Her comments came after Donald Trump’s administration revoked Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign nationals, which make up around 27 percent of the student body.
Julianna Yau, founder and director of Ampla Education, told RTHK that her centre received two enquiries about the announcement so far.
“We have some students who are planning to go to the United States in the next few years who are expressing some concerns,” she said.
“So they’re actually planning to go to boarding schools first, but now they might be postponing their plans.
“So at least for our students, usually they wouldn’t just be applying to the United States on their own.
“They would also apply to the other countries like Canada and UK.
“I think that would be a safer choice – to apply to a few extra universities.”
Yau added that applicants should continue with their Harvard application preparations but also come up with backup plans.
Another education consultant, Samuel Chan, said he received 20 requests for help from current and prospective Harvard students and their parents.
They expressed worries about potential curriculum misalignment when transferring to other institutions and a possible reluctance on the part of employers with government contracts to hire graduates from Harvard.
Meanwhile, the University of Science and Technology (HKUST) said it welcomes international Harvard students to transfer or enroll in its degree programmes.
In a statement, HKUST said it will provide “unconditional offers, streamlined admission procedures and academic support” to make the transition seamless for interested students.
“We are prepared to welcome Harvard students into our community, offering them the resources and vibrant environment needed to thrive in their fields,” said HKUST provost Guo Yike.
