Following Harvard's suspension and the US immigration restriction, these top Japanese institutions weigh in on whether Asia is the future of global education

[WORLD] In May 2025, the Trump administration’s abrupt revocation of Harvard University’s certification to enroll international students sent shockwaves through global higher education. Over 6,800 students—many of whom had already made life-changing commitments—found themselves in legal and academic limbo. In response, Asian education hubs like Japan and Hong Kong have moved swiftly to capitalize on the U.S.’s policy vacuum, rolling out proactive support measures, flexible work rights, and streamlined admissions for displaced students. This shift signals a broader realignment in international student mobility, with Asia emerging as a credible, even preferable, alternative to traditional Western destinations.

The U.S. Visa Crackdown: A Self-Inflicted Wound

The Trump administration’s recent actions—revoking Harvard’s ability to enroll international students and pausing student visa interviews at U.S. embassies—are part of a broader effort to tighten oversight and impose ideological controls on higher education. The stated rationale—non-compliance with federal guidelines and alleged misconduct in international enrollment—has been met with widespread skepticism and legal challenges, especially as the government’s authority to dictate university curricula and admissions is called into question. These moves have created an atmosphere of uncertainty not only for students, but also for U.S. universities, which now face reputational and financial risks as international applicants reconsider their options.

Market data supports this concern: the U.S. has long been the top destination for international students, but policy shifts are already prompting students to look elsewhere. The pause in visa interviews and expanded social media vetting have introduced unpredictable delays, threatening enrollment timelines and scholarship opportunities. For many, the message is clear: the U.S. is no longer a reliable partner in global education.

Japan and Hong Kong: Strategic Responses to a Global Opportunity

Recognizing the opportunity, Japan and Hong Kong have acted decisively. Japan’s Ministry of Education, led by Minister Toshiko Abe, has called on top universities to welcome students displaced by U.S. policy. The University of Tokyo and Kyoto University are leading the charge, offering temporary enrollment, visa support, and flexible academic pathways to ensure continuity for affected students. These institutions are not only ranked among Asia’s best—University of Tokyo at #32 globally and Kyoto University in the top 50 in Asia—but also boast robust scholarship programs and English-language instruction, making them accessible to a wide range of international applicants.

Hong Kong, meanwhile, has expanded work rights for international undergraduates, allowing them to take up part-time jobs without restrictions—a move designed to enhance professional exposure and encourage long-term retention of global talent. The city’s universities, including the University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, are actively recruiting displaced students, with the government pledging to review and expand international student quotas as needed. These measures underscore a commitment to positioning Hong Kong as a global education hub, leveraging its unique blend of East-West culture and strong employment prospects.

Asia’s Growing Appeal: Trends and Forecasts

Asia’s proactive stance comes at a time when traditional study destinations—the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia—are facing mounting policy challenges and declining attractiveness. In contrast, Asian institutions are investing heavily in internationalization, offering affordable tuition, generous scholarships, and favorable post-study work opportunities. Japan’s Global 30 and Top Global University initiatives, for example, aim to increase the number of English-taught programs and streamline visa processes, while Hong Kong’s work policy reforms make it easier for students to gain practical experience and transition to local careers.

The numbers tell a compelling story. Japan has nine institutions in the top 50 and 13 in the top 100 of the QS Asia rankings, while Hong Kong boasts three universities in the top 10. These rankings reflect not only academic excellence but also a growing emphasis on international faculty, research output, and student diversity. Meanwhile, emerging destinations like Malaysia and South Korea are also gaining traction, offering specialized programs and relaxed residency rules.

Looking ahead, the trend is clear: as geopolitical tensions and policy uncertainty persist in the West, Asia is poised to attract a larger share of the global student market. Forecasts suggest continued growth in student mobility to the region, driven by affordability, employability, and a welcoming policy environment. For international students, the choice is no longer between the U.S. and Europe—it increasingly includes Asia as a top-tier option.

What We Think

The Trump administration’s crackdown on international students at Harvard and beyond is a self-defeating policy that risks ceding the U.S.’s leadership in global education. While the legal and ideological battles play out in American courts, Asian education hubs are seizing the moment, offering stability, opportunity, and a clear path forward for displaced students. The proactive measures by Japan and Hong Kong are not just acts of solidarity—they are strategic investments in their own futures as global education powerhouses. As policy uncertainty reshapes the landscape of international student mobility, Asia’s universities are proving that they are ready to lead. The message to students and policymakers alike is clear: the center of gravity in global higher education is shifting eastward, and those who adapt will thrive.