resources, and the evolving international situation. Universities need to balance flexibility with the need for a structured and supportive program.
Time.news Editor: What advice would you give for students who are looking to enroll in these programs?
Alex Johnson: My advice would be to research programs thoroughly, contact the university directly for any questions, have all official documentation on hand (transcripts, identification), and be mindful of deadlines for acceptance.
Time.news Editor: how can institutions that are considering similar programs effectively design and implement them?
Alex Johnson: Universities need to clearly define the program’s objectives, eligibility criteria, and support services. Collaboration with international organizations and other universities can enhance the program’s reach and impact. And lastly, they must always adhere to local and international laws.
