The recent revocation of Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) by the Trump administration has sent shockwaves through the international student community. With nearly 6,800 foreign students currently enrolled at Harvard facing an uncertain future, this move threatens to disrupt their academic careers and possibly lead to deportations. However, a wave of support from global universities is emerging, offering new opportunities and hope for displaced students.

What Happened: Harvard’s SEVP Certification Revoked

In an unprecedented action, the Trump administration cancelled Harvard’s SEVP certification earlier this month. This certification is essential for universities in the U.S. to admit international students under F-1 visa regulations. Without it, Harvard cannot enrol new international students, and current F-1 visa holders must transfer to other SEVP-certified institutions or face losing their legal status in the U.S.

In response, Harvard swiftly filed a lawsuit challenging the decision, citing violations of the First Amendment and due process rights. Shortly after, a federal judge in Boston issued a temporary restraining order blocking the government from enforcing the ban until the court reviews the case. Although this reprieve offers some breathing room, uncertainty remains high for international students.

The Global Response: Universities Offering Support and Alternatives

As the legal battle unfolds, several international universities have moved quickly to provide alternative pathways for Harvard’s affected students. These institutions are keen to welcome displaced scholars, offering admission, scholarships, and other support mechanisms. Below are some notable examples:

Tetr College of Business (USA) — Full Scholarships for Harvard F-1 Students

Tetr College of Business has launched a dedicated program offering full scholarships to displaced Harvard students holding F-1 visas. This initiative is part of Tetr’s $10 million global scholarship fund to support international students. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, valued at approximately $200,000, for students enrolling in the August 2025 undergraduate cohort. Students can choose from two key programs:

• Management and Technology
   
• Science and Artificial Intelligence

Interested students can apply by emailing transferadmissions@tetr.org with a brief note on their visa status, proof of Harvard enrollment, and an academic or personal profile.

Hong Kong: A Hub of Support for Displaced Students

Hong Kong’s Education Bureau has taken a proactive stance, urging local universities to introduce “facilitation measures” for international students impacted by the U.S. policy. Key universities have announced specific initiatives:

• Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU): Committed to recruiting outstanding international students, HKBU promises assistance tailored to individual needs for those choosing to transfer.
   
• City University of Hong Kong (CityU): Offers academic continuity for affected students, including doctoral candidates. CityU allows for co-supervision with students’ original PhD advisors outside Hong Kong, ensuring minimal research disruption.
   
• Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK): Emphasises comprehensive support and is exploring additional research funding to attract displaced scholars.
   
• Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) offers streamlined transfer procedures, full program acceptance, dedicated contacts, and personalised guidance.
   
• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST): Extends unconditional offers, simplifies admissions, facilitates credit transfers, and offers visa and housing assistance.

This coordinated effort positions Hong Kong as a welcoming destination for students seeking stability and quality education outside the U.S.

Why Are These Moves Important?

The Harvard SEVP ban, if enforced, could have far-reaching consequences:

• Academic disruption: International students face interrupted studies and uncertain futures.
   
• Legal and visa complications: Losing SEVP certification means losing valid visa status unless students find alternative universities.
   
• Psychological stress: Sudden changes cause anxiety and insecurity among students and families.

Global universities stepping in mitigate these effects by offering stability, maintaining academic progression, and fostering global talent exchange. For students, these options provide vital continuity and an opportunity to continue their education without severe interruption.

What This Means for International Students

For international students caught in this turmoil, the options to transfer to reputable universities abroad are now more accessible. Importantly:

• Many universities have waived strict transfer requirements, recognising the extraordinary circumstances.
   
• Scholarships and financial aid are being made available to ease economic burdens.
   
• Flexible admission policies allow students to join programs even if they have not studied the skill previously.
   
• Proactive support such as visa assistance, housing help, and academic counselling helps smoothen the transition.

These supportive measures preserve students’ educational journeys and promote cultural and academic exchange on a global scale.

Looking Ahead: The Broader Implications

The Harvard SEVP case highlights international students' vulnerabilities due to political decisions. It underscores the importance of diversifying global higher education options and building resilient pathways for student mobility.

Universities worldwide are recognising this need and expanding their outreach to displaced students. This could lead to:

• Increased internationalisation of universities outside the U.S.
   
• More competitive global higher education markets.
   
• Stronger international collaborations in research and academics.

As the legal case proceeds, the support network built today will serve as a crucial lifeline for thousands of students navigating an uncertain future.

Conclusion

The SEVP certification revocation at Harvard has created a ripple effect that has impacted the futures of thousands of international students. However, universities like Tetr College of Business in the U.S. and leading institutions in Hong Kong have swiftly responded with offers of scholarships, flexible admissions, and comprehensive support systems. These initiatives help displaced students continue their academic journeys and exemplify the global higher education community’s solidarity in uncertain times.

These developments provide hope and tangible alternatives for international students amid a challenging scenario. As this story evolves, staying informed and exploring available options will ensure educational continuity and success.