Will Korean universities step up to embrace Harvard’s displaced int'l students?

Korea University's Seoul campus / Courtesy of Korea University

As uncertainty mounts for international students in the U.S., a prestigious Korean university is stepping up as a possible refuge.

Korea University announced it would accept students whose academic futures are imperiled by the latest changes from the Trump administration, which include recent actions to limit foreign student enrollment, particularly at institutions like Harvard University.

This is the first time a Korean university has moved to accommodate affected students, following similar actions by institutions in Japan and Hong Kong. In those countries, universities have announced plans while governments are reviewing support measures to attract Harvard students who may be forced to pause their studies in the U.S.

Korea University announced it will launch a special support program for students, professors and postdoctoral researchers affected by the recent controversy over Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The initiative aims to offer academic and research assistance to those facing uncertainty amid the policy dispute.

On May 22, U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly notified Harvard University that the government was revoking its SEVP approval, stripping the school of its ability to issue certificates of eligibility to international students seeking student visas.

The move sparked immediate legal backlash, with Harvard filing a lawsuit the next day. On May 23, a U.S. federal court issued a preliminary injunction, temporarily blocking the enforcement of the order.

Despite the legal setback, concerns persist among international students, researchers and faculty as Trump continues to push for restrictions, demanding Harvard reduce its international student population from the current 31 percent to 15 percent.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday. AP-Yonhap

At a White House ceremony, Wednesday, for the appointment of Jeanine Pirro as acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Trump doubled down on his hardline position against international students, singling out Harvard University for criticism.

"Harvard needs to show us the list of their foreign students," he said. "Nearly 31 percent are international and we want to know where they’re from."

He further claimed the university was admitting students from "radical parts of the world," asserting, "We don’t want those students causing problems in our country."

Trump framed the administration’s actions as necessary for national security, defending the controversial attempt to block foreign student enrollment.

Amid ongoing uncertainty for international students and faculty in the U.S., Korea University announced special invitations for affected foreign faculty, enabling them to continue their research without interruption. The university will also provide housing and essential accommodation to ensure a stable living environment.

For undergraduate and graduate students, Korea University will facilitate transfer admissions and exchange programs. It will also issue certificates recognizing academic credits, allowing students to easily return to their home institutions.

A Korea University official noted that while the initiative has been confirmed, specific details, including the launch timeline, are still under discussion.

"We are fully committed to supporting talented individuals who are determined to continue their studies despite challenging circumstances," Korea University President Kim Dong-one said. "Our goal is to ensure they can carry on their academic and research pursuits in a stable and supportive environment at Korea University."

Attention is now turning to other Korean universities to see if they will introduce similar initiatives. So far, Korea University is the only one to take such steps.

Seoul National University said it has no measures in place yet, and Ewha Womans University — the only Korean university with an exchange program with Harvard — also said it has no such plans so far.

Yonsei University has yet to finalize specific actions but highlighted its existing systems to attract top talent from Korea and abroad, including dedicated admissions and administrative support. In response to current restrictions on international student enrollment, Yonsei said it plans to take a more proactive role in accepting and supporting affected students.