In the wake of a controversial decision by the U.S. administration that has strained relations with several leading American universities, international students shut out from Harvard may now find a new academic home at the Chinese Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU).
One of China’s premier research institutions, it has publicly extended a warm invitation to international students impacted by the recent move. In a message shared on social media, the university stated:
“Xi’an Jiaotong University sincerely welcomes international students from Harvard to join our academic community. In these times of change, we are honored to offer you a stable platform for your academic pursuits. We welcome both new applicants and current students seeking transfer opportunities.”
The invitation comes in response to a letter sent last Thursday by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to Harvard University. In it, Noem announced the revocation of the university’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification—a move that threatens to disrupt admissions for the upcoming academic year.
Τhis decision will force nearly 6,800 current foreign students, who represent over 27% of Harvard’s current intake, to seek enrollment at other institutions.
XJTU is positioning itself as one of those alternatives. Known for its strong academic heritage and global outlook, the university is particularly acclaimed in the fields of engineering, where it ranks among the world’s top institutions.
It has pledged to provide streamlined admission procedures and comprehensive support services to ensure a smooth transition for affected students.
Located in the historic city of Xi’an, XJTU combines top-tier academics with a culturally rich and inclusive international environment, as the university emphasizes.
According to the Best Global Universities rankings, Xi’an Jiaotong University is placed 179th worldwide and ranks 34th in Asia—numbers that further reinforce its growing international standing.
