Harvard Barred from Enrolling International Students by Trump Administration

In a major setback for global education, the Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's right to enrol international students. The US Department of Homeland Security announced that Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification is officially terminated.

This move prevents the university from admitting new international students, while current foreign students must either transfer to another institution or risk losing their visa status.

The decision affects thousands of foreign students, including a large number of Indians. This move follows a standoff between the university and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over data-sharing and campus policy disputes.

Check Out: What is SEVP?

Why Was Harvard’s Certification Revoked?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Harvard University allegedly refused to share conduct records of international students, a federal request made last month.

Without SEVP certification:

• Harvard cannot admit new international students.
• Current foreign students must transfer or risk losing their U.S. visa status

This decision could impact over 6,700 foreign students currently enrolled at Harvard, representing more than a quarter of its student population. For Indian students, who form a significant segment of international enrollees in U.S. institutions, this raises fresh concerns about the stability of American higher education policies.

Political Context and University Response

This action is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to push U.S. universities to modify policies related to campus protests, admissions, and diversity programs.

• The administration has also accused some universities, including Harvard, of fostering an environment hostile to specific communities, particularly Jewish students.
• Harvard has rejected these claims, calling the revocation “retaliatory and unlawful.”
• University officials assert that the demands infringe on academic freedom and violate constitutional protections.

Harvard has already begun legal proceedings to challenge the decision and protect its access to federal funding.

Impact on Indian Students

For Indian students either currently studying at or planning to apply to Harvard, the news has created uncertainty. Those already enrolled may be at risk of losing their visa status, while prospective applicants are now reconsidering their options. Key concerns include:

• Students may be forced to transfer or exit the U.S.
• Visa complications may hinder summer or post-study work opportunities.
• Many students benefit from Harvard’s generous aid packages, which might not be matched elsewhere.

Read More: US Student Visa Types

What Does This Mean for Study Abroad Plans?

The incident underscores the need for Indian students to diversify their study abroad destinations. With increasing unpredictability in U.S. education policy, students are advised to:

• Closely monitor visa and admission updates from U.S. institutions.
• Explore alternative countries with stable international student policies, such as Germany, France, Canada (where applicable), and Australia.
• Stay in touch with educational consultants for updated guidance.

Global Reactions

Academics, foreign governments, and university faculty have criticized the decision, warning it could erode U.S. leadership in higher education. The Australian ambassador to the U.S. has already offered consular support to affected students, and Harvard professors have described the policy as “damaging to innovation and international collaboration.”

The administration has also frozen $2.2 billion in federal research grants to Harvard and is reviewing its tax-exempt status. Critics argue that these measures are politically motivated and could damage the reputation of the US higher education system.

While the U.S. remains a top study abroad destination, policy volatility is prompting a shift. Indian students eyeing the U.S.—especially elite institutions—must stay informed, remain flexible with their plans, and consider applying to institutions in countries that demonstrate greater long-term policy stability. For Indian students aiming to study abroad in 2025, this development is a reminder of how geopolitical changes can directly impact education plans. Students are advised to stay informed about evolving visa policies and consider multiple study destinations before making final decisions.