The Chinese government said on Friday that the Trump administration’s decision to ban international students from Harvard would hurt America’s reputation worldwide. This news caused worry among students and parents abroad about what might happen next.
Two of the biggest groups of international students at Harvard are from China and India. In 2024, Harvard had 6,703 international students across its schools, with 1,203 from China and 788 from India.
The Trump administration’s move, announced on Thursday, was widely discussed on Chinese social media. State broadcaster CCTV asked if the U.S. would still be a top choice for foreign students, noting that Harvard had already filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government.
“But with the long litigation period, thousands of international students may have trouble waiting,” the CCTV commentary said.
It added that international students might need to consider other options “when policy uncertainty becomes the norm.”
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing in Beijing that educational cooperation between China and the U.S. benefits both countries, and China opposes turning it into a political issue.
“The relevant actions by the U.S. side will only damage its own image and international credibility,” she said.
She also said China would protect the rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars abroad but did not explain how it would do this in this case.
Indian officials are currently reviewing how the U.S. order affects Indian students already at Harvard and those hoping to study there but have not made any critical comments.
Mao Ning speaks in a regular briefingChinese students in the U.S. have been a source of tension for some time. During Trump’s first term, China’s Ministry of Education warned students about higher visa rejection rates and shorter visa times in the U.S.
Last year, China’s foreign ministry protested after several Chinese students were questioned and sent back at U.S. airports.
Chinese state media often highlights U.S. gun violence and paints America as unsafe. Some Chinese students are choosing to study in the U.K. or other countries instead of the U.S.
Meanwhile, two universities in Hong Kong invited affected students to apply. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said it would welcome international students already at Harvard and those admitted. City University of Hong Kong made a similar offer without naming Harvard.
Some people in China joked online about opening a Harvard branch in Harbin, a city in northeast China whose name uses the same Chinese character as Harvard.
Many are waiting to see what happens next.
The Mumbai-based education and career advice company ReachIvy is getting many nervous questions from students and parents about the Trump administration’s decision.
The company’s founder, Vibha Kagzi, who attended Harvard Business School, said they are telling students to stay calm and watch how things develop as legal battles continue.
“Harvard will surely fight back,” she said, adding the situation is still changing.
Kagzi remembered that back in 2010 when she was at Harvard, the U.S. welcomed international students and immigration policies supported them.
“Indian students should stay hopeful. Universities value global talent and are looking for ways to keep admissions and learning going,” she said.
