Core Viewpoint - The pressure from the U.S. government on Harvard University may indirectly support Hong Kong's development as an international higher education hub [1] Group 1: Impact of U.S. Policies on Hong Kong Education - As of June 26, Hong Kong's eight public universities received approximately 850 inquiries related to overseas higher education policy changes, with 36 admission offers sent out [1] - The University of Hong Kong issued the most admission offers (16), followed by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (15), and Hong Kong Chinese University and Lingnan University (3 and 2 respectively) [1] - The uncertainty in the U.S. has led to around 300 inquiries from American students, including transfer applications from Harvard students [1] Group 2: Hong Kong Universities' Response - Hong Kong universities, particularly the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, are actively welcoming international students from Harvard, prioritizing their applications and providing support for credit transfers, visa assistance, and accommodation [2] - Hong Kong City University announced it would offer various support measures, including special scholarships and co-supervision from original PhD advisors [2] - The unique advantages of Hong Kong, such as its English-taught environment and open academic atmosphere, are attracting international students [2] Group 3: Increasing Demand for Non-local Students - The application rate for non-local students at Hong Kong universities has been rising, with the proportion of non-local student admissions set to increase from 20% to 40% starting from the 2024/2025 academic year [3] - The number of non-local student applications has reached a record high, particularly from regions outside of Mainland China, Taiwan, and Macau [3] - The Chief Executive of Hong Kong has indicated a willingness to further increase the admission quota for non-local students if necessary, emphasizing Hong Kong's openness to international students facing discrimination in the U.S. [3] Group 4: Government Initiatives - The Hong Kong government has been actively implementing policies to promote the city as an international higher education hub, including increasing the quota for non-local students and developing the "Northern Metropolis University Education City" [3] - The planned area for the "Northern Metropolis University Education City" is set to reach 90 hectares [3]

Core Viewpoint - The number of overseas students applying to Hong Kong universities has significantly increased this year, partly due to the pressures faced by Harvard University from the U.S. government, which has indirectly benefited Hong Kong's international higher education ambitions [1][2]. Group 1: Overseas Student Applications - As of June 26, Hong Kong's eight public universities received approximately 850 inquiries related to the sudden changes in overseas higher education policies, with 36 admission offers already sent out [1]. - The University of Hong Kong issued the most admission offers, totaling 16, followed by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology with 15 offers, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Lingnan University with 3 and 2 offers, respectively [1]. - The University of Hong Kong reported around 300 inquiries from American students, including over 100 transfer applications, particularly from Harvard students [1]. Group 2: Institutional Responses - Hong Kong universities, including the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and City University, are actively welcoming international students from Harvard, prioritizing their admission applications, credit transfers, visa assistance, and accommodation arrangements [2]. - City University announced the provision of various support measures, including special scholarships and inviting original PhD supervisors to co-supervise students [2]. Group 3: Government Initiatives - The Hong Kong government is focused on enhancing its status as an international higher education hub, with plans to increase the non-local student admission ratio from 20% to 40% starting from the 2024/2025 academic year [2]. - The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee, indicated that the government would consider further increasing the non-local student admission cap if necessary, emphasizing Hong Kong's openness to students facing discrimination in the U.S. [3]. - Recent government initiatives include increasing the quota for non-local students, developing the "Northern Metropolis University Education City," and expanding the "Belt and Road Scholarship" program [3].