Following the sudden announcement by the U.S. government to revoke Harvard University's status to enroll international students, numerous international students, especially from China, are facing challenges in their study abroad plans. In response, universities in Hong Kong have swiftly moved to offer transfer opportunities and support to attract these talented students to further their education in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Education, Chan Yock-lin, stated that local universities were contacted immediately to provide comprehensive assistance, and they reached out to the Harvard Hong Kong Alumni Association to ensure that students admitted to Harvard are provided with appropriate arrangements and thorough support. The education bureau emphasized that it will continue to closely monitor developments related to this event and adjust support plans as necessary, showcasing Hong Kong's strength as an international education hub.

With five universities ranked among the world's top 100, Hong Kong holds a competitive educational position globally. To attract more international students, the government has raised the quota for non-local students in funded institutions to 40% and expanded scholarships and doctoral funding programs.

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) was the first to extend an invitation to Harvard’s international students, offering a simplified admissions process, unconditional acceptance, and academic support. The university has established a dedicated team to assist with credit transfer, accommodation, and visa arrangements. City University of Hong Kong has also expressed its intention to support affected Harvard students, especially through the establishment of the CityU President's Doctoral Scholarship Scheme. Meanwhile, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong have announced various support measures for transfer students to help them transition quickly to their new study environments.

According to reports, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the rescinding of Harvard University's certification for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), prohibiting it from enrolling international students. This has led to the existing international students needing to seek transfer options, raising widespread concerns and controversies. Several students reported that due to the application season being over, many top universities have limited enrollment spots, making immediate transfers difficult and potentially forcing students to return home.